From On-Premise to the Cloud: Challenges of an ERP System Migration in a Multinational Organization

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have traditionally been hosted onpremises and managed internally by organizations. Due to high maintenance costs and limited scalability, many are now shifting to cloud-based ERP systems, which offer greater flexibility and operational efficiency. This transition has become a critical yet complex element of digital transformation strategies. This study investigates an ERP migration within a multinational organization, focusing on the shift from Microsoft Dynamics to Oracle Cloud ERP. Drawing on semistructured interviews with employees involved in the project, the research identifies four key and interconnected challenges: resistance to change and readiness, user involvement, training and support, and system fit and alignment. These are organized into a categorization framework that reflects both technical and organizational dimensions. The findings highlight that ERP migration is not merely a technical exercise but also a human-centered transformation. Early user exclusion contributed to resistance, while well-designed training improved readiness and alignment. Perceptions of support and inclusion were critical to user engagement, reinforcing the need for a flexible approach. Drawing on Contingency Theory and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the study underscores the importance of aligning system design with organizational context while building adaptive capacity. It contributes practical insights and a conceptual framework to support future ERP migrations in complex, multinational settings.