What is a “go-live” in ERP implementation?

A "go-live" refers specifically to the moment when an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is officially launched and made operational within an organization. This is a critical milestone in the implementation process, marking the transition from the project phase to actual daily use of the system. At this point, all necessary final preparations have been completed, including the configuration of the software, data migration, and completion of testing processes.

The successful execution of a go-live involves ensuring that users are ready to engage with the system, that any critical issues have been resolved, and that the organization is prepared to operate with the new ERP. It signifies the culmination of extensive planning, training, and testing, and it typically requires a robust support structure to address potential challenges that may arise once the system is in live operation.

Understanding this concept is essential for anyone involved in ERP projects because the go-live event is often a source of both excitement and anxiety for stakeholders within the organization.