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August 10, 2021


10 SIGNS OF A GOOD ERP CONSULTING FIRM

An ERP implementation’s success or failure can depend entirely on the ERP
consulting firm your organization chooses to work with over the course of months
or even several years. When it comes to ERP consulting, implementation,
training, and the many other activities that fall under this unique umbrella,
there are many types of consultants and consulting groups. The primary candidacy
aspect you want to consider is the fit between a consultant’s services and your
implementation needs – but beyond this, consider the following 10 telling signs
of a good ERP consulting firm. 

 

1. CUSTOMIZED METHODOLOGY

One of the most common practices taken by ERP consultants is a one-size-fits-all
approach to software selection and implementation. Many firms will simply reuse
a checklist or template while creating the facade of drafting a case analysis of
your business and prescribing a certain software. They may charge marginally
lower fees and provide a quicker turnaround, but it can significantly damage
your business.

Recognize an ERP consulting firm’s customized methodology by checking if their
business analysis is thorough. The consulting team should be asking countless
questions about not only your business’s current operations, needs, and
challenges, but also your organization’s long-term goals, such as international
expansion or franchising. This proves the consultant is trying to design a
solution that can be adapted to fit your growth and industry changes. Above all,
they should show concern about your organization’s people. While certain
softwares may seem like a match on the surface, it is crucial the consultant
analyzes how it may affect a team’s workflow. All of these aspects should be
demonstrated deliverables, such as a detailed ROI document and comprehensive
business case.

Additionally, ensure that the team has a software development team capable of
making customizations to the build of your ERP software. Depending on the
uniqueness of your business, you may need custom fields or functions that need
to be added by your ERP experts.

 

2. FAMILIARITY WITH YOUR EXISTING SYSTEMS

It is a given that your ERP consultant will harbour expertise in financial
management and accounting, the basis of all ERP softwares. However, holding deep
expertise in project management softwares, HRIS platforms, CRM systems, and
eCommerce solutions is essential too, as you will want a seamless integration of
all your systems with your ERP. Many cloud solutions now have open API
architecture, which allows for integration with a multitude of systems across
various industries, but your consultant must be an expert at understanding how
to design the ERP solution so it connects smoothly with the other aspects of
your business. 

 

3. SEARCHES FOR SOLUTIONS INSTEAD OF LOOPHOLES 

For the sake of your business health, you must be nitpicky as an ERP buyer. In
the discovery phase, ask as many questions and raise as many concerns as
possible. If the consultants are proposing solutions or promising an answer
later, this shows that they have your business’s best interests in mind. If they
are offering generic answers or loopholes for your unique concerns, this
indicates the solution design may not be optimal. 

At the same time, a good consultant will not necessarily promise to deliver on
all your requests. Sometimes your unique business model does not have a perfect
solution, and it is better when a consultant is honest with the reach of an ERP
rather than making promises they can’t keep. 

 

4. RECEPTIVE COMMUNICATION

Throughout the implementation, your organization’s executive team and various
departments will raise questions about the new ERP. Your consulting group should
be able to respond to you quickly, rather than having week-long turnarounds to
your emails. This indicates that their attention is too spread out across
multiple clients or they are not on the same page as you. Thorough yet concise
communication delivered in a timely manner will save you a tremendous amount of
time and profit. 

 

5. INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE 

Many consulting firms specialize in certain industries and fields, usually as a
result of their past projects and team of consultants. A showcase of case
studies in your industry shows that they are knowledgeable in your industry’s
regulations, challenges, and even about what your direct competitors are
currently doing. 

At the same time, beware of narrow-minded consulting firms that only specialize
in one or two industries, and are adamant to jam you into the mix. In today’s
complex global supply chain, many businesses cover a multitude of fields, such
as a combination of construction and field services. The reason to be careful of
consulting firms like these is that they might lazily reapply an
industry-specific implementation template that’s not truly suitable for your
organization. 

 

6. CERTIFICATIONS AND AWARDS IN ERP SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION

ERP consultants can become certified in certain softwares through passing
rigorous training and testing. Certifications for Acumatica and Sage software
last a few years before the consultants must renew it. This ensures that their
proficiency of the software is up-to-date with the software’s annual updates. 

Partner dictations and awards such as being an Acumatica Gold Partner or Sage
Platinum Elite Partner also indicate a consulting firm’s advanced experience in
ERP implementation. These awards are based on a consulting firm’s client
satisfaction, software proficiency, and breadth of ERP implementations. 

 

7. HOLISTIC IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES

ERP implementation consists of multiple components, from business management
analysis to IT support. There are usually different types of ERP consultants
dedicated to each step, and it’d be ideal if the consulting group has
specialized consultants for each aspect. Working with a holistic ERP consulting
group will save you costs and time, because you won’t have to reiterate your
case to various partners. 

A holistic ERP methodology should include business case development, multiple
meetings with executives, software selection, ERP implementation, ERP training,
and ongoing tech support. To complement this, there should be comprehensive
budgets and timelines through the whole process. Holistic methodologies allow
you to get the most of your ERP implementation. 

 

8. INNOVATIVE APPROACH AND ONGOING LEARNING 

While your consultant may find a suitable solution for you, there may be a
better design out there. A consultant’s consistent attendance at digital
transformation webinars and conferences is an indication of their commitment to
ERP education. New digitization solutions are arising each year, and a
consulting group’s dedication to ongoing learning will lead to a more innovative
and well-fit ERP solution. 

 

9. CREDIBLE CASE STUDIES AND TESTIMONIALS 

All consulting groups will present some success stories of completed
implementations, but it is important for you to think critically about how
valuable the results are to your company. Compare the ROIs and other statistics
against your organization’s current standing and where you wish to be with this
new ERP. Furthermore, you can do extended research into how the companies of
these success stories are doing now. Note that these case studies are a lot more
credible when there are actual claims made by the finance team about
productivity, via text or video testimonial. 

 

10. OVERALL CULTURAL FIT AND COMMITMENT

An ERP implementation could take anywhere between six months to three years, so
you want to ensure there is a cultural fit between your organization and the
consulting organization. While the discovery phase is designed to better
understand your business needs, it is also the prime chance for you to figure
out the consultants’ working styles and discover any lack of professionality. 

Try to find an ERP consulting group where there is full transparency and rather
than a business service, you sense the formation of a partnership. Rather than a
one-time business deal, when a long-term partnership is formed, the consulting
group will have your best interests in mind. A consulting group that becomes
your organization’s partner won’t try to add unnecessary costs to your bill and,
instead, they can offer more services should you require them in the future.
Ensure that the consultants offer comprehensive technical support, maintenance,
and upgrades should you need them. 

 

FOR MORE, CONSIDER THESE FIVE TIPS FOR SELECTING THE BEST ERP CONSULTANT OR
CONSULTING GROUP. 

TOPIC:

 * ERP Project Success

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