Many organisations around the world consider the move to a new ERP/CRM software solution in the next 12 to 24 months. Some of them will choose for an upgrade to a cloud solution with their current vendor. Others will decide to put their trust in another vendor and switch solutions. Either way, the relevant question is what you want to achieve with this move. Will it simply be a ‘lift and shift’ approach? Just like old wine in new bottles? Or is the goal to update your business processes, put the customers in the center of all you do and modernise your internal mindsets. In other words: how high do you set the bar?

It has become a widely accepted fact these days: IT is an enabler. And it can help your organisation become faster, more agile and resilient. But that’s not something that happens by itself! The way you will use the new system and the benefits you and your customers will experience are closely related to the choices you make prior to implementation. And to the actions you take next. This all starts with your long-term goals. What is it that you want to achieve? Some organisations are happy when they only modernise their IT tools. So they will migrate from on-premise to a cloud solution, but they will carry their outdated business processes, their old data, their old reports and their outdated way of thinking about customers with them.

Question is why you should be happy with such an approach. Since basically what you do in this scenario is continuing the legacy of your organisation in a world that is on fire!

Before taking any decisions on a cloud-migration or a complete replacement you must define your business goals first! These are not technical goals, but business goals. This is of course an activity where your top-management must be fully involved. Yes – not should but must! After all, we’re talking about the future of your company.

And here you should not be shy in any way! Consider to become the most customer-oriented company in your industry. Or the winner of Digital Transformation. Raising the bar will make your project more challenging – for sure! On the other hand, it can also free up an unprecedented amount of energy and brilliant ideas in your team. Much more importantly, realizing blunt goals will make your company great. Much better than when you keep doing what you’ve always done.

So how high do you set the bar?