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ERP Modernization Without the Chaos with Alicia King [MVP]
Season 2
Published 1 week, 2 days ago
Description
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) modernization is no longer just a technology initiative — it is a business transformation journey that directly impacts people, processes, culture, and long-term growth. In this episode of the M365 FM Podcast, Mirko Peters sits down with Alicia King, Microsoft MVP, Pre-Sales Engineering Director at RSM US LLP, speaker, and ERP transformation expert, to explore what truly makes ERP projects successful. Drawing from more than 100 ERP transitions across 40+ countries, Alicia shares practical insights on Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain, executive alignment, AI adoption, change management, data quality, and why leadership plays the biggest role in modernization success.
WHY ERP MODERNIZATION IS REALLY ABOUT PEOPLE
Alicia explains that ERP projects are often treated as technology deployments when they are actually people transformation programs. Organizations frequently focus too much on software capabilities while underestimating the importance of trust, communication, and cultural alignment. According to Alicia, successful ERP modernization starts with understanding where the company wants to go and aligning leadership, teams, and implementation partners around a shared vision. She emphasizes that businesses are not buying ERP systems simply to install software — they are investing in a better way to serve customers, improve visibility, and create scalable operations for future growth.
DYNAMICS 365 FINANCE & SUPPLY CHAIN EVOLUTION
The conversation dives deep into how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain has evolved over the years. Alicia discusses the transition from AX 2009 to AX 2012 and ultimately to Dynamics 365, highlighting how Microsoft transformed the platform into a more connected and holistic ERP ecosystem. Instead of relying heavily on disconnected third-party applications, organizations can now manage finance, manufacturing, warehouse management, asset management, project operations, and supply chain workflows inside one integrated platform. She also explains how Microsoft’s acquisition strategy helped consolidate critical ERP functionality directly into the Dynamics 365 core application, reducing complexity while improving visibility and operational efficiency.
THE BIGGEST ERP IMPLEMENTATION MISTAKES
One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is the importance of executive alignment and realistic expectations. Alicia explains that many ERP projects fail because organizations underestimate the operational impact of transformation and overload employees who already manage full-time responsibilities. She stresses that ERP success requires strong project managers, transparent communication, proactive risk management, and leadership teams that actively support the change initiative. Without clear alignment between CIOs, CFOs, CEOs, and business leaders, ERP implementations can quickly become fragmented and lose direction. Key ERP implementation lessons from Alicia King include:
Alicia shares why user adoption remains one of the biggest challenges in ERP modernization projects. Even the most technically successful implementation can fail if employees resist using the system. She explains that many workers fear new ERP systems because they disrupt familiar processes and introduce uncertainty into day-to-day operations. Leaders must actively communicate why the transformation matters, reassure employees that they are supported, and personalize experiences inside Dynamics 365 to simplify adoption. T
WHY ERP MODERNIZATION IS REALLY ABOUT PEOPLE
Alicia explains that ERP projects are often treated as technology deployments when they are actually people transformation programs. Organizations frequently focus too much on software capabilities while underestimating the importance of trust, communication, and cultural alignment. According to Alicia, successful ERP modernization starts with understanding where the company wants to go and aligning leadership, teams, and implementation partners around a shared vision. She emphasizes that businesses are not buying ERP systems simply to install software — they are investing in a better way to serve customers, improve visibility, and create scalable operations for future growth.
DYNAMICS 365 FINANCE & SUPPLY CHAIN EVOLUTION
The conversation dives deep into how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain has evolved over the years. Alicia discusses the transition from AX 2009 to AX 2012 and ultimately to Dynamics 365, highlighting how Microsoft transformed the platform into a more connected and holistic ERP ecosystem. Instead of relying heavily on disconnected third-party applications, organizations can now manage finance, manufacturing, warehouse management, asset management, project operations, and supply chain workflows inside one integrated platform. She also explains how Microsoft’s acquisition strategy helped consolidate critical ERP functionality directly into the Dynamics 365 core application, reducing complexity while improving visibility and operational efficiency.
THE BIGGEST ERP IMPLEMENTATION MISTAKES
One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is the importance of executive alignment and realistic expectations. Alicia explains that many ERP projects fail because organizations underestimate the operational impact of transformation and overload employees who already manage full-time responsibilities. She stresses that ERP success requires strong project managers, transparent communication, proactive risk management, and leadership teams that actively support the change initiative. Without clear alignment between CIOs, CFOs, CEOs, and business leaders, ERP implementations can quickly become fragmented and lose direction. Key ERP implementation lessons from Alicia King include:
- ERP projects fail when organizations ignore change management.
- Clean and accurate data is essential for successful go-live execution.
- Leadership must create psychological safety for employees during transformation.
- ERP modernization should start with business objectives, not software features.
Alicia shares why user adoption remains one of the biggest challenges in ERP modernization projects. Even the most technically successful implementation can fail if employees resist using the system. She explains that many workers fear new ERP systems because they disrupt familiar processes and introduce uncertainty into day-to-day operations. Leaders must actively communicate why the transformation matters, reassure employees that they are supported, and personalize experiences inside Dynamics 365 to simplify adoption. T