ERP CONSULTANT | ROLES & DUTIES

An ERP consultant plays a vital role to build a successful software system. They deal with the implementation process and try to solve problems that arise during implementation. Any Enterprise resource planning software implementation can be tricky which needs to be match the requirements of the organization workflows and processes including the Business software project undertaken by the Vendor while implementing modules.

A good ERP consultant should be able to find out the strength and weakness of the system and try to improvise the business process instead of customizing the Solution. Key understanding of business environment flow and processes of a company enhances; betterment of each and every business processes during the implementation of an ERP solution.

Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning solution streamline business process and workflows but ERP consultant helps you to provide with best of industry process to maintain growth in both long-term as well as short-term. Understanding of different departments and processes or business models such as Customer Relationship Management, Production, Manufacturing, Human Resources Management, Supply Management, Finance, Product Lifecycle Management, Inventory, Purchase, etc is very important.

As the owner of a company, it may not be possible to have full-fledged knowledge of every department and processes. A Good Consultant helps you to differentiate the existing business process and able to implement the current business flow diagrams and activity diagrams. They helps to grasp the requirements of the customer and able to provide a solution for the problems in the business process.

ERP consultants are sound with technical as well as functional point of view including familiarity with the latest business intelligence tools.

Roles and Duties of an ERP Functional Consultant:

1) Management :

One of the major duties of an ERP consultant is to manage complete lifecycle of implementation this starts from understanding the business processes of an organization till project management and designing of different phases of  implementation which includes – Customizations, integration, support, understanding of forms, fields, workflows etc.

If you hire an Independent specialized Enterprise Resource Planning software consultant ensure all the above list of task of management is handled by the him/her. They also ensure the finalization on the ERP software vendor and managing each and every task either part time or full time based on the project requirements.

2) ERP Support :

Support plays an important role in any software development. ERP functional consultant ensure that the organization implement a complete solution that meet their business needs and lead the client project throughout the development and the support phases. Even after project completion, A consultant helps organization for phase 2 development in case of huge software implementation.

3) Enhance Business Processes :

A consultant ensure the business processes used by organization are optimized for better growth. Consultants helps in business requirements analysis, define objectives of the software, and transform organization processes at optimum level. Even in ERP solution these processes and workflow are met properly.

4) Resolving Complex issues :

Every organization consist of processes which are easy and complex, another important duty of ERP consultant is to resolve complex processes issues and data mining into the solution.

5) Preparing Test Cases:

Sometimes Functional consultants are also expected to prepare test cases for testing the current ERP system. Testing may also include Unit testing, System Integration Testing, Performance Testing, User Acceptance Testing, Regression Testing, or any client specific software testing.

6) Overall consultancy :

Any Enterprise management software Implementation consist of various modules for departments such as Sales, purchase, accounting, finance & HR. A functional Consultant provides necessary support and over all consultancy for each and every department and even for the verticals such as Trading, manufacturing, Service and so on…

7) Training :

Training is one of the important part of any ERP implementation that has been ignored by organization after the implementation. As the end user needs to understand how to software works and which are the functionalities software provides. Functional consultant also helps organization with training either at client side or Online. Proper documentation of Training needs to be prepare in order to make optimum use of ERP after implementation.

8) Documentation :

Consultant helps in preparing the system design and documentation including forms, workflows, processes, fields and every other areas which companies are looking out in their ERP system. Documentation also includes the project plan and phases of ERP system. This helps business to create a proper goals of go live.

9) Enhance Knowledge :

ERP consultant helps in update knowledge on domain field practices and related technology. As with system new functions always upgraded in order to ensure businesses gain maximum advantage.

10) Reporting :

Consultant helps in performing daily activities with respect to Business software and provide complete activity reports on the plan, schedules, demo, go live, support phases.

Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system is a complex process that can be risky if not properly planned. To ensure the system’s successful deployment, it’s highly recommended to bring in an external expert who can manage the planning and execution. With their experience, companies can fully integrate the new system and maximize the benefits across all departments. Some businesses avoid hiring external experts to save costs, but this can be risky, especially for larger-scale implementations.

Key Contributions of an ERP Consultant

1. Strategic System Deployment  – An ERP implementation consultant designs and refines the overall system deployment. Their deep understanding of both pre- and post-implementation strategies ensures that the process is streamlined, helping you avoid issues that might arise during the transition. This expertise allows for a fast and smooth system rollout, minimizing disruptions.

