"How long will it take?" is usually one of the first questions we hear. Here's an honest, phase-by-phase breakdown of what a typical MRP implementation looks like — and what affects the timeline.
"How long will it take?" is usually one of the first questions we hear from manufacturers considering an MRP implementation. It's a fair question — and one that deserves an honest answer rather than a vague "it depends."
So here's the honest answer: for a typical MRPeasy implementation for an Australian SME, you should plan for 4 to 8 weeks from kickoff to go-live. ERPNext implementations — which typically cover more business functions — usually run 8 to 16 weeks. Here's what each of those weeks actually looks like.
Before any configuration begins, we need to thoroughly understand how your business actually operates. This means mapping your production workflows, documenting your item and BOM structure, reviewing your existing data, and agreeing on exactly which modules and features are in scope.
A good discovery phase prevents nasty surprises later. The time you invest here in being thorough pays off significantly during configuration and go-live. We've seen implementations take twice as long as expected simply because scope wasn't clearly defined at the start.
With scope confirmed, we set up the system to match your business. This includes configuring your chart of accounts (or connecting to your existing accounting software), setting up your warehouse locations, defining your units of measure, and configuring your production workflows and routing.
Most MRPeasy configurations can be completed in 1–2 weeks for a straightforward business. ERPNext configurations take longer because the scope is typically broader — accounting, HR, CRM, and production all need to be set up in parallel.
Data migration is often the phase that gets underestimated. Getting your items, BOMs, opening stock balances, supplier and customer records, and historical data into the new system cleanly takes time — and the quality of your existing data directly affects how long this takes.
Clean, well-organised spreadsheets can be imported quickly. Fragmented data spread across multiple files, with inconsistent naming conventions and missing fields, requires cleaning before import — and that cleaning takes time that isn't always easy to predict upfront.
Pro tip: Start auditing your data early. The single biggest factor affecting implementation timeline is the quality of your existing data — and that's entirely within your control before the project even starts.
Once the system is configured and data is loaded, we run structured training sessions for each role in your business. This isn't a one-hour webinar — it's hands-on training using your own products, BOMs, and workflows, so your team learns in context rather than in the abstract.
We also run a parallel testing period where your team performs test transactions, we validate the outputs, and any configuration issues are resolved before go-live. Nothing gets signed off until everyone is confident.
Go-live week is when you start using the new system for real transactions. We're available throughout this period to answer questions, resolve issues, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks during the cutover.
The first 2–4 weeks after go-live are a stabilisation period. Expect questions, some adjustment, and a few things that need tweaking. This is completely normal — no implementation goes perfectly from day one, and that's precisely why post-go-live support is included as standard in our service.
The key message is that a well-run SME implementation doesn't have to be a six-month ordeal. With the right preparation, a clear scope, and an experienced implementation partner, you can be live and productive in under two months.
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