ERP Consulting Firms: Best Options in US & UK in 2024
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are needed for any company looking to integrate their business processes and improve efficiency.
With the rapid pace of technological change, many organizations find they need help implementing, upgrading, or optimizing their ERP or CRM platforms.
This is where ERP consulting firms come in. These specialists provide a range of services to ensure your ERP system meets the evolving needs of your business.
Selecting the right ERP consultant can be challenging given the breadth of options available. From Microsoft Dynamics to Salesforce, the options are more diverse than ever.
Below we explore some of the top ERP consulting firms operating in the US and UK today.
ERP Consultation
ERP consulting firms play a very substantial role in helping organizations realize the full potential of their ERP investment.
However, implementing an enterprise-wide system that touches every business function requires careful planning and execution.
ERP consultants provide the expertise needed to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth implementation.
Beyond initial ERP implementation, consulting firms provide cybersecurity consulting and ongoing guidance as needs change. Upgrading platforms, integrating new technologies, and optimizing configurations require the same careful approach.
They also become invaluable partners, using their experience across industries and systems to deliver the right solutions for your unique business needs.
The ERP consulting field attracts some of the brightest minds who thrive on solving complex business challenges through technology transformation.
These individuals offer an objective outside perspective to overcome internal resistance, see past entrenched processes, and focus on how ERP can propel your organization into the future.
Whether you are looking to undertake an initial ERP implementation, upgrade from a legacy system, integrate cloud capabilities, or fine-tune your existing setup, ERP consultants can chart the optimal path forward.
As technology disruption accelerates, leveraging ERP consulting expertise becomes even more crucial to remaining competitive.
Best ERP Consulting Firms in the United States
The US is home to some of the top global ERP consulting firms. Their scale and experience implementing complex ERP solutions worldwide make them top choices for US-based organizations.
These leading firms leverage proven methodologies and deep expertise to ensure successful ERP outcomes tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Here are the leading options to consider for US-based organizations in 2024:
Accenture
Although their headquarters are in Dublin, Accenture is largely active in the US and is a powerhouse firm providing full life cycle ERP consulting for systems like SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and more.
Denarjes
These are specialized in providing software and services for Microsoft Dynamics CRM & ERP throughout North America and the Gulf region. Their reputation and experience in providing quality technology services have redefined ERP delivery to many clients.
Acumatica
Acumatica offers cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software designed for small and medium-sized businesses. The company is based in Kirkland, Washington, situated in the Seattle metropolitan area.
IBM
This is a longstanding provider of ERP consulting including implementation, customization, and platform migration. They’re incredibly strong in SAP and Oracle practices.
Cognizant
Prominent ERP consultancy focused on platforms like SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and Infor. They’re known for their deep digital transformation expertise.
Genpact
Well-known for ERP and enterprise application consulting including integration, testing, and rollout. They’re originally an Indian company, but they take from New York a permanent headquarters.
SuiteDynamics
A global company offering end-to-end ERP consulting and implementation services. They have expertise across platforms like Oracle and Microsoft.
Best ERP Consulting Firms in the United Kingdom
The UK likewise has some highly reputable ERP consulting firms to consider if your organization is locally based.
These established players have proven UK expertise across popular ERP platforms like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics. Below are the leading options for ERP services in 2024 and beyond:
KPMG
Top firm specializing in ERP strategy, processes, data, and change management. They focus on realizing ERP ROI. They are prominent players providing ERP strategy, system selection, complex integrations, training, and support.
VTS Software
VTS Software is a software development company based in Manchester, U.K. Since 2007, their team of professionals has been dedicated to crafting custom software with expertise spanning diverse industries, including advertising, healthcare, and business services.
Itransition
is a global provider of software engineering and consulting services. Their project footprint spans across 40 countries and continues to grow. With offices in the US and Europe, their team of over 3,000 professionals delivers daily business value through technology.
PwC
A leading multi-national firm providing ERP consulting, implementation, and managed services among other industry-focused services.
Services of ERP Consulting Firms
Top consultants offer the following services to fully support organizations throughout the ERP journey:
ERP Selection
ERP consultants are invaluable in assessing an organization’s business needs, pain points, and objectives to determine the ideal ERP platform and vendor to fulfill those needs.
Many of them provide unbiased guidance on comparing ERP options from vendors like SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and more based on functionality, industry fit, technical requirements, and total cost of ownership. Their insight helps avoid the pitfalls of self-directed ERP selection.
ERP Implementation
Implementing an ERP system touches every part of an organization. ERP consultants adeptly manage the end-to-end implementation from initial solution design and configuration of IT infrastructure to custom development, data migration, integration testing, user training, and final go-live.