2. Business Process Documentation –  Specialists carefully document internal processes, often revealing inefficiencies or gaps that may not be apparent to staff. This documentation is crucial for identifying weaknesses and finding areas where the system can improve operations. Even small errors can lead to significant issues, but a professional’s thorough analysis helps prevent them.

3. Experience and Expertise ERP software providers usually supply the system, but they don’t always offer guidance on how to implement it effectively across different departments. An experienced implementation specialist applies their knowledge to ensure a seamless integration tailored to your organization’s needs. Their expertise helps navigate the changes that software introduces.

4. Simplifying Complex Systems –  For teams unfamiliar with ERP systems, the technology can be overwhelming. External specialists can break down the complexities and make the system easier for employees to understand and adopt. By providing clear explanations and practical guidance, they ensure that the team is comfortable with the new technology, reducing resistance to change.

5. Leadership and Project Management  – In smaller organizations, limited manpower and expertise can make it difficult to manage an ERP project. A knowledgeable expert provides essential leadership and direction, helping teams plan and execute the project efficiently. This guidance ensures that productivity is maximized during the transition, with managers fully understanding how to lead their teams through the changes.

Why Hiring an ERP Consultant is Essential for Mid-Sized and Large Projects

While some businesses may skip hiring consultant to cut costs, this approach can backfire, especially with large system deployments. Implementing an ERP system is a complex process that requires deep expertise, careful planning, and experience to ensure its success. Hiring an ERP consultant can significantly impact the effectiveness of your development and long-term business success. Here’s why it’s essential to have an ERP consultant on board:

1. Expertise and Experience:

An ERP consultant brings specialized knowledge and experience that is crucial for a successful implementation. They have a deep understanding of ERP systems, industry best practices, and how to tailor the system to meet the specific needs of your business. With their experience in managing complex ERP projects, they can help you navigate challenges that may arise and ensure a smooth transition.

Example: An ERP consultant can identify potential roadblocks early on, such as integration issues with existing systems, and provide proactive solutions. They can also guide you through the customization process to align the ERP system with your business processes, ensuring that you get the most value from your investment.

2. Tailored Implementation Plan:

Every business is unique, and an ERP system must be customized to fit its processes, workflows, and goals. An ERP consultant will work with your team to understand your business operations and create a tailored implementation plan that addresses your specific needs. They will also help prioritize the modules to be implemented and ensure that the system aligns with your long-term goals.

Example: If your company deals with multiple product lines, an ERP consultant can help you design a solution that accommodates the complexity of your operations, such as managing different warehouses, inventory tracking, and supply chain optimization.

3. Time and Cost Savings:

Without an ERP consultant, you may face delays, unnecessary costs, and missteps that could extend the project timeline. A consultant can help you stay on track and avoid common pitfalls, resulting in faster implementation and reduced costs. Their experience allows them to foresee challenges and take proactive measures, ensuring that the project stays within budget and deadlines.

Example: If you don’t have an ERP consultant, your team might spend unnecessary hours trying to resolve issues that could have been avoided with expert guidance. A consultant’s knowledge of potential roadblocks helps avoid costly mistakes, leading to a smoother, quicker implementation.

4. Change Management Support:

Implementing an ERP system often involves significant changes to business processes, which can cause resistance from employees. A consultant is skilled in change management techniques and can help ease the transition by providing training, support, and communication strategies. They ensure that your team understands the new system and feels comfortable using it.

Example: An ERP consultant might lead training sessions for employees on how to use the new system, address concerns, and foster a positive mindset about the changes. This can help reduce resistance and ensure a smoother adoption process.

5. Ongoing Support and Optimization:

The role of an ERP consultant doesn’t end once the system is implemented. They can continue to provide ongoing support, ensuring that the system is optimized and working effectively. They can help troubleshoot issues, update the system as needed, and ensure that your business is getting the most out of the ERP system as your needs evolve over time.

Example: After the initial implementation, an ERP consultant might assist with ongoing performance evaluations, recommend system updates, and help you leverage new features or modules as your business grows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hiring an ERP consultant ensures that you get the most value from your software. Their expertise, tailored approach, and ongoing support can help streamline the implementation process, reduce risks, and maximize your return on investment.

No matter which ERP system you are selecting or implementing for your business. A functional consultant helps you to create a proper plan for deploying features that your organization may be missing for business growth.

At GlobalTeckz, we specialize in offering ERP implementation services, particularly for the widely-used open-source platform, Odoo. We provide comprehensive documentation of your business processes and a structured approach that guarantees a successful system rollout. As a Vendor we know specialized ERP consultants who worked with us together on Highly customized implementations.

For further information, contact us at sales@globalteckz.com

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