ERP consulting services can break down the complexity of ERP projects, making them attainable for organizations of all sizes.
But what sets the best consultancies apart?
How do you find the right fit for your organization?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Key takeaways:
- The best ERP consulting companies handle the strategic advisory phase as well as implementation and support.
- ERP consultancies advise on process changes, data mapping, integration, and more.
- Top ERP consulting firms can assist with cybersecurity and regulatory compliance as part of your ERP project.
What is an ERP consulting company?
An ERP consulting company is a strategic advisory firm that helps an organization choose, implement, and integrate an ERP system. If the consultancy offers comprehensive services, they typically help with migrating from the old ERP system as well as supporting the new ERP system after launch.
Some ERP consulting firms specialize in certain platforms, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle, Odoo, and others. Consultancies may also offer specialized expertise in certain industries.
Not all ERP consulting firms are created equal. If you need things like US-based support, cybersecurity expertise, or competitive service bundles covering ERP, EDI, IT, and more, then it’s important to find a comprehensive provider.
Hint: Here at Corsica Technologies, we cover all that and more.
What specific services do ERP consulting companies provide?
ERP consulting companies offer services like ERP requirements assessments, ERP solution selection, process mapping, project management, and much more. A consultancy will cover every requirement in detail that’s within the project scope.
Here are the specific services offered by top ERP consulting firms like Corsica Technologies.
| Service Type | Description |
| Requirements Assessment | Analyze business processes and current ERP data landscape (if any). Interview users and stakeholders to understand current pain points. Recommend process improvements, where possible, to be supported by the new ERP system. Define desired end state in terms of business processes. |
| Solution Selection | Evaluate ERP platforms (like Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, Odoo, SAP, and others) and recommend the right solution for the client. |
| Project Management | Establish timeline, budget, roles and responsibilities, check-in cadence, and lines of communication for stakeholders. |
| Process Mapping | Determine how business workflows will be supported by specific ERP configurations. Define the transition for each process to move it from its current state to the desired end state in the ERP. |
| ERP Customization | Configure the ERP system to support the client’s unique workflows and requirements. |
| Data Migration & Integration | Migrate data from existing internal systems (old ERP, CRM, WMS, etc.) to new ERP database. Configure, test, and refine any required integrations to other internal systems (EDI, SCM, WMS, CRM, etc.). |
| Implementation & Testing | Deploy the new ERP system to a test environment and conduct thorough testing. When ready, launch the new ERP system to the live environment and transition operational workflows to occur in the new system. |
| Training & Change Management | Train users on the new ERP system, including the specific workflows and features that are relevant to their roles. Ensure onboarding of all required users. Establish lines of communication for ERP system support. |
| Support after Launch | Maintain solution properly with system updates, integration updates, new feature rollouts, cybersecurity monitoring, user maintenance, and end user support. |
| Optimization & Improvement | Continuously optimize, improve, and tweak configurations as needed to adapt to changing business needs. Consult regularly with the client to understand current strategy and align the ERP system with it. |
How do ERP consultants decide which ERP system to recommend?
An ERP consulting company will work closely with you and your stakeholders to determine your needs. This phase, called a requirements assessment, will cover all aspects of your business processes and the desired end state with your new ERP system. Based on the results of this assessment, the ERP consulting firm will make a recommendation on an ERP platform.
Here’s the process that we use at Corsica Technologies.
- Assess current business processes that can or should be supported in the ERP.
- Map to best practices and make recommendations for process changes, as required.
- Align on client’s budget, preferred hosting model, and support requirements.
- Create a shortlist of 1-3 recommended ERP solutions, then present them to client.
How much do ERP consulting companies charge for their services?
ERP consulting companies typically charge $100 – $300 per hour. The exact rate often depends on the consultancy’s expertise and experience, the platforms they specialize in, and the market segment they target (for example, small businesses, midmarket, enterprise, etc.).
Consequently, the total cost of ERP consulting services can vary greatly. This table provides some sample costs based on ERP project size and the consulting company’s billing rate.
| $100/hour | $200/hour | $300/hour | |
| Simple project (300 hours) | $30,000 | $60,000 | $90,000 |
| Intermediate project (3,000 hours) | $300,000 | $600,000 | $900,000 |
| Complex project (10,000+ hours) | $1,000,000+ | $2,000,000+ | $3,000,000+ |
Do ERP consultants provide end-to-end implementation or just advisory services?
Some ERP consulting companies only handle the advisory portion, handing off the rest of the project to a partner. Other consultancies, like Corsica Technologies, can handle a project from start to finish, including support after launch. The answer really depends on the capabilities of the consultancy—and whether they offer ERP managed services in addition to strategic advisory services.
Here are some questions you can ask as you evaluate potential partners.
- Do you handle end-to-end implementation and ongoing support, or just the initial advisory phase?
- If you handle only the advisory phase, are we free to choose our own implementation partner, or are we required to use your preferred partner?
- If you handle the entire project, what customer testimonials and team certifications do you have to demonstrate competency?
How do ERP consultants handle data migration and system integration issues?
ERP consultancies bring proven workflows to the table for data migration and system integration. While every scenario is different, top consultancies start with these playbooks while maintaining the flexibility to adapt their processes to your scenario.
Here’s how ERP consulting companies handle these issues in detail.
- Thorough assessment of your requirements in the planning phase
- Comprehensive data mapping prior to migration or integration
- Full system testing in a development environment
- Mitigation of any issues before launch
- Processes for maintaining integration after launch
Do ERP consulting companies provide post-implementation support and training?
The answer depends on whether the ERP consulting company handles the entire project or just the advisory phase. Here at Corsica Technologies, we handle ERP projects from start to finish to ongoing support. This way, you get one strategic partner who takes full ownership of your ERP system—including implementation, integration, user training, and ongoing support.
How do ERP consulting companies ensure compliance with applicable regulation?
ERP consulting companies assist with compliance at every stage of the process. From the initial needs assessment to support after launch, top ERP consultancies ensure that compliance is a core part of the project.
Here are the specific initiatives that consultancies undertake to ensure ERP compliance.
- Regulatory audits and gap assessments
- Recommendation and implementation of additional cybersecurity controls
- Recommendation and implementation of audit trails and change logs
- Implementing unique ERP configurations to support regulatory requirements
- Continuously maintaining ERP system patches
The takeaway: Get the help you need with an ERP consulting company
ERP projects are complex and high-stakes, but the right partner will give you confidence in both the process and the outcome. Here at Corsica Technologies, we’ve helped 1,000+ clients solve their biggest technological problems. Whatever ERP challenges you face, we can help. Contact us today to get started.
Ready to solve your ERP challenges?
Reach out to schedule a consultation with our ERP consulting specialists.
