What to Look For in Your ERP Implementation Partner

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can transform your business operations but many companies don’t have the inhouse expertise to implement these systems themselves. In such a case, choosing the right ERP partner becomes key to the successful implementation and integration of your ERP system, but how to find the best one for your company and project?

If you’re thinking about implementing an ERP system for the first time and need some professional assistance, see our guide to what to look for in your ERP partner.

Knowledge of your chosen ERP system

This may sound obvious, but experience really is crucial. If you have a particular ERP system in mind, it’s important to choose a consultant with plenty of implementation experience related to that specific system. For example, a company specialising just in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central will not be the right partner for you if you’ve already selected Dynamics 365 for Finance & Operations as your future ERP system, even though both solutions are part of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite.

Wide industry experience

Industry experience is another factor to consider. Here, it’ll be good to ensure that your ERP partner has prior experience of working with companies similar to yours. But while you might be tempted to go for consultants who specialise in your company’s vertical, e.g manufacturing or retail (and there is nothing wrong with such approach), you should bear in mind that having experience outside your industry can also be hugely beneficial. ERP consultants who successfully work in multiple industries can bring best practices from other sectors and this might give you the edge over your competitors.

Understand the consultant’s methodology

ERP implementation projects can be complex, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of your chosen partner’s methodologies and the reasons behind them. Many consulting firms are now focusing on digital transformation (rather than just plain ERP implementations) and they might have expertise in areas like change management or business process reengineering.

It’s also important to ensure that the methodology is flexible enough to suit your needs. A superior partner’s methodology should include things like obtaining executive and end-user buy-in, engaging end-users in software requirements, helping you set a realistic timeline and budget for the project, and reviewing your internal processes and suggesting improvements.

An innovative mindset

Implementing an ERP system is a great opportunity for innovation. Look for a consulting firm with an innovative mindset and experience beyond just implementation and integration. The right consultant will seek out great ideas and translate them into positive change for your business. They’ll have experience with innovative ideas that can be translated into real tangible changes, like supply chain efficiencies and ROI.

A diverse team

People with different backgrounds and experiences approach problems from different perspectives. It’s a good idea to look for an implementation team with a diverse range of experience to get the most out of your ERP system. A wider range of experience will ensure that you have all the tools needed to transform your business and use an ERP system to the best of your advantage.

ICS: ERP Consulting for Effective ERP System Implementation

If you’re looking for a trusted ERP implementation partner for your business, get in touch with the team at ICS. We specialise in Microsoft Dynamics AX/D365FO implementation and customisation services, and all of our consultants are Microsoft Certified professionals. We help customers all over the world, so contact us today to see how your business could reap the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.