So you’ve chosen an ERP software to automate your process and take your business to a new level. We’ve spoken at length here at the Attivo blog about how important it is to choose the right software for your industry. But equally important is the need to choose the right consultant to help you implement that software and provide ongoing support. Here are 4 reasons why choosing the right consultant can make or break your ERP project.
Do they have Domain Knowledge?
Imagine you are a food processor and you have just implemented a new ERP solution. You are setting up processes and ask your consultant to help you set up a mock recall and your consultant has to ask you what that is. You’ve instantly gone from the trainee to the trainer. Simply having expert knowledge in the software isn’t enough. Your consultant needs to know your industry inside and out to be able to get the most out of your investment and put you in a position to succeed. Are they thought leaders in your industry and up on the latest trends? If not, it’s not likely that they are going to be able to help you with the next piece.
Is Process Improvement in their DNA?
ERP isn’t just supposed to automate processes. The entire software selection process is about doing a full business process assessment to identify inefficiencies and make changes. If not, all you are doing is automating inefficiency, which is counterintuitive to the entire ERP ethos. If you’re consultant had their finger on the pulse of your industry, they should not only be able to identify inefficiency, but design process improvements specific to your business and integrate those improvement in your software.
Can they Help You Manage the Implementation Process?
ERP implementations are enormous undertakings. Most ERP nightmare stories begin and end at the implementation stage. This is because companies try to implement the software themselves, or work with a consultant that doesn’t possess the knowledge necessary to get the project done on time and on budget. It takes specialized skills to not only implement software as complex and comprehensive as ERP. That complexity ratchets up a notch when you also need to integrate ERP with other software applications you are running. Make sure your consultant has the experience and expertise necessary to keep your implementation on track.
Will they Help with Change Management?
If an ERP project doesn’t go wrong in the implementation phase, the next place to look is when you are trying to get end users to adopt new software and new processes. It can be extremely difficult to get people to change their day to day processes without proper training. Even if your legacy system is cumbersome, it is likely that employees have become attached to that software. Keeping end users engaged, confident and knowledgeable in a new system will ensure maximum ROI on your investment. No athlete has ever excelled without great coaching. Your ERP consultant should serve as that coach during the transition phase of your ERP project.
As you can see, choosing the right consultant is just as important as choosing the right software. Ideally, you will have identified an ERP consultant capable of guiding you through every step of the ERP software selection, implementation and training processes. For more information on and of the topics discussed in this blog you call The Attivo Group at 877-428-8486 or contact us.
