Barry Cummings

IBSP — CPD Thursday 19 March — Approach to an ERP Standard Way of Working   The first CPD Meeting of the Institute of Business System Practitioners was held Thursday 19th March 2026   I presented my approach to ERP implementation and explored a fundamental issue: Why do 70–95% of ERP implementations fail to deliver strategic executive value — and how do we fix this? -- Core assertion ERP is not a technology initiative It is a strategic business intervention And therefore: The CEO must be the custodian Not IT Not the CIO Not delegated downwards -- The ERP Accelerator© framework -- the methodology applies engineering discipline to ERP, structured around: • Diagnose the current ERP health • Establish CEO & C-Suite custody • Achieve true strategic alignment • Decide: remediate, re-implement, or replace • Execute Precision Configuration© • Prove it works (laboratory & war-gaming) • Deliver a controlled, low-risk go-live -- Key insights from the session • Most ERP efforts focus on operational detail and miss strategic essence • A top-down, strategy-led approach can unlock the majority of ERP value • Remediation is often 5%–40% of replacement cost — with superior outcomes • Precision Configuration© can increase ERP value by an order of magnitude • Poor configuration is a primary driver of cost, delay, and reporting failure -- Emerging direction Discussion explored the shift toward composable architectures, while reinforcing that configuration discipline and strategic alignment remain the decisive factors, regardless of technology stack -- IBSP initiative The session also launched a significant next step: The Institute of Business System Practitioners (IBSP) will develop a recommended best practice method for ERP and business system implementation This will involve: • A core group of ~10 senior practitioners • Structured collaboration over the next two months • A formalised, experience-based framework grounded in engineering principles A roundtable session is scheduled for 21 May (UK time), with a focus on enrolling the CEO as ERP custodian -- Bottom line ERP failure is not a mystery It is the predictable outcome of misplaced ownership, weak strategy, and poor configuration discipline Fix those — and ERP becomes one of the most powerful executive decision support platforms available Link to the recording and link to the Institute of Business System Practitioners page in comment below #IBSP #ERP #ERPFailure #ERPSuccess #EngineeringDiscipline #ExecutiveLeadership

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You don't have to do it alone -- moving from on-premise to the cloud can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be.

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IR35 status is determined by how work is delivered, not just what the contract states. Review: – day-to-day control – substitution in practice – financial exposure – profit opportunity Working reality determines tax treatment.

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Are you a contractor, or do you engage contract workers? Navigating the complexities of IR35 and the Off-Payroll Working Rules (OPWR) remains essential for compliance and financial security. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties. This comprehensive guide from UmbrellaCompanies.org.uk provides a clear overview of the legislation, helping you understand your obligations and correctly determine status. Don't rely on outdated information—ensure your working practices are fully compliant. Read the full guide: https://lnkd.in/eevPWs9k #IR35 #OffPayrollWorkingRules #Contracting #Freelance #Compliance #UKBusiness #TaxLaw

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❓ IR35 & Off-Payroll: Your Free FAQ Guide We’re often asked the same core questions about IR35, the things that make the difference between getting it right, and getting it wrong. 1. What is IR35? UK tax legislation designed to tax individuals who work through intermediaries, such as limited companies, as if they were employees. 2. Who does it affect? Contractors working via their limited company, and the businesses hiring them. 3. Does it apply to sole traders? No — only intermediaries like limited companies. 4. Do you have to use CEST? No — it’s not mandatory, other (more robust) options are out there! 5. How often do you need to assess? On a per contractor, per engagement basis. Sorry! If you'd like to know a bit more about IR35, or help your team get up to speed, you can download our free FAQ guide. And if you'd rather speak to someone, please contact us, we're here to help! @ir35shield #HR #Learning #FreeGuide #IR35 #offpayroll #Learning #elearning #professinonaldevelopment #training #compliance #careerdevelopment

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IR35, compliance pressure & contractor strategy... are you ready for 2025? With the Spending Review on the horizon, now’s the time for agencies to sharpen their IR35 approach and review how they engage contractors. Our Lead Accountant Matthew Ryan ACCA breaks down what the 2025 Spending Review means for contractor compliance, sector readiness and why financial planning now is key. 📌 A must-read for any agency leader navigating PAYE responsibilities and IR35 risk in today’s climate. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ek3nr5YM #IR35 #RecruitmentCompliance #Contractors #RecruitmentAgency #SpendingReview2025 #Payroll

