When is it time to engage an ERP consulting firm?
It’s really never too early to engage if you are evaluating ERP systems. However, there can be downsides if you engage with a firm too late. To waste as little of your time, and your team’s time, it’s a good rule of thumb to select a trusted partner as soon as possible. That being said, wherever you are in the process, you can still leverage external help for your team.
A reliable ERP partner can help you navigate the entire endeavor – including:
- Selecting the right software for your organization
- Preparing and planning for your ERP project
- Building a “winning” team
- Executing the implementation project
- Ongoing training and system support
What should I expect from an ERP firm?
Your partner won’t have a magic wand to make all of the complexities of ERP disappear (unfortunately!). However, the right partner can be transformative for your business. Pairing your team’s expertise of your business, with a certified team of technology experts can lead to tangible, positive outcomes for your organization. Read more about the benefits.
Here are some of the key things you should expect from your partner:
- Certified consultants with substantial technical experience
- Relevant experience in your industry
- A proven methodology that can lead your team through the entire process
- Tools for team communication and project management
- Measurable milestones and goals
- Leadership to help navigate the progress and change management
- Trusted advice and expertise on the technical and functional aspects of the software
How much are ERP consulting rates?
ERP consulting rates in the United States are usually $175 to $225 an hour. However, there are many factors to include in the overall budget. A reliable firm can help you build a strong and efficient team to make the most of your internal resources. Training your internal team is also an important consideration to factor into the project – so your team can rely less on external help and more on internal expertise.
Ensuring a successful ERP project
In addition to finding the right ERP consulting firm for your project, and your organization, there are other important steps to take.
Research – including the benefits, ERP implementation planning, and top vendors. Start here, by learning more about leading ERP software options.
Consider these questions to start the planning process:
- What are your business requirements for new ERP software? What are the broken, or inefficient business processes that you’re trying to fix?
- When is the best time to launch? (the answer that might come to mind is never, however there are some times that are better than others. For example in the middle or before a merger or acquisition is likely not the best time.)
- Who are the key executives that need to buy into the project?
- Who are the key team leaders that can help you have a successful project?
At the end of the day this is the number one thing your ERP consulting firm should bring to your organization. Learn more about our ERP Consulting Services.
Other FAQs
What is ERP?
It is accounting and operations oriented software that can be implemented to give an organization one source of truth on all business data. It has become the leading solution of choice for growing businesses that want to maintain and improve their competitive edge.
What are the benefits?
The biggest benefits are reduced costs and increased revenue. Some of the ways this is achieved are:
- Visibility into important business data
- More efficient processes
- Modern reporting and planning tools to enable data-driven decision making
- Automating manual processes
- Accounting/finance enhancements (reduced days sales outstanding etc.)
Learn more about the benefits.
What are the leading software options?
As an Oracle platinum partner, Terillium offers award-winning consulting services for
Other tier 1 ERP vendors include: SAP, Microsoft, Infor.
Learn more about choosing the right ERP for your organization.
How do I know if it’s time for ERP?
This is a somewhat complicated question, that a consulting firm can help you answer. However, below are five important questions to consider:
- How accurate is your business data?
- Are your important business systems connected?
- Is your company growing (and outgrowing current tech)?
- How satisfied are your customers?
- Do you need to reduce costs from inefficient process or technology?