ERP selection is one of the most difficult processes any business leader can undergo, yet so few decision makers have access to experts in software selection. Many project sponsors will begin the process of evaluating new accounting solutions only to meet common roadblocks associated with confusing sales pitches and generic product demos. But there is a way to escape the “normal” ERP selection blues.
The category of “Independent ERP Selection Consultants” emerged to help businesses navigate this complex process. These experts in accounting software dedicate their careers to understanding business needs and aligning those needs with the right software solution.
Benefits of Hiring an ERP Selection Consultant
You probably don’t have time to become a software expert on top of your day job, which is why you need someone who does. ERP selection consultants interact with vendors every day and understand the ins and outs of executing a successful ERP selection.
An independent ERP selection consultant offers:
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Proven & Efficient Selection Process & Criteria
As experts in their field, consultants undergo the ERP selection process every single day and evaluate a wide range of projects across the market. That expertise enables them to develop a streamlined process for software selection, saving their clients significant time and money. -
Access to the Right Vendors & Implementation Partners
During an ERP selection, it is essential to not only selection the right software solution, but also the implementation partner. ERP selection consultants are extremely familiar with software ecosystems, so they can introduce you to the right resources for your business’s industry, size, and other unique requirements. -
Navigating Software Demonstrations
Software demonstrations are one of the most difficult parts of ERP selection because you are juggling your business requirements alongside evaluating the product for its core functionality. Independent ERP selection consultants deliver best practices throughout the demonstration process and create a standardized process for evaluating each vendor. Additionally, consultants will work with the vendors on your shortlist to customize the demonstrations and ensure crucial requirements are showcased. -
Contract Negotiations
Businesses using an ERP selection consultant will benefit from their knowledge during the contract negotiation process. At ERP Advisors Group, we almost always save at least our fees for the client during contract negotiation with even more in savings over the life of the software. This is a huge benefit to customers who may not otherwise know what levels to pull during this process.
Is an ERP Selection Consultant Worth the Investment?
Some organizations hesitate to hire a consultant because it adds another expense to an already significant technology investment. That concern is understandable, but it is important to compare the consulting fee with the potential cost of a poor selection.
Choosing the wrong ERP system or implementation partner can lead to:
- Costly customization and workarounds
- Extended implementation timelines
- Disrupted operations
- Low employee adoption
- Unexpected licensing and service fees
- A system that cannot support future growth
- The need to replace the solution sooner than expected
Additionally, a good selection consultant can also assist with contracts negotiation, adding leverage to negotiate a better deal and knowing what to watch out for and which levers to pull to secure more favorable terms for you company.
An independent consultant can also help determine whether your business is genuinely ready for an ERP initiative. Sometimes the most valuable advice is to address internal processes, data quality, leadership alignment, or resource constraints before moving forward.
The objective is not to push a business into a software purchase. It is to help leadership make the right decision at the right time.
Signs Your Business Could Benefit from ERP Selection Support
Consider working with an independent ERP selection consultant if:
- Your team lacks recent experience selecting or implementing ERP software.
- You are unsure how to translate operational needs into system requirements.
- Vendors and products are becoming difficult to compare.
- Internal stakeholders have competing priorities.
- Your organization has complex processes, integrations, or regulatory requirements.
- You need an objective perspective that is not tied to a software sale.
- Leadership wants greater confidence before approving a major investment.
- Your team does not have the time to manage a rigorous selection process internally.
- Your company does not have a high risk tolerance and must have mitigations in place for potentially very disruptive and costly initiative.
Conclusion
A large-scale digital transformation can be difficult to achieve, especially if you are doing so alone. If you want to change the trajectory of your ERP project, reach out to an independent ERP selection consultant for a free consultation.
