ERP implementations are no easy task, which is why there are ERP consultants out there that are prepared to help you through the process. There are few companies that possess the skills, expertise, budget and time to implement ERP all on their own. Luckily, there are thousands of ERP consultants across the country to choose from, which can also make things more difficult. How do you choose the right ERP consultant? Below we’ve listed 5 of the most important traits to look for in an ERP consultant.
Experience
This is pretty obvious, you look for experience when you’re hiring someone to do any type of job. The best way to be sure that the ERP consultant will meet your needs, however, is by checking their past history of ERP implementations. Make sure the implementations are for similar businesses in similar industries. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and check with those references on what role the ERP consultant played and if they received their expected ROI.
Methodology
Every ERP consultant, after so many implementations, will have a certain way they go about implementing the system. Find out what these methodologies and tools are. Although they may not tell you everything, you can get a feel for how they will help you select the right software, how they will help to implement it and train your end users on it.
Industry Knowledge
With so many different ERP systems that relieve problems in many different specializations, it is important you get a consultant who knows you specifically. Many consultants will align themselves with a specific industry or group of industries. For example, manufacturing and schools are on the opposite end of the spectrum and have very opposite needs. Make sure your consultant is familiar with your industry and your company size, or else they will be learning on the job, creating inefficiency and bottlenecks.
Knowledge of the System
As stated before, there are many different ERP systems on the market and all of these systems work a little differently, from the way data is input to user interface. The ERP consultant you choose should be familiar with your system choice and have a couple implementations already under their belt. This will allow the implementation process to go smoother and faster.
Align with your Company
Although this may seem less important, in can still be extremely helpful during the implementation and training process. The ERP consultant should be comfortable and fit in with your company culture. They should have an understanding of what your company needs from the software and how to go about doing it. If they fit in well, training your employees, dealing with conflicts and helping you through the process will be easy.
There are a lot of ERP consultants in the field for a reason. Every company is different and has different needs, so not every ERP consultant will be the right fit for you. You can discover all these traits by interviewing your potential consultant and making sure you ask all the right questions. An ERP consultant is there to help you, not to slow down the process.
There is no one-size-fits-all and you have to do some research to find the best ERP solution for you. Read more here.
