ERP VISIONS BLOG

The ERP Visions Blog is published by John Hannan LLC, your independent ERP advocate with more than two decades of hands-on experience. We bring an operations-first, vendor-neutral perspective and deep knowledge of 40+ ERP platforms to help leaders make better decisions. Here you’ll find practical guidance on software selection, implementation and change management, vendor and partner management, and turning ERP strategy into day-to-day execution. We share real-world lessons, tools, and stories from manufacturing, distribution, life sciences and technology sectors so you can avoid common pitfalls and move your ERP program from visions to reality.

Featured Posts

John Hannan walking a manufacturing shop floor during an ERP requirements session, reviewing a process checklist on a tablet.

Mid-Market Manufacturing ERP Software Selection Guide 2026

Software Selection

John Hannan

9 min read

ERP software selection and implementation challenges for growing manufacturers and distributors

Software Selection

John Hannan

4 min read

12 must‑have capabilities in 2026 for a CDMO ERP selection

Solution Architecture

John Hannan

6 min read

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Vendor Management

John Hannan leading an ERP mobilization planning session.

Risks to Watch in your ERP Mobilization Plan and Delivery

Project mobilization is the phase between contract signing and execution where ERP outcomes are decided. This guide breaks down the mobilization actions that reduce go-live risk across program governance, data migration, testing, cutover, hypercare, and change adoption, plus a practical checklist to keep teams aligned and accountable.

Implementation Advisory

John Hannan

5 min read

12 must‑have capabilities in 2026 for a CDMO ERP selection

Based on our life sciences experience supporting outsourced operators, including contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMO) and contract research organizations (CRO), this guide summarizes the ERP software selection requirements vendors must prove, demo, and document.

Solution Architecture

John Hannan

6 min read

The Vital Role of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in ERP Ecosystems

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become the backbone of modern businesses, streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and providing invaluable insights for strategic decision-making. Within the ERP ecosystems of industry giants like Microsoft Dynamics and NetSuite, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) play a pivotal role in enriching and extending the functionalities of the core ERP solutions. Understanding ISVs in ERP Ecosystems ISVs are third-party softw

Software Selection

John Hannan

3 min read

Navigating ERP System Changes and the Reality of Software End-of-Life

Receiving an end-of-life (EOL) notice for your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can be a pivotal moment for your business. Is this the end for your trusted ERP software? Does it spell a death sentence for your ERP system? Let's delve into the practical implications and challenges that come with a software's end-of-life in the constantly evolving landscape of technology. In the tech world, dealing with end-of-life events is unavoidable. ERP vendors typically provide s

Software Selection

John Hannan

3 min read

Staffing Your Internal ERP Project Team

You know the drill: a major ERP project is on the horizon, and it's time to get to work. As much as you have your hands full with the...

Implementation Advisory

John Hannan

3 min read

Integrating your ERP Software with a 3rd Party Logistical (3PL) Firm

Are you utilizing a 3PL firm and looking to improve the performance and profitability of your business? If so, integrating your ERP...

Vendor Management

John Hannan

3 min read

Overview of 7 steps for choosing the right ERP software

7 Steps To Choosing the Right ERP Software

These steps are designed to help leadership teams evaluate options objectively, involve the right stakeholders, compare vendors consistently, and select a solution that supports both where the business is today and the capabilities needed to support future growth.

Software Selection

John Hannan

6 min read