ERP Upgrades Before Selling: Smart Move or Unnecessary Expense?
- Roger Pujol, CPIM, CSCP
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Upgrading ERP software before selling a business is similar to renovating a house before putting it on the market. Here’s how they compare:
Similarities
Increased Value: Just as a remodeled kitchen or updated plumbing can make a house more appealing to buyers, a modern ERP system can make a business more attractive to potential investors.
Investment vs. Return: Both require upfront costs, and the return depends on whether buyers see the value in the upgrades.
Market Perception: A well-maintained house tends to sell faster, and a business with efficient systems is likely to attract more interest.
Potential Disruptions: Renovations can delay a home sale, and ERP upgrades can temporarily disrupt business operations.
Differences
Buyer Expectations: Homebuyers often expect modern amenities, but business buyers may prioritize financials and market position over software.
Customization vs. Standardization: Home renovations are often personal, while ERP upgrades should align with industry standards.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Benefits: A home renovation can increase property value for years, while an ERP upgrade may only benefit the seller if the business isn’t sold immediately.
If the business is outdated and struggling, an ERP upgrade might be necessary. However, if the sale is imminent, the costs and disruptions may outweigh the benefits, much like deciding whether to renovate a house before selling it.
Pros
Increased Business Value: A modern ERP system can make the business more attractive to buyers by demonstrating efficiency and scalability.
Improved Financials & Operations: Upgraded software can streamline processes, reduce errors, and enhance reporting, making financials more transparent.
Competitive Edge: A business with up-to-date technology is often perceived as more competitive and future-proof.
Easier Transition for Buyers: A well-integrated ERP system can simplify the transition for new owners, reducing disruptions.
Cons
High Costs: ERP upgrades can be expensive, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the scale.
Implementation Time & Complexity: The process can take months or even over a year, potentially disrupting operations.
Risk of Limited ROI: If the business is being sold soon, the benefits of an ERP upgrade may not be fully realized before the sale is finalized.
Training & Adoption Challenges: Employees may need time to adapt to the new system, which could slow productivity during the transition.
Buyer Preferences: Some buyers prefer to implement their own systems post-acquisition. In that case, your investment could be redundant.
Strategic Alternatives
Instead of a complete upgrade, consider:
Optimizing current workflows to show efficiency.
Cleaning up data and documenting processes.
Offering a roadmap for ERP modernization that the buyer can execute
If the business is struggling with outdated systems that hinder operations, an upgrade might be worthwhile. However, if the sale is imminent, the costs and time investment may outweigh the benefits.
Champion Business Solutions, LLC can help determine if an ERP upgrade is worthwhile with a complete Business Process Assessment (BPA). A Business Process Assessment (BPA) is an on-site discovery process that uncovers inefficiencies and waste in your day-to-day business activities. It reveals the actual sources of your pain points and business practices that drive up costs, as well as your ability to remain competitive and meet customer requirements.
Visit our Business Process Assessment (BPA) Webpage: Click Here
Roger Pujol, CPIM, CSCP, the founder of Champion Business Solutions, LLC, is a consultant specializing in ERP Business software. He shares insights and experiences on assisting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to enhance their operations.
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