How Long Does an ERP Implementation Take? An Answer from 880+ Client Engagements

The truthful answer is a range with reasons, not a single number. Our Sage Intacct implementations typically go live in 8 to 16 weeks. Broader-scope ERP projects with heavy manufacturing modules, complex migrations or multiple integrations run longer. What separates the 8 from the 16, or the 16 from the 30, is almost never the software. It is the state of your data and the availability of your people.

The phases of every implementation

• Scoping and design (1 to 3 weeks). Requirements, entity structure, chart of accounts design, integration list, cutover date. Skimping here is borrowing time at ruinous interest.
• Configuration (2 to 5 weeks). The system is built to the design: entities, dimensions, workflows, approval chains, document templates.
• Data migration (2 to 6 weeks, in parallel). Extraction, cleansing, mapping, trial loads and reconciliation. This is the single most common source of delay. Dirty data can double this phase.
• Integrations (varies, in parallel). Native connections such as Salesforce for Intacct are quick. Custom API integrations are scoped individually.
• Testing and training (2 to 4 weeks). Your team runs real scenarios on migrated data. Cutting training is the classic false economy.
• Go-live and stabilisation (2 to 4 weeks). Cutover, then intensive support through your first month-end. The true finish line of an implementation is the first clean close, not the go-live date.

What stretches timelines, ranked by how often we see it

• Dirty or undocumented data: duplicate masterfiles, unreconciled balances, mystery GL accounts.
• Client-side decision bottlenecks, with no empowered project owner on your side.
• Scope added mid-project ('while we're at it, can we also…').
• Integration surprises: undocumented systems that 'just need a quick connection'.
• Key staff unavailable during testing and training.

How to be an 8-week client instead of a 16-week client

• Clean your master data before the project starts, or budget for us to do it.
• Appoint one empowered decision-maker with real time allocated to the project.
• Freeze scope after design sign-off and park new ideas for phase two.
• Book your team's testing and training time like it is an audit: immovable.

Get a real timeline for your project

A scoping conversation will give you a timeline with reasons attached, based on your entities, your data and your integrations rather than a brochure number. Call 011 792 9521.