ERP Implementation in Construction: How Long Does It Take, and Can It Be Phased?
Why CEOs and CFOs Care About ERP Implementation Time
In the construction industry, every technology decision directly impacts project schedules and cash flow. CEOs worry about long ERP deployments disrupting operations, while CFOs fear budgets spiraling out of control. Two common questions leaders ask are:
- How long does ERP implementation take?
- Can it be implemented in phases (finance first, projects later)?
Typical ERP Implementation Timelines
Based on implementation experience in Vietnam:
- Full scope (end-to-end): 6–12 months, including finance, projects, procurement, inventory, HR, and field operations.
- Phase 1 – Finance Core: 2–3 months, enabling CFOs to consolidate financial data with VAS/IFRS compliance.
- Phase 2 – Projects & Field: 3–6 months, extending to project management, subcontractors, inventory, and mobile apps for site engineers.
Advantages of the Phased Approach
- Quick wins: CFOs get transparent reports within 2–3 months.
- Lower risk: Avoids the “all-at-once” disruption of Big Bang.
- Budget control: Costs spread across phases instead of upfront.
- Smoother adoption: Staff adapt step by step, from Finance → Projects → Field.
Phased vs. Big Bang Implementation
Phased Implementation
- Pros: Quick results, lower risk, manageable costs, stepwise training.
- Cons: Temporary integration needed with legacy systems, overall duration may be longer.
Big Bang Implementation
- Pros: Full alignment from day one, no “hybrid” phase.
- Cons: High risk, concentrated costs, heavy training and change management required.
Which should you choose?
- Mid-sized and large Vietnamese construction firms: Phased is safer and faster to deliver results.
- Global enterprises with strong governance and resources: Big Bang may be viable to align systems worldwide.
Project Management Approaches: Waterfall vs. Agile
Waterfall (Sequential)
- Traditional step-by-step process: analysis → design → implementation → testing → go-live.
- Best fit when: goals are clear, requirements stable, risks low.
- Strengths: Predictable, well-documented, easy to manage.
- Limitations: Poor adaptability to changing requirements.
Agile (Iterative)
- Developed in short sprints (2–4 weeks).
- Strengths: Flexible, customer feedback-driven, risk-reducing.
- Core values:
- Individuals and interactions over rigid processes.
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
- Responding to change over following a strict plan.
- Best fit for complex projects with evolving needs and active stakeholder collaboration.
In practice, many companies adopt a Hybrid model: Finance Core with Waterfall (stable, structured) and Projects & Field Operations with Agile (dynamic, requires quick feedback from job sites).
Case Study: An Nhien Cafe
The phased approach also proved effective in F&B. An Nhien Cafe, a growing coffee chain in Vietnam, adopted Acumatica ERP with S4 Consulting. Phase 1 focused on financial management, then expanded to inventory and retail operations.
Result:
- Transparent financials and tighter cash flow control.
- Higher profitability by reducing waste and cost leakage.
- Unlimited user licensing supported rapid chain expansion.
Learn more: https://s4.com.vn/acumatica-erp-giup-an-nhien-cafe-tang-loi-nhuan-mo-rong/
Why Acumatica Construction Edition?
- Flexible phased deployment: Finance first, Projects later.
- FastTrack Methodology (60 days): Quick results for Finance Core.
- Cloud-native & Unlimited User model: Scale without license cost barriers.
- Mobile-enabled for field operations: Ready for engineers and site managers.
Conclusion
When implementing ERP in construction, CEOs and CFOs must decide on two dimensions:
- Scope (Phased vs. Big Bang).
- Project methodology (Waterfall, Agile, or Hybrid).
With Acumatica Construction Edition and S4 Consulting’s Fast & Saving methodology, companies can achieve financial transparency faster, expand ERP step by step into project and field operations, and minimize risk, time, and cost.
About the Author
Pham Hoang Lac – CTO, S4 Consulting
With 16+ years of ERP project experience in banking, manufacturing, and construction, Lac and his team at S4 Consulting deliver Acumatica & Oracle NetSuite ERP solutions to help CEOs and CFOs optimize operations and strengthen governance.
