Have you ever heard of an ERP consultant? Or are you looking for an ERP consultant? Many companies experience difficulties and confusion when implementing ERP, therefore companies need the help of consultants to choose the right type of module for their business workflow.
Why does it have to be the right mod? Because the ERP system integrates almost all business functions and of course, analysis is needed so that the modules that are already available in the ERP software can be used by companies.
Not all ERP modules are suitable for an industry or company, especially if the company is very large and the system is complex. This article will go into detail about the ERP consultant skills and roles that you need to know to find the right consultant and help you through the ERP implementation process. Come on, we’re listening to this article together!
Definition of ERP Consultant
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is software that allows all of a company’s business activities to be managed and coordinated in one place. ERP can help companies increase their efficiency and productivity, each department no longer needs to use different software because everything is already integrated with ERP.
Business processes that generally exist in an ERP system include accounting and financial management, inventory, sales, distribution, manufacturing, after-sales, human resources (HRD), e-commerce, decision-making, and others. Everything is in one system, sometimes even in the same database.
When planning to use ERP, companies sometimes feel confused about which seller to choose. Even before choosing an ERP supplier, the company must first analyze what needs will be processed in the ERP system. So, this process usually requires input from an ERP consultant.
ERP consultants are people or parties who really understand or are experts in finance, manufacturing, and industry whose modules are available in ERP software. In addition to understanding the industry, ERP Consultants must also be proficient in ERP usage. The consultant’s task is to provide input and advice to clients in choosing the right ERP software. They argue that after analyzing the client’s needs, the client will be satisfied because it meets his expectations.
Types of ERP consultants
There are three consultants that the company will seek to help prepare for the ERP implementation, namely business or functional, technical, and SME (Subject Matter Expert) consultants. Come on, recognize the difference between the three!
Business/Functional ERP Consultant
Functional consultants or also called ERP implementation consultants are usually the first to be contacted or contacted by customers. The consultant will collect data on the client’s needs and then analyze it to understand their business processes.
Its purpose is to record current project specifications, finalize the appropriate configuration, and plan and guide software testing. The consultant will review the business processes of the client’s company that will be implemented in the ERP and evaluate the model so that it can be an adaptable solution to the business processes.
Not all software can solve all business problems efficiently and accurately. Well, this is where the role of the consultant comes in, he will use the information gathered and his expertise to determine the best solution and ensure that the factors identified are taken into account during the implementation of the ERP.
ERP technical consultant
The next ERP consultant will provide technical assistance to the client to fill in the gaps. In some cases, technical consultants will also be responsible for developing specific functionality for the client’s industry and business processes based on the needs identified by the ERP functionality consultant in the previous discussion.
The technical consultant is also responsible for defining and implementing the ERP solution that the client needs. Depending on the project, they may also play a feature role to support the feature consultants.
Technical consultants generally understand one or more programming languages related to ERP as well as the development of interfaces with other applications.
SME (subject matter expert)
SMEs, as consultants in general, also work for clients. They have in-depth knowledge of the businesses, operations, and history of the companies they work for. Knowing all this, they are influential in the development of the company and become a reference in certain operational processes.
SMEs acts as a catalyst by helping external consulting teams understand existing business processes and ERP implementations. Despite the importance of the role of the consultant, its effectiveness largely depends on the employees assigned to the use of the ERP.
ERP Skills and Qualifications Consultant
An ERP consultant is an excellent listener and teacher. His broad technical skills, his curiosity, and his rigor are in high demand by companies wishing to deploy ERP. They are generally good writers, able to summarize information concisely and precisely. A consultant is usually an expert in a particular industry. Consultants will provide solutions for clients in various industries such as distribution, retail, manufacturing, finance, customer relationship, and others.
ERP consultants must have good social skills and easily mingle with people to facilitate learning the aspects that the business needs. His analytical skills are also used to find the best management formula for his clients. Obtaining a certification from a software company can be a plus, it can prove the expertise and experience of a professional consultant in providing ERP solutions to customers.
ERP consultants can earn ERP certifications including SaaS ERP Oracle certification, SAP ERP Business Process Integration certification, and SAP ERP Management Accounting certification.
Information Systems Graduate Salaries
Information systems graduates are sought after by companies to design information systems and business software. The salary offered is quite diverse, depending on the applicable minimum wage and the competence of the company.
Here are some examples of positions for Information Systems graduates majority with an estimated salary:
Work Salary / Month
- IDR network administrator 5,500,000
- System Analyst IDR 5,740,000 – IDR 7,000,000
- Software developer IDR 10,000,000 – IDR 15,000,000
- Information Security Analyst IDR 8,000,000
- IDR Database Manager 7,200,000
- ERP Consultant IDR 7,000,000
- Data Analyst IDR 6,000,000
No. The salary estimated in the table above may vary depending on the applicable minimum wage, skills possessed, work experience, and position held in the company.
Roles and responsibilities of the ERP consultant
ERP consultants must analyze, research, and propose solutions to increase business productivity with the best business practices. Their roles and responsibilities include:
Advise companies in the choice of ERP software taking into account the problems and needs of the company.
Analyze and audit existing management processes, and record project specifications which will then be used to develop module specifications and other documents. Redesign of business processes and adaptation to ERP systems. Perform the configuration and testing of the application according to the functional requirements of the company that have been previously identified. Identify missing software features and ensure that all can be developt. Prepare the functionality and test plans as well as the integration process with the customer.
Facilitate user training sessions to ensure support. Assist customers in the early implementation and operation of ERP usage. Provide after-sales service after the implementation of the ERP system in the client company so that the transition goes well.
Conclusion
The job of the ERP consultant is to provide information and advice to customers in choosing the right ERP software. His broad technical skills, his curiosity, and his rigor are in high demand by companies wishing to deploy ERP.
ERP systems require a significant investment, but if your company needs a complete solution for business operations, using ERP accounting software is the best solution to optimize this process. ERP offers a hybrid cloud service, where you can install software on a desktop server or in the cloud. If install on a desktop server, the software can still be use even if the Internet is unstable. ERP has a dedicated helpdesk during working hours via WhatsApp and calls to help you solve your problems using the ERP system.