They ensure critical factors like security, compliance, and disaster recovery are addressed. Their experience rolling out ERP systems globally provides the expertise to make the process smooth and efficient.
Integration
Seamlessly connecting the ERP to existing legacy systems, third-party applications, and new digital capabilities is crucial for realizing the full benefits.
ERP consultants perform complex integrations and API development that internal teams may need more skills to deliver. They ensure data flows correctly between systems and workflows are optimized.
Upgrades
Periodic ERP upgrades are inevitable as vendors release enhanced versions. ERP consultants adeptly guide organizations through major upgrade projects, addressing data migration, reconfiguration, integration shifts, and user retraining. They ensure continuity during complex technology transitions.
Managed Services
Many organizations partner with ERP consultants for ongoing management support post-implementation.
Consultants can provide full 24/7 managed services or targeted staff augmentation to supplement internal teams. This delivery model provides cost-effective ERP expertise.
Legacy Migration
Transitioning from outdated ERP systems to modern cloud-based platforms is a complex endeavor.
ERP consultants have proven methodologies to execute phased migrations from legacy systems with minimal disruption and risk.
Optimization
ERP systems require continuous enhancement and optimization to align with evolving business needs.
Consultants periodically review configurations, workflows, reporting, and integrations to identify improvement opportunities. This ERP optimization maximizes ROI.
Change Management
Realizing ERP benefits requires user adoption across the organization. Consultants drive change management initiatives including stakeholder collaboration, training, and communications to ensure new ERP processes are embedded successfully.
Custom Development
ERP consultants build highly tailored extensions, workflows, interfaces, reports, and integrations where unique business needs exceed standard ERP capabilities. Their development skills fill critical ERP gaps.
ERP Staffing
Consulting firms provide seasoned resources to supplement or fully manage internal ERP teams. This staff augmentation provides skilled talent to support ERP initiatives and ongoing operations.
Cost of ERP Consulting Firms
The cost of engaging ERP consulting firms depends on the scope of services required. Typical cost factors include:
- Size of ERP implementation: Large complex deployments require more consulting hours and therefore higher overall costs.
- Customization and integrations: Highly customized ERP solutions are more expensive than out-of-the-box setups.
- Use of offshore resources: Some firms reduce costs by leveraging offshore consulting support.
- Platform selection: Some ERP systems require more consulting support than others.
- Post-go-live support model: Ongoing managed services require additional consulting fees versus ad hoc engagements.
- Change management needs: Extensive organizational change management increases consulting requirements and costs.
- Consultant seniority: More senior-level consultants demand higher hourly rates.
- Geographic location: Consulting rates differ between countries and global firms.
Final Thought
Implementing ERP systems involves navigating tricky technical and organizational complexities.
ERP consulting firms have become indispensable partners in unlocking the many benefits ERP offers while avoiding common pitfalls.
Top consultants like Denarjes and Acumatica provide the skills needed for ERP success in areas like strategy, system integration, customization, training, and ongoing enhancement.
Their expertise supports organizations throughout the entire ERP journey. For US and UK-based companies seeking ERP consulting partners, the abovementioned firms represent some of the most reputable options to consider in 2024 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Using an ERP Consulting Firm?
ERP consultants provide valuable expertise including guiding ERP selection, ensuring smooth implementation, providing objective advice to overcome internal resistance, integrating complex systems, facilitating upgrades, and more.
When Is the Best Time to Bring in an ERP Consultant?
Ideally, ERP consultants should be engaged during the planning and selection phase. This ensures the solution aligns with business needs from the outset.
How Much Do ERP Consulting Firms Typically Cost?
Costs vary widely based on the scope of services, size of implementation, level of customization, and ongoing support needs. Larger global firms cost more but also bring deep expertise.
What Questions Should I Ask When Selecting an ERP Consultant?
Key questions include: What is your experience with my industry and business needs? Which ERP platforms do you specialize in? How will you determine the right solution for my needs? What is your implementation methodology?
Should I Use a Large Global Consulting Firm or a Smaller Niche Player?
There are benefits to both. Large firms have extensive experience but can be more costly. Smaller niche firms specialize in certain ERP platforms or industries but have less scale.
How Can I Manage the Costs of an ERP Consultant?
Strategies include clearly defining the scope of services, leveraging offshore developer support when feasible, minimizing customizations, utilizing staff augmentation models, and only engaging consultants when needed rather than full outsourcing.
What Makes a Good ERP Consultant?
The best ERP consultants have technical expertise along with business process knowledge. They listen closely to your needs versus pushing pre-packaged solutions. They have experience with your ERP platform and industry.
