Evaluating the ERP marketplace: Pros and cons of involving a consultant in an ERP project
Pros and cons of involving a consultant in the project
Deciding to invest in a new ERP solution for your business is a huge decision. It can be a costly and time-consuming process to guarantee you are purchasing or upgrading to the right software.
Organisations sometimes decide to employ someone dedicated to the project because they don’t have the capacity or capability in-house to specify and select a solution and oversee its implementation. They may also opt for working with an independent consultant.
There are pros and cons of working in this way, and various areas in which a consultant can get involved. These are:
Business process re-engineering
- Helping to map out existing processes
- Utilising their industry knowledge and expertise to define new processes.
Solution selection
- Saving time in reviewing the marketplace
- Capitalising on their knowledge of systems
- Bringing an impartial perspective to the business decision.
Implementation
- Overcoming a shortage of in-house skills and time
- Helping to ensure the project is delivered on time and to budget.
However, there are downsides to involving a consultant. These can include:
- A significant cost for your company
- The risk of losing valuable information about business processes and the new solution when the consultant moves on
- Investing time to bring the consultant up to speed on your business and its objectives.
We have produced a comprehensive ERP Buying Toolkit that includes information on the best way to build a business case, and prepare for an ERP evaluation process and ERP implementation. For more information or to download the guide complete the form below.