ERP is complicated. Whether you have confronted an ERP project before or not, the path never gets easier. As a result, many project sponsors take to the internet to uncover what colleagues and industry experts have to offer. During those searches, “ERP Consulting” inevitably enters the conversation, causing confusion around the type of ERP consultant you will need at each phase of the project.
ERP consulting typically falls into two main categories, sometimes described as Functional and Technical. Each type of ERP consulting plays a different, pivotal roles in ensuring the project’s success.
The most common type of consultant found during the research phase of an ERP project is the Technical Consultant. Technical consultants are the experts who help configure the system to the needs of the client. Configuration includes customization of the system through specialized code, integration development, and data loading.
These consultants are typically experts in a single system, vertical, or even micro-vertical. Technical Consultants are specialists in what they do, making them excellent resources once your ERP has already been selected.
Alternatively, Functional Consultants focus on customer and user needs, helping them to identify areas for improvement and evaluate potential solutions. Implementation partners also tend to have “Functional Consultants” who act as project managers from a vendor perspective, liaising between the client and the technical team. They typically recommend best practices and oversee the completion of major milestones. They may have management consulting or industry-specific experience.
Independent ERP Consultants or ERP Selection Consultants are a specialized category of Functional Consultants. This type of ERP Consultants do not represent any software vendor and do not accept any kickbacks or compensation from the software publisher or implementation partner. Many businesses do not realize service providers exist who can shoulder the client’s burden of ERP selection. Businesses undergoing an ERP selection appreciate hiring an ERP consultant who does not receive compensation outside of the consulting relationship. This ensures there isn’t a bias for a vendor or partner outside of the client’s view. It also prevents an incentive to force a final selection if one is not in the client’s best interest.
An Independent ERP Consultant will guide your ERP project from start to finish. Services include:
The right ERP consulting resources can make the difference in a business achieving their original goals for new ERP or being disappointed at never realizing the true benefits which could be realized.
Peace of mind that an advisor has your best interest at the forefront is an immediate benefit you get from working with an Independent ERP Consultant. Your Consultant will ensure the RIGHT solutions are being evaluated by the RIGHT individuals at your organization. This saves time and resources over the course of the project.
An independent ERP consultant will also ensure your expectations are defined early on and that your staff are properly prepared for such a transformation. Skipping this essential step can lead to low user adoption and ultimately a project failure. Additionally, a consultant will bring other best practices throughout your ERP implementation.
The primary pitfall in hiring an expert in ERP consulting is simply cost. Independent ERP Consultants can seem like a luxury. The larger the client’s business and scope of the project are, the more money the advisor can help the client save, increasing the value proposition. While mitigating risks and ensuring successful implementation of the right system are invaluable for any business, it can be difficult to add a third-party advisor for a smaller-scope project.
Another potential pitfall is engaging an ERP consultant with a built-in bias toward a particular software vendor or product. If you want a truly objective evaluation of your business and the best-fit ERP solution, then you should look for a truly independent consulting firm who does not partner with any vendors or accept any compensation from them.
When evaluating potential consultants, be sure to ask the right questions, listed here in ERP Advisors Group’s checklist to evaluating ERP selection consultants. These questions will provide clarity in determining if there is potential for a strong partnership.
ERP advising is all we do. Our goal is to guarantee our clients are happy with their ERP now and into the future, and we confront the riskiest aspects of every ERP project because we truly care about making a difference for our clients.
Let us show you the ERP Advisors Group difference with our white glove approach to ERP. Schedule a free consultation or email us at info@erpadvisorsgroup.com to speak to an expert today.