How do you shorten the path from deciding on a new business system to realizing business value—without building in new constraints? That’s a question Implema has worked on for more than 25 years. On October 15, Patrik Sundeborn, Head of Sales SAP at Implema, brings those lessons to the SAP Roadshow in Gothenburg to talk about what it takes to run a successful Cloud ERP project—and why faster implementation is, above all, about starting to create value sooner.
“The goal isn’t to implement a business system as fast as possible. The goal is to get something in place sooner that creates value for the business—and at the same time provides a foundation to keep building on,” says Patrik Sundeborn.
Fast implementations aren’t new
Shortening the time from decision to a working solution is not a new ambition for Implema. For more than 25 years, the company has worked with standardized processes and its own methodology to reduce complexity in ERP projects and reach a working solution faster.
One key principle is not trying to solve everything at once.
“It’s easy to think you should include every wish when you’re changing business systems anyway. But every customization and special solution also creates complexity that the customer then has to live with and manage. We believe more in putting a stable foundation in place, starting to use it, and then continuing to develop based on the business’s actual needs.”
It’s also about not locking the customer into a large project where the benefits are far off in the future.
“The longer it takes before the business starts using the solution, the longer it takes before the investment starts paying back. That’s why we try to break the journey down and create value step by step.”
What does it take for a “fast track” to business value?
For Patrik, a successful Cloud ERP project is therefore not about squeezing a traditional ERP project into a shorter timeframe. The key is instead to reduce unnecessary complexity from the start.
With modern cloud-based business systems, companies also don’t need to start from a blank sheet of paper. Standardized processes, best practices, and ready-made ways of working provide a clearer starting point.
“That’s very close to how we at Implema have always wanted to work. Start with standard, challenge requests for customizations, and focus effort on what is truly business-critical. With today’s cloud solutions, the conditions for working that way are even better.”
But “fast track” doesn’t mean skipping important questions.
“A fast project isn’t one where everyone runs faster. It’s about removing what doesn’t create value and making the right decisions in the right order. That’s where experience can make a very big difference.”
Standard doesn’t mean all companies should become the same
A common objection to standardized implementations is that the business risks having to adapt to the system. Patrik argues that the question is really about where a company actually needs to be unique.
“Not all processes are competitive advantages. If there are established standard processes for things that don’t differentiate the business, there’s rarely any inherent value in building something of your own. Then the time and money can be used where they actually make a difference.”
It also delivers an important long-term effect. Fewer customizations make it easier to upgrade, take advantage of new functionality, and continue developing the solution after the initial implementation.
“That’s at least as important as the project timeline itself. The customer shouldn’t just get into their new business system quickly. You should be able to keep moving forward without being stuck with the decisions and customizations made during the project.”
AI increases the value of a solution that can evolve over time
This becomes even more important as AI is increasingly built directly into business systems and business processes.
“In the past, you could think of innovation as something you added later. Now, much of the development comes continuously in the platform. That makes it a major advantage to have a solution where you can actually adopt new features as they arrive.”
For Patrik, it also changes the perspective on what an ERP implementation is really meant to achieve.
“Go-live isn’t the end goal. It’s the starting point. What matters is how quickly you can start creating value and how strong your conditions are for continuing to develop the business after that.”
On October 15, Patrik Sundeborn will take part in the SAP Roadshow in Gothenburg. During the session “The foundation for a successful Cloud ERP project,” he will share Implema’s experience of what it takes to create the right conditions, reduce unnecessary complexity, and reach business value faster.
SAP Roadshow Gothenburg October 15 – AI + ERP = AW!
An afternoon at Implema in Gothenburg on Cloud ERP, AI, and the path from business system projects to business value—with perspectives from SAP, Emballator, and Implema.
3:00 PM – Registration and coffee
We open the doors for registration, coffee, and the first conversations.
3:15 PM – Welcome and introduction
SAP and Implema welcome you and set the framework for the afternoon.
3:30 PM – The latest trends in cloud-based business systems
How are modern business systems evolving—and what role do AI, data, and automation play?
3:50 PM – Customer case: Transformation with Cloud ERP
Emballator Group shares experiences and lessons learned from its ERP transformation.
4:10 PM – The foundation for a successful Cloud ERP project
Implema shares practical perspectives on what it takes to create the right conditions and achieve business value.
4:40 PM – Panel discussion and Q&A
Ask questions and hear different perspectives from the afternoon’s participants.
5:00 PM – AW and networking
We continue with something good to eat and drink, networking, and relaxed conversations.
Read more and register here: AI + ERP: SAP & Implema AW in Gothenburg, October 15
