Cloud transformation from the legacy systems
17 June 2025
Mohamad Abdul Wajid Tanveer, GROUP CIO, BGC
Case Introduction
Migrating from a legacy ERP to the cloud is not just a technical upgrade — it's a full-scale transformation that reshapes how an organization operates. Tanveer, Group CIO at BJC, shared hands-on lessons from leading such a journey in a diversified business group in the Middle East.
Technically speaking, this transformation includes: assessing legacy ERP readiness, choosing between hybrid or full migration, navigating cloud economics, driving innovation through AI/ML, managing user expectations, and embedding cybersecurity as a foundation — all with a deep understanding of business impact.
ERP Failure Isn’t a Fluke — It’s a Pattern
Tanveer opened with a striking fact: between 50–75% of ERP projects fail to meet their original goals. Even worse — up to 30% are classified as total failures. These aren’t just “bad luck” cases. There are common traps.
What’s behind these failures?
According to Tanveer, many organizations blindly follow trends — choosing systems like SAP simply because their competitors do. He compared this to buying an iPhone just because everyone else has one. This “herd mentality” can be deadly for IT strategy.
He cited a university in the region that attempted to roll out SAP — a solution better suited for retail or commercial sectors — and saw the project collapse.
“ERP isn't about the logo — it’s about the right fit.”
Step 1: Start With a 360° ERP Assessment
Tanveer emphasized that ERP transformation doesn’t begin with tech — it begins with people. Identifying sponsors (beyond IT), power users, and business stakeholders is key. Understanding what processes truly matter and what integrations exist is just as critical.
Why this matters:
In one of BJC’s automotive subsidiaries, the spare parts team demanded that an old custom-built screen — designed 20 years ago — be reimplemented in Oracle Fusion. Oracle refused. The result? Staff assumed the new system was worse than the old one.
“Even the best software fails if user perception turns negative.”
Data quality was another major pain point. Most legacy systems, he said, have “contaminated data.” That’s why data strategy and integration mapping must be front and center in any transformation plan.