The first stage of software development in which the primary focus is on getting to know the end-user, clarifying project vision, goals, and scope, and identifying risks. During the discovery phase, the project team conducts research, collects, and analyzes project data, and plans the entire product development cycle. At this point, you determine whether the product concept is viable, feasible, and usable.

The design phase develops a detailed design for the new software system based on detailed requirements and an understanding of current workflows. This includes creating new, more efficient workflows as well as other business processes that make use of the system. Users should be involved in the design phase because they have the most intimate understanding of current business processes. Involving them in the design process also helps to ensure that they will embrace the new system and fully utilize it.

Armed with clear design requirements, the development phase can begin. This involves configuring and, where necessary, customizing the software to support the redesigned processes. It may also include developing integration with any of the organization’s other existing business applications that won’t be replaced by the new system.

After deployment, maintaining your software system ensures that users are satisfied and that the business reaps the expected benefits. During this phase, the project team may still be in charge of the ERP system, but its attention will now be on gathering user feedback and modifying the system as necessary. With the addition of new features to the system, further development and configuration may be required. Additionally, the system will require training for new employees. If your system is on-premises, you'll need to replace the hardware over time and perform recurring software upgrades. The software may be updated automatically by your vendor if you're using a cloud-based system.