In many organizations, the ERP system has become the application support for the majority of business processes and the repository for the corporation's most sensitive data. As these systems become more important and pervasive, there are often conflicting opinions about how they should be maintained and updated. This is no longer a technical decision that can be made by the IT department or dictated by the software vendor's release schedule. ERP upgrades are now important enough that senior management needs to fully understand both the timing and project plan.

This Report offers guidance on developing an overall corporate strategy for maintaining an ERP system by providing practical advice for planning and managing an ERP upgrade project. Here are some of the areas that will be addressed:

• Why companies should periodically upgrade their ERP systems
• Defining the strategy and timing for ERP upgrades
• Consensus building and communicating the ERP strategy
• How to justify the cost and resources required for an ERP upgrade
• Creating a project plan for a successful upgrade
• Organization and governance options
• Resources, services, and tools available for upgrades