ERP Implementation Companies Guide

Types of ERP Implementation Companies

There are different types of ERP implementation companies available on the market which suit the needs of different projects and transformation programs, as well as different types and sizes of organizations. Let's review three of the most common types of ERP implementation companies.

If you're looking for ERP implementation and consulting companies then make sure you check our independent directory. We list ERP implementation companies for ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics, Netsuite, SAP Business One and more.

Boutique ERP Implementation Companies

These smaller ERP implementation companies typically cater for companies with 10-500 employees and serve only a limited geography. They typically provide implementation services for only one ERP software as well as complementary technology such as analytics solutions and other bolt ons.

Boutique ERP implementation companies are typically stronger at delivering very niche ERP projects in particular industries, for a particular ERP product. On the other hand, boutique ERP implementation companies are typically smaller, cover limited geographies and may not be able to deliver large scale transformation projects from every angle.

Tier 2 ERP Implementation Companies

Between the boutique ERP implementation partners and our next type of ERP implementation company is what we like to call Tier 2 ERP implementation companies. These organizations often provide a service which sits between the niche capabilities of a boutique ERP implementation company and a large-scale systems integrator. This can be ideal when your organization is trying to deliver a project spanning multiple applications and streams of work, from technology implementation to change management and beyond.

Systems Integrators

The largest ERP implementation companies are systems integrators who can enable enterprise-wide technology transformation projects. These ERP implementation companies include the likes of IBM, CapGemini and Accenture. These organizations typically provide their services to global or multinational companies with at least 1000 employees up to Fortune 500 organizations, with exceptions.

How to choose an ERP Implementation Company

1. Choose your ERP Product

The first step in choosing your ERP implementation company is to choose which ERP product you want to implement. We provide Top 10 ERP reports for manufacturing, services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and more if you're not sure where to get started. These reports can help you decide which ERP products and ERP implementation companies to evaluate:

You can also speak to one of our advisors for free to help you compare and shortlist ERP solutions that suit your company needs.

Questions to ask an ERP Implementation Company

Which ERP solutions do you specialize in?

The majority of ERP implementation companies will specialize in one ERP solution, however some implement multiple solutions. It's great to understand what are you chosen ERP partners core competencies before signing up.

How many ERP implementations have you completed?

Its a simple question but an effective one which aims to quantify the amount of experience your chosen ERP implementation company has.

Which companies do you typically serve?

You should try to understand if you are on the smaller or larger side of your ERP implementation company's customer base. Ideally, you want to sit somewhere in the middle, if not be on the larger side as it's likely this will make your business more important to your chosen ERP implementation partner.

Can I speak to one of your customers?

Having a reference call with at least one customer from an ERP implementation company is crucial in understanding how effective your chosen ERP partner is.

What is your resourcing model?

It's important to understand whether your ERP implementation company is using an on-shore or offshore resourcing model as this can impact results, quality, cost and more.

What is your availability & resource utilization?

Your ERP project can only be implemented on time if your ERP implementation company has the right resources and people available at the right time in the project. It's not uncommon for delays to happen because an ERP implementation company has overbooked their resources.  On the other hand, it could be a worrying sign if your ERP partner has too much time on its hands.

Have you implemented ERP for any of my competitors or peers?

It's a good idea to understand if your ERP implementation partner has provided services to any companies you regularly do business with or compete with. Although ERP implementation partners and companies may put their best customer references forwards, nothing beats getting a first hand review from a trusted source.