The Challenge

Modern organisations increasingly face a critical strategic decision when it comes to structuring their information systems landscape: whether to adopt a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform or deploy a suite of best in class, single function systems – or perhaps a mix of both.

Each approach brings distinct benefits and challenges; and navigating the trade-offs is a complex undertaking with significant implications for long-term operational agility, efficiency and scalability.

ERP systems offer the promise of consolidation and centralising data, processes and workflows within a unified digital infrastructure. While this provides a strong foundation for standardisation and consistency across the business, it may come at the expense of departmental flexibility.

Functional teams often report that ERP solutions, while broad in scope, may lack the depth of functionality required for specific industry or operational contexts. The rigidity of ERP architecture can result in compromises, workarounds, or costly customisations that dilute the expected return on investment.

In contrast, single-function systems emphasise that their functionality and user experience benefit from software that is optimised for particular tasks or industries. It is often the case that best of breed solutions are more user friendly, visually aesthetic, easier to implement and better aligned with single function/department requirements.

However, best of breed introduces its own challenges, most notably around systems integration, data fragmentation, data multiplication and the ongoing complexity of managing multiple vendors, support contracts and upgrade cycles. As the application landscape grows, so too does the potential for inefficiencies, security gaps and a loss of strategic focus.