"We Don't Have the IT Resources": What Implementation Really Requires

The IT Resource Concern 

"We don't have IT resources for AI implementation" is a common objection. Understanding actual IT requirements versus perceived needs prevents this from blocking valuable automation. 

Reality: Implementation requires 5-10 hours IT support total, not dedicated staff. 

What IT Actually Does 

Activity 1: API Credentials (1-2 hours) 

What's needed: 

• Create service account in ERP 

• Generate API credentials (key/secret or OAuth) 

• Provide credentials to implementation partner 

• Verify test environment access 

IT skill level: Junior to mid-level administrator 

When needed: Week 1 of implementation 

Complexity: Low. Standard procedure for most ERPs. 

Activity 2: Security Review (1-2 hours) 

What's needed: 

• Review integration approach 

• Approve external system access 

• Confirm data privacy compliance 

• Sign off on security measures 

IT skill level: IT manager or security lead 

When needed: Week 1, one-time approval 

Complexity: Low to moderate depending on security policies 

Activity 3: Troubleshooting Support (2-4 hours total) 

What's needed: 

• Investigate occasional connectivity issues 

• Verify firewall rules if needed 

• Check service account permissions 

• Assist with production deployment 

IT skill level: Mid-level administrator 

When needed: Sporadically during weeks 2-12 

Complexity: Low. Standard troubleshooting. 

Activity 4: Production Deployment Support (1-2 hours) 

What's needed: 

• Provide production credentials 

• Verify production connectivity 

• Confirm monitoring alerts configured 

• Sign off on go-live 

IT skill level: IT manager approval, admin execution 

When needed: Week 8-10 

Complexity: Low 

Total IT Time Required 

Discovery phase: 1 hour (explain current systems, data access) 

Implementation phase: 2-3 hours (credentials, security review) 

Testing phase: 1-2 hours (troubleshooting, verification) 

Deployment phase: 1-2 hours (production setup) 

Post-deployment: 1 hour (occasional support) 

Total: 6-9 hours over 12 weeks 

Average: 30-45 minutes per week 

What IT Does NOT Do 

NOT Required: Custom Development 

Responsibility: Implementation partner handles all development 

IT role: None (unless custom ERP requires API development) 

NOT Required: Project Management 

Responsibility: Business team (AR, AP, Controller) leads project 

IT role: Supporting participant only 

NOT Required: AI Configuration 

Responsibility: Implementation partner configures AI platform 

IT role: None 

NOT Required: Ongoing Management 

Responsibility: Business team monitors and refines 

IT role: Minimal (occasional technical support only) 

IT Resource Availability Scenarios 

Scenario 1: Dedicated IT Team 

Availability: IT manager + 2-3 administrators 

Implementation impact: Minimal. 1-2 hours total from IT manager, 5-7 hours from administrator. 

Timeline: No delay. IT can provide support when needed. 

Recommendation: Standard implementation approach 

Scenario 2: Outsourced IT 

Availability: MSP or outsourced IT provider on retainer 

Implementation impact: Low. Request 8-10 hours IT support in implementation scope. 

Timeline: Coordinate timing with MSP. May add 1-2 weeks if MSP scheduling delays. 

Recommendation: Notify MSP early, include in their monthly hours 

Additional cost: $0 if within retainer, $800-$1,500 if billed separately 

Scenario 3: Part-Time IT Person 

Availability: IT person 2-3 days weekly or consultant on call 

Implementation impact: Moderate. Need to coordinate availability. 

Timeline: May add 2-3 weeks to accommodate IT schedule 

Recommendation: Plan IT touchpoints in advance, batch requests 

Scenario 4: No Dedicated IT 

Availability: Controller or operations manager handles basic IT, consultant for complex needs 

Implementation impact: Higher. May need outside IT consultant for specific tasks. 

Timeline: Add 2-4 weeks for consultant engagement 

Recommendation: Engage IT consultant for implementation support 

Additional cost: $1,500-$3,000 for consultant time 

Managed Service Alternatives 

Implementation Partner Handles IT Coordination 

Approach: Partner coordinates directly with your IT provider (internal or external) 

Your role: Introduction and approval only 

Benefit: Minimal business team involvement in IT coordination 

Cost: Included in standard implementation 

Fully Managed Implementation 

Approach: Partner handles all technical aspects including IT coordination 

Your role: Business process definition only 

Benefit: Zero IT coordination burden 

Cost: Standard implementation pricing 

Suitable for: Companies with very limited IT or IT resistance 

Common IT Concerns and Responses 

Concern 1: "We don't allow external system access" 

Response: AI platforms don't require direct ERP access. API calls go through standard authentication. Same security model as mobile apps or other integrations. 

Solution: Security review confirms standard integration approach 

Concern 2: "We're too busy for new projects" 

Response: Total IT time is 6-9 hours over 12 weeks (average 30-45 minutes weekly). Can be scheduled around other priorities. 

Solution: Batch IT requests, provide advance notice, schedule at IT convenience 

Concern 3: "We don't understand AI technology" 

Response: IT doesn't need AI expertise. Implementation partner handles AI configuration. IT provides standard ERP access only. 

Solution: Clear scope documentation showing IT tasks are standard ERP administration 

Concern 4: "What if something breaks?" 

Response: AI accesses ERP read-only mostly (writes notes/tasks only). Cannot modify customer data, transactions, or configurations. ERP integrity unaffected. 

Solution: Technical documentation showing safe integration approach 

IT Liaison Role 

Recommended Approach 

Identify one IT liaison: Person who coordinates IT support during implementation 

Time commitment: 1-2 hours monthly for 3 months 

Responsibilities: 

• Attend kickoff meeting (1 hour) 

• Provide API credentials when ready 

• Troubleshoot connectivity if issues arise 

• Approve production deployment 

Suitable person: 

• ERP administrator 

• IT manager 

• MSP account manager 

• Technology-comfortable operations person 

NOT required: 

• Deep AI knowledge 

• Programming skills 

• Dedicated project time 

When IT Effort Increases 

Scenario: Custom ERP with No API 

Additional IT work: 

• API development: 40-80 hours 

• Or database integration setup: 20-40 hours 

Timeline impact: +4-8 weeks 

Cost impact: +$15,000-$40,000 

Alternative: ERP upgrade or standardize before AI implementation 

Scenario: Highly Restricted Security Environment 

Additional IT work: 

• Extended security reviews: 5-10 hours 

• Custom security configuration: 5-10 hours 

• Penetration testing: 10-20 hours 

Timeline impact: +2-4 weeks 

Cost impact: +$5,000-$15,000 

Industries affected: Healthcare, financial services, government contractors 

The Reality 

AI implementation requires 5-10 hours total IT support over 12 weeks. Average 30-45 minutes weekly. 

IT provides: API credentials, security approval, occasional troubleshooting. 

IT does NOT: Custom development, project management, AI configuration, ongoing management. 

Limited IT availability adds 2-4 weeks timeline but doesn't prevent implementation. Outsourced IT or consultant alternatives available. 

"We don't have IT resources" typically means "We don't understand minimal IT requirements." Actual needs are modest and manageable. 

About the Author: This content is published by ERP AI Agent. 

Published: January 2025 | Reading Time: 6 minutes