Why Hiring an Independent Software Selection Consultant is the Best First Step in an ERP Journey
For companies of any size, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can bring a wealth of potential benefits. With it, you can automate processes and access reliable data to drive informed decisions, transforming your business. An ERP system also helps integrate different parts of your operation into one cohesive system, increasing collaboration and efficiency.
Moreover, when used correctly, an ERP system can improve customer experience by giving faster and more accurate service. You'll be able to process orders more efficiently, manage inventory better and respond faster to customers. Through improved accuracy and better communication, your organization stands to gain both cost savings and increased customer loyalty over time – two critical factors for any successful business!
How Can an Independent Software Selection Consultant Help?
Here are some of the benefits an independent software selection consultant can bring to your ERP journey:
Expertise – An independent consulting firm has experience with various software products and the people who use them. This expertise can help you get the right system for your unique business needs.
Objectivity – Independent consultants can provide an outside perspective and objective advice as they evaluate systems and make recommendations. They do not sell any ERP software and won’t be motivated to point your business in a specific direction.
Cost Savings – As experts in their field, consultants often have access to discounts on license fees and implementation costs, saving you money in the long run. Their services are also not tied to a company with a heavy overhead burden, which is reflected in their individual cost.
Efficiency – They have a vested interest in helping you reach go-live quickly. They'll work hard to get everything set up as quickly as possible so you can use the system with minimum disruption to your business processes.
Hiring an independent software selection consultant is one of the best ways to ensure success when selecting, implementing, and using an ERP solution for your business – it's worth considering as part of your overall plan for success.
Advantages of Hiring an Independent Software Selection Consultant Over In-House or Corporate Consulting Employees
When selecting the best ERP system for your business, taking time and researching is a good idea. That said, many companies underestimate the amount of time and effort that goes into adequately researching and selecting an ERP system — and that's why hiring an independent software selection consultant is a great way to save time and money. Even for a small-to-medium-sized business, this effort can take an average of 60 hours a month over 3-4 months.
In addition to selecting the right ERP software, you are also selecting the right partner to implement it. Many ERP software is implemented by a number of partners, each with its own strengths. An independent software consultant will know about this market and do additional research to guide you to the right relationships. This is in contrast to a firm-based selection consultant, who will be only interested in you hiring their firm to implement the new software.
Access to Expert Advice
If you hire an independent software selection consultant, you're giving yourself access to expert advice throughout the entire ERP selection process. These individuals will have up-to-date information on available systems, knowledge of industry trends, and the ability to identify potential pitfalls.
Customization Options
A software selection consultant can help facilitate the enhancement of ERP solutions to meet your business goals - cost-saving or revenue-generating objectives. This customization involves considering budget constraints, user requirements, and scalability needs.
In addition, an experienced consultant will also be able to identify any areas for improvement in terms of performance acceleration – making sure you get the most out of your new system in terms of both efficient operations and growth opportunities in the future.
Hiring an independent software selection consultant will help ensure you make a well-informed decision about which ERP system is right for your business, saving you considerable time and money.
Why Taking the First Step With a Consultant Is the Best Approach
For several reasons, hiring an independent software selection consultant is the best first step in an ERP journey. An experienced consultant can provide you with expertise and knowledge about the technology and industry trends that are important to consider when selecting the right ERP system.
The insight of a consultant can help you:
Avoid costly mistakes in your ERP selection process
Identify key requirements necessary for success
Understand where your organization stands in terms of ERP maturity & complexity
Dimension the scope & budget decisions necessary to get the maximum benefit from an ERP system
Additionally, they can work as an objective third party to guide you toward the best decision for your company based on what components will give you a competitive advantage and greater efficiency. It's much smarter to consult with someone who has experience with various vendors and technologies than to try it on your own or align with a consultant that is biased toward a particular software.
Tips for Selecting the Right Consultant for Your ERP Journey
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right person for the job:
Check for the experience
Ask about qualifications
Discuss the scope of work
Get references and check reviews
By finding a great independent software selection consultant, you'll be off to a much better start on your ERP journey—and you'll have someone who can help guide you through each step! With that in mind, follow John Hannan on LinkedIn and stay updated with the latest ERP solutions.