As ERP systems become increasingly intelligent and autonomous, the foundation for success lies not in the technology itself but in your readiness to adopt it. For businesses using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, being prepared means more than upgrading software. It means having the right infrastructure, processes, and mindset in place to embrace AI agents and automation.

That’s where a well-structured ERP readiness checklist comes in.

Why ERP readiness matters before you automate

The appeal of AI in ERP is undeniable. Imagine agents that monitor data, approve invoices, suggest purchases, or flag anomalies, working behind the scenes to improve speed and accuracy. But these agents are only as effective as the environment they’re placed into.

Without a solid foundation, clean data, defined processes, and team alignment, even the most sophisticated ERP tools can fall short. Readiness is what transforms automation from a novelty into a strategic advantage.

1. Start with platform maturity

One of the first indicators of readiness is the state of your ERP environment. If you’re running Business Central on-premises or in a hybrid setup, you may be missing out on key features. AI agents and Copilot capabilities are built for the cloud. Businesses that operate in the full SaaS version of Business Central not only benefit from continual updates and access to Microsoft‘s AI roadmap, they’re also better equipped to scale new capabilities.

If you’re not in the cloud yet, consider this the starting point of your checklist.

2. Clean, structured data is non-negotiable

AI agents rely on data to make decisions. If your records are incomplete, inconsistent, or fragmented across systems, automation won’t work as intended. Structured master data, consistent naming conventions, and complete transactional histories are what make intelligent ERP possible.

Poor data can slow everything down, while well-governed data sets the stage for agents to act quickly and accurately. Preparing your data isn’t a one-time task, but an ongoing discipline that supports everything AI will do in the system.

3. Assess your processes for automation potential

Not every workflow needs, or is suited for, AI-driven automation. Focus on the areas where volume is high, outcomes are repeatable, and human input adds little value. Accounts payable, inventory replenishment, and order confirmations are strong candidates for early automation.

At the same time, think carefully about where human oversight should remain. Define approval thresholds, flag conditions that require review, and set boundaries. A well-prepared ERP environment doesn’t remove people from the loop; it repositions them.

4. Your people play a central role

Even the most advanced AI systems depend on human trust. If your teams don’t understand how agents work, or if they see automation as a threat, they’re unlikely to embrace it. Readiness includes communication, training, and transparency.

Show employees how agents reduce tedious work and allow them to focus on analysis, planning, or customer engagement. The shift to AI-powered ERP is cultural, not just technical.

5. Build light-touch governance from day one

While automation offers speed, governance ensures control. As you begin deploying agents, put systems in place to supervise their actions. That could mean monitoring activity logs, documenting rules, or setting escalation procedures for exceptions.

This doesn’t have to be a heavy process. Think of it as managing a new team member, setting expectations, tracking performance, and adjusting as you go.

A checklist that moves you forward

The goal of an ERP readiness checklist is not perfection. It’s progress. Take a realistic look at your ERP maturity, your data health, your process landscape, and your team’s openness to change. Use that assessment to guide your roadmap.

When the foundation is solid, scaling automation becomes easier—and more impactful. Intelligent ERP is not just for large enterprises or digital natives. It’s a practical opportunity available to any organization that takes readiness seriously.

Wondering where your organization stands?

Connect with AlfaPeople for a Business Central readiness assessment tailored to your operations.