The Importance of an ERP Implementation Partner
Investing in ERP software is one of the biggest investments a business can make, but the software itself is only one part of the equation. To make the investment worthwhile and get real success with an ERP system, it often depends on the people building and implementing it.
What Is an ERP Consultant ?
An ERP consultant will analyze business processes and plan a strategy to align all processes with the ERP, making sure every function works seamlessly together.
What Is an ERP
Implementation Partner?
An implementation partner will take the strategy made by the ERP consultant and execute it.
An implementation is a process. The partner will design the workflows, set up data structure, configure the software, customize processes, and more to ensure the go-live is smooth and efficient.
They can also offer training to make sure your employees use the system correctly to boost your results and support to ensure your system always runs smoothly and efficiently.
What Is the Difference Between an ERP Consultant and ERP Vendor ?
An ERP vendor will sell the software, but they may not assist you with the subsequent steps, such as aligning your business processes with the ERP or implementing the ERP itself.
An ERP consultant will do it. They will plan everything to make sure your business processes are compatible with the ERP’s capabilities.
When Do You Need a Partner or Consultant
If your business is small, with straightforward processes, and you need a basic system, you might not need much help and get away with your internal IT team, but if your business has many departments, custom workflows, compliance requirements, or other complexities, you might want to get some extra help.
Bigger companies often require more help than smaller businesses because the complexity and scale of their operations are greater and require more specialized expertise to ensure the best performances.
Some companies manage multiple facilities across multiple departments and countries and therefore require the help of external, unbiased partners and consultants.
External advice is provided from an unbiased perspective that internal teams might overlook due to familiarity or internal bias.
The Hidden Complexity of ERP Projects
An ERP project can seem simple in theory but is actually very complex because of the many parts that play a role in its success.
More Than Just Software:
It’s a Digital Transformation
An ERP can bring multiple departments together, from finance to sales to the shop floor and more. When you change your system, it changes how your people work as well.
People’s tasks change; data entry is automated with an ERP, reducing routine tasks, which leaves more time for higher-value tasks.
Instead of tracking all data in multiple documents, it is stored under one platform with an ERP, making it easy to collaborate with other departments instead of sending documents back and forth endlessly.
Common Pitfalls in ERP Implementation
ERP projects can fail because of:
- Unclear goals or requirements
- Lack of support
- Poor data quality
- Resistance to change
These are some issues that can be avoided with an experienced consultant and implementation partner.
Why Internal IT Teams Aren’t Always Enough
Your IT team is very useful for upkeeping your infrastructure, but an ERP implementation demands specific expertise that can be overwhelming for your IT department. Implementation requires a plan to make all processes work across all departments.
Your IT team might have biases based on familiarity or internal processes, which can lead them to miss certain details that would not be overlooked by an unbiased partner.
The IT department’s expertise is technology, but ERP projects require more than technology knowledge; they require a deep understanding of business processes. Implementation partners have this deep understanding.
A successful ERP implementation requires more than an IT team. It requires the participation of all departments in a business, from human resources to supply chain to sales and more.
It also requires user adoption, and an IT department might not be equipped to train every employees, but an ERP partner is.
A partner knows how to facilitate user adoption and train employees to ensure the correct use of the ERP to maximize results.
The Value a Good ERP Partner Brings
Business Process Expertise
A good partner will understand custom business processes and know how to identify inefficiency and rectify the situation.
Change Management
and User Adoption
An Epicor partner will know how to manage change and user adoption, because people might be reluctant to change. The partner will know how to effectively train your team to get the best results out of your ERP.
Risk Reduction and Realistic Planning
Experienced ERP experts have seen it all; they know what can go wrong and how to avoid it. They know how to execute the work with a realistic timeline and budget.
Tailored Solutions and Customizable Guidance
Epicor experts know the solutions very well. They also understand that every business does not run the same and that customization and tailored solutions might be needed, and they are ready to make everything work for your business.
Ongoing Support After Go-Live
A good ERP partner will offer ongoing support after achieving the implementation process. They will provide technical support if any issue arises and optimize your business processes to make sure you always get the most out of your ERP.
What to Look for in an ERP Implementation Partner
Choosing an ERP consultant and partner is no small task and needs to be carefully researched because it can significantly impact your results.
Industry Experience
ERPs and partners can have various expertise. Some ERP partners provide an overall service, while others are focused on industry-specific offerings.
The key lies within looking for an ERP partner that has specialized ERP consultants that have longstanding experience in a specific industry.
For example, one ERP partner might only focus on aerospace, whereas another has many ERP consultants, each with their own industry knowledge.
Proven Methodology and Track Record
Do they have a proven methodology and a track record?
Ask about it. A proven track record with clients working in your field can indicate greater expertise and get your business better results.
For example, our Epicor methodology consists of 5 steps: prepare, plan, design, validate, and deploy.
Willingness to Challenge You
(In a Good Way)
The best partners are not “yes–men.” They are experts in their field, know what questions to ask, and challenge your assumptions to make sure you get the best results in the most efficient way possible.
Post-Implementation Support and Growth Planning
Make sure your partner supports you after the go live. You don’t want to face a wall if you need technical support.
Also make sure they are the right long-term partner. They understand your specific requirements and workflows and know how to optimize your system to grow over time.
Find Your Long-Term Epicor Partner
Here at EC Solutions, we have over 20 years of experience in Epicor solutions, consulting, and implementation services. We have industry-specific knowledge in the manufacturing and distribution fields and are ready to help your business reach the next level.