Why do ERP Implementation Projects Require Consultants?
In 2020, the way business was carried out changed in some ways forever. The importance of ecommerce has never been clearer than when the pandemic arrived.
Unable to visit shopping malls, and restaurants, millions of people went online to buy food, clothes, and other consumables.
Those businesses that prospered during these bleak times, did so due to the way they operated. Companies that relied primarily on the internet, such as Amazon, and Deliveroo, found that orders soared. Those that remained rooted in more analog modes of sale, suffered badly.
This has led to many companies now looking to carry out digital transformation projects of their own. One of the biggest types of projects of this nature is installing an ERP system.
Why are people looking to incorporate ERP in their business?
Streamlining a business has never been so important to how a business makes a profit. Many companies are still relying on inaccurate spreadsheets to share data and systems that refuse to talk to each other.
Workloads are carried out inefficiently, and data is relayed slowly. For a business to run at full speed, it needs to have integrated systems that are able to communicate with each other.
This helps resources including manpower to be used effectively, and data pooled and shared safely. Enterprise systems affect businesses in many ways, but when used correctly they can improve productivity and processes.
Unfortunately, they can be expensive to implement, and some of that cost is used for ERP consultancy.
Can you avoid using an ERP consulting firm?
Is it necessary to employ a consulting firm, or can you do it yourself? What are the benefits of using a consultancy for ERP implementation?
The benefits of avoiding an ERP consultancy firm are relatively obvious. If you can manage your ERP implementation yourself, you will save money.
Your internal team will also learn a huge amount about ERP systems, and that knowledge will be retained in-house.
However, using an ERP consulting service means that you will be led by the hand from start to finish during your implementation.
What will an ERP consulting firm bring to the table?
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from having an ERP consultant on board is that you will have access to a wealth of knowledge. You may well have a highly capable IT team of your own, but ERP consultants are experts in their field.
It should be said in case you are unaware, ERP systems are very complex. Implementing ERP can take months to complete and will go through several stages. The implementation will begin with workshops, before moving on to building and testing.
Once all the testing is complete, it will be time to go live. To get to this point, the consultant will have worked through a process with you that might not be possible with your own staff.
ERP consultants will offer independent advice
The role of an ERP consultant is to advise on current best practices from an outsider’s perspective. This means that they will look at your business with a detached view, unlike your own IT department.
They are also likely to be unattached to any vendors in the sense that they receive no commission. There is no motive for an ERP consultant to advise on any system except the one that suits your needs.
They will share their knowledge
Whether it is explaining to you the differences between different ERP systems or how to maintain data security. ERP consultants are well versed in all aspects of implementation.
There are many reasons that your business should invest in cyber security, and an ERP consultant will advise on the most secure platforms you can use.
They will make sure your staff are fully trained
You may feel that your IT staff can handle choosing and testing a new ERP system, but what happens when it comes time to train the users?
If your ERP is to work in its intended manner, the employees need to know how to use it. ERP consultants will provide training. They will also help with change management as your workers start to adopt the new system.
They will help with the implementation
An ERP consultant will take part in the process of implementation from start to end. They will make sure the system is put into place and working correctly. They will also help with compatibility if needed.
There are some very good mobile apps for productivity and efficiency today, and you may not be surprised to learn that ERP systems can be used on mobiles too.
Your ERP consultant will make sure that all your users can access the necessary devices.
Summary
The reason that so many people choose to use ERP consultants is that the systems are large and complex. Not to mention expensive.
To make sure that your company arrives at the correct ERP that will work for years to come, a consultancy is almost certainly required. Cutting corners on training and the implementation process could come back to haunt anyone installing an ERP.
