Traditional SDLC models
Waterfall
A sequential lifecycle from requirements to design, build, test, and deploy. Waterfall remains common in legacy Oracle and Infor estates where scope and control gates are tightly governed.
V-Model
A phase-coupled validation approach where testing plans are designed in parallel with requirements and design phases. This is often used in regulated healthcare and finance programs that require strict evidence trails.
Modern ERP delivery models
Agile and Scrum
Iterative sprints with configuration increments, rapid stakeholder feedback, and continuous backlog reprioritization. This is common in cloud ERP programs including NetSuite and composable stack rollouts.
Hybrid model
The most common enterprise pattern: waterfall governance for scope, architecture, and compliance; Agile execution for build, configuration, and testing. Hybrid balances executive control with delivery speed.
ERP lifecycle phases in real-world programs
- Discovery and Requirements
- Solution Design (BRD and FDD)
- Configuration and Customization
- Data Migration
- Testing (SIT and UAT)
- Deployment and Go-Live
- Support and Optimization
Strong programs define entry and exit criteria per phase, KPI ownership, and a cutover command model before go-live.
Model selection guidance
Use V-Model for high compliance environments, Agile for rapidly changing process domains, and Hybrid for multi-entity enterprise transformations. Align model choice to risk profile, organizational maturity, and platform complexity.
Related pathways: ERP Implementation Hub, Cross-System Framework, ERP Strategy Hub, and Composable ERP Architecture Model.