Is Your ERP Software Over 10 Years Old? Here's What You Need to Know

Roger Pujol, CPIM, CSCP
Jan 3
3 min read

Updated: Apr 22

A Fresh Look At Your ERP Business Software. — It is time to take a fresh look at your ERP business software.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of enterprise technology, a 10-year-old ERP system can feel like a relic from another era. Yet, many organizations—especially in manufacturing, distribution, and niche industries—still rely on legacy ERP platforms implemented a decade (or more) ago. While these systems often remain functional, clinging to aging ERP software comes with real trade-offs in agility, security, and scalability.

So, is your ERP helping or holding you back? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and next steps for businesses running ERP systems that are 10+ years old.

The Pros of Older ERP Software Systems

1. Stability and Familiarity: A mature ERP system that's been customized and battle-tested over the years can provide a solid foundation. Teams know the interface, processes are embedded in workflows, and there’s often a lower day-to-day cost of operation—at least on the surface.

2. Fully Depreciated Costs: From a financial perspective, older ERP systems are often fully depreciated capital assets. That can look great on the books, especially for companies operating with tight budgets.

3. Tailored Customizations: Legacy ERPs are frequently customized to a company’s specific operations, which can be difficult—or expensive—to replicate in a newer platform without starting from scratch.

The Cons: What's the Real Cost of Aging ERP?

1. Security and Compliance Risks: Older ERP systems may no longer receive regular security updates. They might also lack the features necessary to comply with modern data privacy laws, industry regulations, or cybersecurity standards.

2. Integration Limitations: Today’s digital ecosystems depend on API-driven integrations with e-commerce platforms, CRM systems, and other SaaS tools. Legacy ERPs may struggle to connect with newer technologies or require expensive middleware and workarounds.

3. Performance Bottlenecks: As data grows and user demands increase, older systems can show signs of strain—slow performance, risks of data corruption, or system crashes—especially if the underlying infrastructure is also outdated.

4. Skills Gap: Fewer IT professionals are trained to support legacy ERP software. Vendors may have sunset certain versions, and documentation can be sparse, making ongoing support a major concern.

Common Legacy ERP Software Systems Still in Use

Many Tier 2 ERP platforms are still in production and were implemented over a decade ago. Some familiar names include:

Macola Progression, Macola ES, Macola 10,
Exact Synergy
Infor Syteline (pre-CloudSuite versions)
Microsoft Dynamics NAV (pre-2013 versions)
Epicor 9 or older
SAP ECC (pre-S/4HANA)
Oracle E-Business Suite R12
Sage 100/300 legacy deployments

If your business is running one of these, it’s worth evaluating both the business impact and technical debt that might be accruing.

Modernization Paths: What Are Your Options?

1. Upgrade or Replatform: Many ERP vendors now offer cloud-based or modernized versions of their legacy systems. Upgrading may preserve historical data and reduce learning curves.

2. Replace with a Modern ERP: For some companies, a full ERP replacement is the best move. New systems have better UI/UX, native cloud support, and modern integration frameworks.

3. Hybrid Approach: Some businesses choose to keep their core ERP in place while augmenting it with modern tools for BI, CRM, or e-commerce. This can be a cost-effective way to modernize selectively.

4. Custom Wrapper or Middleware Layer: To bridge the gap, some organizations build a modern UI or integration layer around their legacy ERP, improving usability without replacing the core system.

Conclusion

If your ERP software is over 10 years old, it’s time for an honest assessment. While legacy systems can still deliver value, they also come with increasing risk and missed opportunities. Whether you're considering an upgrade, a migration, or a hybrid solution, the key is to align your ERP strategy with your long-term business goals—not just short-term convenience.

Remember: The right ERP system should grow with you, not hold you back.

Want help evaluating your current ERP or planning a modernization strategy? Contact us at Champion Business Solutions, LLC for an expert consultation tailored to your industry and operations.

Roger Pujol is a business improvement consultant and founder of Champion Business Solutions, LLC. He speaks and writes about encounters, helping small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) improve their business operations.