The customization of ERP reports and user interfaces is an ongoing activity during implementation and operations throughout the ERP lifespan. Specific business process needs require a thorough knowledge of the ERP system and can be satisfied, in order of technical best practice priority, by ERP configuration, extension with new modules or applications and customization with ERP vendor-supplied programming or low-code/no-code development tools.

STANDARD ERP: The sustainable implementation of an ERP must protect process standards as much as possible, since customizations generally create traps for the project budget and, over the years, make large-scale updates unfeasible. When the team has difficulty adapting, the first essential step is to review the tasks and design an action plan to adapt the tasks to the new systemic reality. Customizations are more recommended to promote process improvements but should be avoided if it is only to rescue old standards.

Standard ERP features are like a one-size-fits-all shirt - it fits, but not perfectly. To tailor it, focus on customization. For example, a retail store needed ERP to manage sales and inventory, but standard features didn't support seasonal discounts. By adding a custom module, we automated discount scheduling for specific periods, saving time and boosting sales. The key is collaboration: identify pain points, involve users and work with an ERP expert to tweak features. Your ERP should fit your business, not the other way around.

One effective approach I've found is to begin by leveraging a standard ERP feature and customizing it to align with your specific needs. This process can help clarify and bring to life the ideas you may already be visualizing. During implementation, you may want to do more of Business Process Review and perform a Fit-gap analysis, this will help to know if the the standard ERP is suitable to the business processes or standard features can be adapted in a suitable way, when adaption does not suit properly, the other option is to customise the feature. It is appropriate to consider an ERP that offer customisation access.

begin by analyzing the specific gaps through collaboration with stakeholders. Leverage configurable options within the ERP system to adapt workflows, reports, or fields to suit your processes without heavy customizations. Utilize built-in tools like workflows or business rules to streamline operations. If necessary, explore light customization options through extensions or add-ons, ensuring alignment with vendor guidelines to avoid upgrade issues. Provide targeted training to maximize feature utilization. Regularly review adjustments with users to confirm they address the pain points effectively, fostering a solution-oriented approach.