Hiring an ERP Selection Consultant: Two Sides of the Coin

Ellen, from the Big Consulting Co, just arrived at her new prospect’s office and they are introducing her to the ERP team. Over the next hour, she tells them about her own experience and that of Big Consulting Co’s principals. All of her colleagues have been ERP selection consultants for a long time and have business and academic experience as well. They have written literally written the book on ERP selection.

A Time-Proven Methodology

Ellen tells them how much faster their ERP selection will be accomplished and how the risk of choosing an ERP that doesn’t fit their needs will be reduced or even eliminated. She has many stories of past jobs they worked on and a few where they didn’t get the assignment (of course, those had poor results).

Employing an ERP selection consultant will free up the company’s own resources to continue making money without the burden of significant time required to evaluate many ERP systems and match them to requirements.

Big Consulting Co uses a time-proven methodology to evaluate the requirements of their clients and help select the optimum ERP for their needs. Because they are not tied to any specific ERP or to any one technology, they can avoid bias and provide the best possible help to the client.

After more than an hour of lively conversation and powerpoints, good questions are asked and answered and Ellen leaves the office promising to check back on Tuesday to complete the paperwork and start work.

Sleeping on the Decision

Joe, Marti, and Phil remain behind in the conference room. The ERP selection consultant’s presentation was good and Big Consulting Co seems to have a proven track record. Phil wonders how they can be sure there is no bias. Sure, they work with several reputable ERP products. But wouldn’t they just happen to select the one with the highest commission as the best one for their business?

Marti and Phil talk a long time about efficiency. Big Consulting Co will use their methodology to reach a quick recommendation. But, maybe some time to think and sleep on the decision isn’t such a bad idea. They will use the ERP a long time – would a few more weeks be a bad thing? The ERP is for the whole company and all should have a chance to make their voice heard. They agree it is important for all to truly buy in to the final ERP selection.

They did not make a decision there and then. Marti is charged with writing up a visit report which will have their recommendation to the VP champion. The report can be ready by the end of the week. But how will that report read in your company?