Due to the rapid rise in the demand for quality management practices within organizations, most companies are seeking ways to implement the ERP systems. In order to have a running system, companies and organizations need to seek the services of professional ERP consultants.
The consultants come with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Some of the defined roles assigned to ERP consultants include analyzing various business operations, creating and overseeing the design, ensuring that the design implementation phase takes place according to the stated objectives, and creating a platform where the process of solution delivery takes place smoothly. The nature of tasks associated with the consultants requires these experts need to exhibit a high level of dedication, efficiency and experience to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
ERP consultants play a critical role in the implementation of the ERP system within an organization as well as coordinating the smooth flow of work related to the system. When analyzing ERP consulting, it is possible to spot two types of ERP consultants. We have functional ERP consultants and technical ERP consultants. Both of them operate in a similar environment. However, each consultant runs particular aspects of a system.
Functional ERP consultants have the responsibility of preparing documents targeting the client’s needs. They work closely with the client with the aim of identifying gaps and challenges facing the organization. This information forms the foundation upon which they use to come up with a solution. The client and project manager work closely to approve the proposed solution and ensure that these changes become integral in the entire system. It is important to note that the functional ERP consultants ensure that there is a proper framework for establishing the GAP analysis.
The functional ERP consultant’s work tends to start earlier, that is, before the implementation phase. They initiate the program’s implementation phase. During this time, these consultants should be aware of various functionalities and system operation of a particular organization. With this in mind, they also develop training curriculum to cater for the end users. Without training, the end users may have problems when it comes to operating the ERP system smoothly.
The technical ERP consultant gets into the picture immediately after the initiation of the implementation phase. Essentially, technical ERP consultant’s primary role is to customize the application in line with the documentation from the functional ERP consultant.
The functional and technical ERP consultants work closely to ensure that they achieve efficiency throughout the entire process. As their title suggests, technical consultants identify some of the requirements related to technology, technical expenses, operating systems, hardware installations, and database among others.
They also play a role in ensuring that there is an efficient transfer of systems in line with the ERP system. In this regard, they set up the right software structures to run and sustain the system. Technical ERP consultants also establish a futuristic platform with the aim of enabling an organization to spot any challenges and deal with them as they arise. In a nutshell, the technical ERP consultants serve to create a dynamic architectural design of the system that will sustain the smooth running of the organization.
Within business settings, most organizations develop reluctance when it comes to considering ERP consulting practice. The main constraint associated with this reluctance is normally finances. However, studies confirm that hiring ERP consulting services may seem to be a financial burden in the short-term analysis. However, when evaluated from a long-term perspective, it comes with great positive impact when it comes to business operations.
Hiring professional ERP consultants within organizations is always worth the investment. Some of the critical business-related benefits an organization stands to gain when it comes to hiring ERP consultants include the following. First, ERP consultants provide guidance for software selection. Secondly, they are a conduit between identifying the relevant software technology and supplying it.
Thirdly, they are instrumental in training the personnel on how to run and sustain the system. Lastly, they strive to create a long-term platform to engage various stakeholders within the organization and playing a primary role towards enlarging of business enterprises. With this understanding, companies and organizations seeking to create a growth and maintain an edge in this market, should have ERP consulting as a top priority when it comes to strategic planning.