FRF: Three ERP Myths That Make Me Want to Throw My Laptop

(and why they keep holding good companies back)

Welcome to For Real Fridays—where we drop the polished pitch decks and get brutally honest about what it really takes to grow, compete, and thrive in manufacturing. No sugarcoating. No vague “synergies.” Just real talk about the decisions that move your business forward—or hold it back.

We’re just going to say it: ERP misinformation is alive and well, and sometimes... it makes us want to yeet our laptops into the nearest parking lot.

Why? Because it keeps smart people from making smart choices.

Let's BUST a few myths that are still floating around like it’s 2004. Where is Adam Savage when you need him, guess you will have to settle for me today.

Myth #1: “All ERPs are the same.”

🚫 No. They are not.

Yes, they all promise financial visibility, inventory control, and process automation—but how they deliver that varies wildly. A heavy-duty discrete manufacturer needs something completely different than a retail chain.

If someone tries to sell you a “one-size-fits-all” ERP? Walk away... NO RUN.

👉 Reality: ERP systems have personalities. Choosing one is less like picking a spreadsheet and more like hiring a COO. You need a system that fits your workflow, industry, and growth plan.

Myth #2: “Cloud is always better.”

💡 We love cloud. Really. But it’s not always the best fit.

If your operations are low-bandwidth, regulation-heavy, or your team thrives on having more hands-on control, an on-premise or hybrid solution might actually serve you better.

👉 Reality: Cloud is a deployment strategy, not a magic wand. The real question is: what works best for your people, your data, and your future?

Myth #3: “It should be turnkey.”

🔧 LOL. No.

ERP systems are powerful because they can be tailored to your business. That doesn’t mean it’s a plug-and-play experience. It means implementation takes thoughtful planning, real change management, and yes, a little patience.

👉 Reality: If someone tells you their ERP goes live in a week and doesn’t need configuration, they’re either selling snake oil - or giving you a glorified Excel file with a login screen.

For Real, Though:

We get it. ERP is a big decision, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed or worry you're going to “do it wrong.” But worrying about looking awkward or asking too many questions? That’s wasted energy.

Be curious. Be honest. Ask the uncomfortable stuff.

If a vendor can’t answer it or makes you feel dumb for asking? That’s not your ERP. That’s your red flag.

And if someone bounces because you’re too “real” about your needs? Let them. They just saved you from a 6-figure mismatch - wish I had applied this logic to my first marriage.

Ready to cut through the noise and find an ERP that’s actually built for you?

Let’s talk. No buzzwords. Just real answers.

Kim Prevost

Director of Business Development @ MepApps/MepServices

832.832.0988 Kim.P@MepApps.com

Travis Rudel

PreSales, Implementation & Networking Engineer @ MepApps/MepServices

832.289.8001 Travis.R@MepServices.us