Introduction: Turning Data Into Decision Power

Acquisitions promise growth, but the real challenge lies in integration—especially of ERP systems. When companies merge, their data doesn’t automatically align. For business leaders, the stakes are high: incomplete or inaccurate data integration can obscure how well the acquisition is performing and delay realizing its value.

Evaluating the Acquired Data Set: Know What You’re Working With

The first step is a thorough evaluation of the acquired ERP data. This means understanding the quality, scope, and structure of the data from the acquired company’s systems. Key questions include: How complete is the data? Are there gaps or inconsistencies? What formats and standards are used? This assessment exposes risks early—like missing financials or inventory discrepancies—that can impact decision-making. Take a practical approach by collaborating with IT and data teams familiar with both systems to map out overlaps and differences.

Determining Critical Data for Import: Focus on What Moves the Needle

Not all data deserves equal attention. Prioritize importing data that directly supports your acquisition goals and future reporting needs. Typically, this includes financial records, customer data, supply chain details, and employee information. Align data import priorities with strategic objectives—whether that’s accurate revenue tracking, cost synergies, or customer retention metrics. Avoid the temptation to import everything upfront; focusing on critical datasets reduces complexity, shortens integration timelines, and cuts costs.

Preparing Data for Future Reporting: Set Up for Clear Performance Metrics

Once you identify critical data, preparation becomes key. Cleanse and standardize data to ensure consistency across old and new systems. Develop a unified data framework that supports the KPIs crucial to tracking acquisition success—like cost savings, profit margins, or operational efficiencies. This preparation enables real-time, accurate reporting rather than struggling with patchy or incompatible data down the line. Think of it as investing upfront so your finance and strategy teams can confidently monitor progress and adjust course as needed.

Next Steps: Make Data Integration a Leadership Priority

The path to successful acquisition performance reporting starts at the top. Business leaders must champion rigorous ERP data integration by setting clear expectations, allocating resources, and fostering cross-team collaboration. Consider assembling a dedicated integration team with representatives from IT, finance, operations, and analytics. Set milestones for data evaluation, prioritized imports, and reporting readiness. Remember: accurate, complete ERP data integration isn’t just a technical task—it’s a strategic enabler for unlocking your acquisition’s full potential.