Since it’s evident that even the well-known Instagram creator, better known as Dude with a Sign, is curious about what consultants actually do, we’ve concluded that this topic definitely deserves a more detailed exploration than simply revealing the secrets of a successful consultant. According to our colleagues, there are many misconceptions about what a consultant’s job entails. From being seen as someone who simply conveys client requirements and desires to the development team, to being thought of as mere testers of programs. However, everyone agrees on one thing – the key to being a consultant lies in the willingness to learn and continuously improve. An ERP consultant is a position for an expert who deals with ERP system implementation. To avoid going over what ERP is again, let’s do a quick recap before diving into today’s blog topic. ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, and it involves using a software platform to integrate different functions and processes within an organization. This helps manage business operations efficiently, including handling finances, procurement, sales, manufacturing, human resources, and other business functions.
Willingness to Learn and Develop – Crucial
Therefore, we could conclude that the role of an ERP consultant encompasses multifaceted knowledge, from analyzing business processes to providing support and maintenance. This means consultants must be motivated and ready to continuously upgrade their skills and adapt to challenges. Actively keeping up with new technological trends, participating in formal and informal training, conferences, reading professional literature, and engaging in communities are crucial for a good consultant.
You need to be open to change and innovation, because that’s what you’ll be expected to deliver to others. Quickly adapting to new situations is very important. When we talk about learning, it’s not just about acquiring new skills and knowledge. That’s why willingness is crucial. Adapting and applying new information in practice is important. Continuous learning, adaptation, and perseverance in overcoming challenges are essential characteristics of a successful ERP consultant.
Several Paths to a Consultant Role
The question often arises, echoing from the 20th century – “Which schools do you graduate from to become a consultant?” The truth is that formal education provides a crucial foundation in terms of comprehensive knowledge and analytical approaches. When it comes to ERP systems, it may be more important to discuss skills and directions someone with consulting intentions should pursue rather than focusing on a specific school. However, it’s best to combine appropriate education with experience.
Anyone interested in ERP can enter this field. However, those who excel in information systems and computer science have a better understanding. A broader understanding of IT and its application in business environments provides a good foundation for this job. Business administration also paves the way in this direction. Combining areas such as management, accounting, finance, and even marketing provides a broader understanding of business processes and organizational needs. Therefore, it’s also a good starting point for ERP. Jobs necessarily connected with accounting and finance often intertwine with ERP, so there will undoubtedly be certain connecting points among those who manage these knowledges, whether they have acquired them formally or informally.
What Guarantees Success in the World of ERP Consultants?
Success in the world of ERP consultants depends on a combination of technical skills, business understanding, interpersonal skills, and experience. While there is no one “secret ingredient” for success, it’s the combination of all these factors that makes the difference.
Through a commitment to continuous learning, adaptation, and professional development, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t succeed in your job and become a respected expert in your field as an ERP consultant.
And creativity?
It might seem, despite all of the above, that creativity is not necessary for this job, but we’ll have to convince you. Our colleagues say that imagination and the ability to bring creative solutions to the table are one of the most enjoyable aspects of this job. Our colleagues Sara and Dragana, who are now experienced ERP consultants, claim that the most interesting part of the job is precisely the opportunity to devise something new with each project. Making proposals and developing new types of functionality, devising new ways of reporting or automating a process – involves a lot of team brainstorming and creativity in thinking.
Key Steps in the Role of an ERP Consultant
After arriving at work in the morning, having coffee, and briefing with colleagues, consultants begin their day by prioritizing daily tasks. These tasks vary depending on the project currently being worked on and the phase of that particular project. Every implementation process (project) consists of several key phases:
- Phase I: Project Preparation – usually involves the first meeting of the client with the implementation team.
- Phase II: Conceptual Design – developing the project concept involves several steps leading to its final version, where perhaps the most significant item is Business Process Analysis. Business Process Analysis involves a thorough examination of current business processes within the organization to identify key areas where an ERP system can enhance efficiency and productivity. Without analyzing the current state, it’s impossible to propose the necessary development that should improve it. Once the conceptual design is finalized, agreed upon, and approved, it moves on to the third, perhaps most demanding phase.
- Phase III: Project Realization – depending on the project requirements, this phase can last from 3 months to a year. It involves numerous steps such as further analysis, data migration, creation of new and enhancement of existing functionalities, and preparing user manuals as well as scheduling time for user training.
- Phase IV: Final Preparations – involve setting up the production environment and migrating all data for Go Live.
- Phase V: Project Go Live and Post-Production Support
Perhaps the most important process in any learning is the knowledge transfer process. The consultant’s greatest responsibility lies in organizing and conducting training sessions for employees to enable them to effectively use the ERP system. This may include workshops, individual training, and preparing user manuals. Additionally, throughout the implementation process, consultants provide continuous support to resolve any issues and ensure a smooth transition to the new system without disrupting business operations.
Every successful implementation is followed by ERP system maintenance support. This involves resolving technical issues, software updates, and system adjustments to accommodate changes, which cannot be smoothly managed without a patient and dedicated consultant.
Technical Expertise – Important Prerequisite
To succeed as an ERP consultant and position yourself highly in your job, technical expertise is crucial. Efficiently solving technical challenges and optimizing systems to meet client needs will depend on you. This means that topics such as databases, programming, system integration, data management, and security procedures should be part of your knowledge base, or at the very least – interest.
Through a deep understanding of how an organization operates and the important steps in its processes, a consultant can suggest solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity. For example, a good consultant must delve deeply into interviewing key employees and analyzing documentation. Once they gain this insight, they can identify challenges and improvement opportunities. Based on this analysis, proposing an ERP system that optimizes operations is done together with the team. One could say that all these cuts and jumps are difficult for the organization, but they certainly lead to improvement. The strength of a good consultant is precisely in subtly imposing this process but above all, they understand it to the fullest.