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HMRC picks SAP to transform core tax and revenue systems. Move supports modernisation of #HMRC Enterprise Tax Management Platform (ETMP) - estimated budget of £32m a year - currently running 2016 version of #SAP and won't be supported after 2027 so urgent action needed

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Rethinking IT Procurement Hiring: A Value-Driven, Outcome-Based Alternative Over the past few months, conversations with hiring managers about interim IT Procurement roles have revealed two recurring challenges: 1️⃣ Hesitation to shift from Inside IR35 – Even when the role’s objectives could be better met through a Statement of Work (SOW) or deliverable-based engagement. We can help you structure this transition seamlessly. 2️⃣ Unnecessary cost inflation – Day rates and overall spend for these roles are often higher than they need to be. Our model provides better-quality candidates at a lower total cost. At RR Consultant Services, we specialise in an IT Procurement interim model that: ✅ Reduces risk – Compliant, flexible engagements. ✅ Saves money – Lower costs without compromising quality. ✅ Offers flexibility – Faster onboarding and seamless substitution, eliminating re-recruitment hassles. ✅ Guarantees delivery – We focus on outcomes, not just time spent. Lately, we’ve seen a rise in Outside IR35 roles as Hiring Managers start to understand that Inside IR35 doesn’t always guarantee results, and often comes at a premium. Why overpay when a more efficient alternative could be better for your requirements? If you’re exploring interim IT Procurement talent, let’s connect! 💬 #ProcurementHiring #ITProcurement #IR35 #OutsideIR35 #FlexibleWorkforce #Savings

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Many small businesses rely on specialist contractors for flexibility and expertise, but getting the tax treatment wrong can be costly. Our latest guide breaks down the IR35 and off-payroll working rules for the 2025/26 tax year, explaining what’s changed, when the new rules take effect, and how to stay compliant without adding unnecessary admin. It’s a clear, practical reference for owner-managers and finance teams who want to protect cashflow, avoid penalties, and build confidence with contractors and agencies. Read the full guide here: https://bit.ly/4h58lyC #IR35 #TaxAdvice #SmallBusinessUK #Contractors #Payroll #DunkleysAccountants #BusinessUpdate

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Mutuality of obligation, and whether or not it is present in the way you engage with an individual providing services to your business, is one of the important key pillars that must be considered in when making an IR35 status determination. If you’re engaging the services of a contingent workforce, you need to ensure that there is no requirement for them to accept any work offered by your business - nor should your business have a requirement to provide them with work. If you’re unsure whether your current practices have created a mutuality of obligation, it’s important to seek the advice of an independent partner who can conduct a thorough, unbiased review of your workforce and advise on any next steps to take to help your organisation avoid any potential liabilities - that’s where we step in. https://lnkd.in/eJQ5rni3 #ir35 #workforcesolutions #strategy #contingentlabour #compliance

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Quick IR35 tip: Keep a clear record of autonomy in your work. The more you demonstrate control over how you deliver, the stronger your “outside IR35” position. PACE helps Associates navigate the fine print so you can focus on the job, not the jargon. #IR35Tips #Contractors #ProjectControls

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A fantastic ERP Event this morning hosted by Bank of England & Hays - lots of pragmatic insights from those living and breathing ERP transitions. Great debate and my key take aways were, focus on how important it is to see ERP as a people led change project of which tech is a part - over a pure tech play. Any system is worth little if your people don’t engage with it. Secondly, take the time to evalaute your options and truly understand your business readiness - and if you can’t, then bring a trusted partner in to provide (re)assurance early. Lastly, a licence expiry can provide a useful ‘burning platform’ that creates impetus for change but shouldn’t be its primary driver. What does your organisational road map look like against the tech enterprise view? It’s typical of what Civiteq see with our clients and when we are normally bought in to help as a team of vendor agnostic change specialists who love ERP… so who better to take a picture with than another ERP guru…Patrick Haston (thank you for being so gracious with us!) #ERP #Change #ChangeManagement #DigitalTransformation #Universities #Education #LocalGov #CivilService #Health #NHS Chris Batt Curtis Priday

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Those who've worked on an ERP transformation programme know it's tough going. From greenfield through to recovery, turnaround, cloud transition, carve-out and re-platforming there are a number of variables that bring high risks attached to ERP delivery. Check out SystemsAccountants latest report on ERP implementation risks and our top tips to help mitigate them. .... and always up for a conversation with ERP Leaders regarding your personal experiences on implementation best practices. https://lnkd.in/ewFXeUyS #systemsaccountants #ERP #digitaltransformation #riskmanagement

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