An ERP consultant is such an integral part of the ERP experience that you simply cannot afford to make a mistake when choosing one. The average business doesn't have the resources or expertise to devote to analyzing, purchasing, installing, and maintaining a ERP system and so the search for the consultant is almost as important as the search for the ERP itself.
These 6 steps will help make the most of your ERP consultant search:
1. Conduct an interview.
Whether you find a consultant via word-of-mouth, an industry meeting, or web search, once you connect with a potential consultant arrange a phone call between the reseller and your team. The key objectives of the meeting should be to establish needs, what software applications the reseller can provide to meet those needs, and how they can help you benefit from that software.
2. Ask for references.
Has the consultant installed ERP software at businesses similar to yours? If so, ask about company size, number of employees, and nature of the business. Ask for contact names and phone numbers, then call to learn as much as possible about the customers’ working relationship with the reseller. A great reseller will be happy to provide such a list.
3. Listening skills are as important as software skills.
If the consultant doesn’t listen effectively, chances are you won’t be satisfied with the final outcome. Take notice if the consultant seems more interested in pushing product instead of analyzing your needs and meeting them. Avoid people who try to impress you with jargon and who immediately start talking about features of equipment and programs without .
4. Find a consultant who fits with your team.
Before the search for a consultant begins, you should establish what type of personality and background will fit well with your team. Choose a consultant who comfortably fits your company’s philosophy and culture. In your search for the perfect software fit, it is important to stick to specific guidelines that are determined by the “cultural fit” of your company and how your company operates as well.
5. Don’t sit through product demos that don't fit your business needs.
It’s easy to get caught up in bells and whistles of a software and forget about your objectives and the must-have list. Come to each demo armed with your company's list of requirements and control the process by asking to see certain features specific to your needs. It’s your demo—have the consultant present features in the order of your choosing, not his. This gives you the ability to ensure that the features you need from each software are consistently presented for your review.
6. Require cost forecast revisions.
Obviously, you’ll need your consultant to forecast the cost of implementation as accurately as possible. A great consultant should be able to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and fees before and during the requirements phase. As objectives change, make sure to request revised cost estimates so everyone is on the same page.
The Klear Systems consultants have been through the purchasing and implementation process countless times through the years and they continue to maintain a large base of happy, well-serviced customers. We would love to save you significant time and money by helping you evaluate, select, and get the most out of your ERP system.
For more information on ERP Software,
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