Introduction

Choosing an ERP system is not like buying a fridge. It’s a long-term investment that will affect every part of your business—from accounting and payroll to stock control and CRM.

Yet many Zimbabwean businesses rush into ERP decisions without checking if their current IT environment can support the new system. The result? Implementation delays, wasted budgets, frustrated teams, and systems that don’t deliver.

That’s why a proper IT audit is the smartest first step in the ERP selection process.

This article explores how IT audits help businesses in Zimbabwe choose the right ERP system—not just the most popular or expensive one.

What Is an IT Audit?

An IT audit is a detailed assessment of your business’s existing technology infrastructure, systems, software, and processes. It identifies:

  • What’s working and what’s outdated
  • Security risks and data gaps
  • Integration challenges
  • Hardware capabilities
  • Staff readiness and system usage

When aligned with ERP planning, an IT audit helps you avoid blind spots and choose a system that fits your needs and capacity.

Why an IT Audit Is Critical Before ERP Selection

1. Reveals Infrastructure Readiness

Many ERP systems require:

  • Stable internet
  • Dedicated servers (if hosted on-premises)
  • Compatible operating systems
  • Reliable backup and recovery systems

An audit checks:

  • Network speed and security
  • Current hardware specs (laptops, servers, routers)
  • Storage capacity
  • Power backup (critical in Zimbabwe due to load shedding)

Without this check, you risk choosing an ERP that can’t run effectively in your environment.

2. Highlights Integration Gaps

Your ERP won’t exist in a vacuum. It must connect with:

  • Existing payroll systems
  • Fiscal devices (for VAT compliance)
  • CRM platforms
  • Point of Sale (POS) systems
  • Third-party apps (like mobile money or bank feeds)

An IT audit identifies whether your current systems:

  • Can integrate smoothly
  • Need upgrades or replacements
  • Have open APIs or locked environments

This helps you avoid expensive “surprises” during implementation.

3. Assesses Data Health and Quality

ERP systems run on data. But if your business data is:

  • In Excel spreadsheets
  • Scattered across departments
  • Inaccurate or duplicated
  • Stored in different formats (e.g., USD vs ZWL)

… then the new ERP will struggle from day one.

An audit helps:

  • Map out your data sources
  • Identify cleanup needs
  • Establish data migration plans
  • Avoid importing “dirty data” into a new system

4. Checks Cybersecurity and Access Controls

ERP systems store sensitive information—salaries, supplier records, sales reports. You need to ensure:

  • Access is properly restricted
  • Audit trails are working
  • Backup policies are enforced
  • Staff devices are protected

The IT audit reveals any cybersecurity weaknesses that must be addressed before going live with an ERP.

5. Evaluates User Readiness and Digital Culture

A top-tier ERP system is useless if your team:

  • Doesn’t understand it
  • Fears change
  • Doesn’t have basic computer literacy
  • Works around systems instead of with them

IT audits often include a digital skills assessment to see if:

  • Staff are ready for automation
  • Training plans are needed
  • You need a phased rollout

6. Supports ERP Vendor Selection

After the audit, you’ll have a clear picture of:

  • Technical requirements
  • Integration needs
  • User preferences
  • Budget constraints

This makes it easier to compare vendors like:

  • Odoo
  • SAP Business One
  • Zoho One
  • Sage 300
  • Palladium Accounting

And choose the one that fits your setup, not just your wishlist.

Real Example: How an IT Audit Prevented a Bad ERP Investment

Case Study: A medium-sized distributor in Harare wanted to switch from spreadsheets to a full ERP system. They chose a cloud-based system with advanced CRM and stock features—but failed to do an IT audit.

After paying for the software:

  • Internet connectivity was too unstable to support daily access
  • POS systems couldn’t integrate with the ERP
  • Several employees didn’t know how to use the system
  • The local network had no backup plan for data loss

Eventually, they had to pause the implementation and invest in network upgrades and training—delaying the project by 6 months.

An IT audit beforehand could have saved money, time, and reputation.

What Should Be Covered in the IT Audit?

A pre-ERP IT audit should assess the following:

Technical Infrastructure

  • Servers and hardware specs
  • Internet stability and speed
  • Backup power solutions
  • Network security (firewalls, antivirus)

Software Environment

  • Operating systems and licenses
  • Existing business applications
  • Software compatibility
  • Integration feasibility

Data and Storage

  • Existing databases
  • File formats and storage methods
  • Data accuracy and duplication issues
  • Data retention policies

Staff and Usage

  • Number of system users
  • Levels of digital literacy
  • Current software usage and gaps
  • Training needs and attitudes toward tech

Compliance and Security

  • ZIMRA fiscalisation setup
  • Data protection and access control policies
  • User permissions and logins
  • Audit trails and logging

Benefits of Doing an IT Audit Before ERP

  • Choose the right ERP the first time
  • Prevent unexpected delays or rework
  • Avoid overspending on unnecessary upgrades
  • Ensure smooth implementation and adoption
  • Align tech investments with business goals
  • Gain internal buy-in from all departments

Conclusion

ERP systems promise efficiency, control, and business growth—but only when they’re properly matched with your company’s IT reality.

A detailed IT audit gives you the roadmap. It ensures your infrastructure, data, and team are ready. And it helps you avoid the costliest mistake in ERP implementation: choosing the wrong system for your environment.