Should You Outsource ERP Implementation?
The modern business world is competitive and implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can be the determining factor between the winners and losers in this world. ERP software helps organizations streamline processes, improve operational efficiency and make informed decisions. However, ERP implementation can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires specialized knowledge and skills. That’s why most companies outsource ERP implementation services to ensure a successful and efficient implementation.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of outsourcing ERP implementation services and the pros and cons of keeping the process in-house.
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Outsourcing ERP Implementation Services
Outsourcing ERP Implementation services is a strategic business decision that involves entrusting the planning, deployment and management of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to specialized external providers. Intelligent outsourcing invites many benefits by allowing your organization to leverage the expertise and experience of dedicated professionals, streamlining processes and reducing operational overhead.
By partnering with a seasoned ERP implementation service provider, your company can achieve a smoother, more cost-effective integration of ERP solutions, enhancing overall efficiency and competitiveness in today’s dynamic market landscape.
“Outsourcing your ERP system support requirements to a team of specialists frees up those at the top-end of your business from another distraction, enabling them to focus on the businesses core objectives as much as possible.”
Pros of Outsourcing ERP Implementation Services
1. Expertise and Experience
One of the key advantages of outsourcing ERP implementation services is gaining access to experts who have technical know-how and extensive experience in implementing ERP systems. These experts are well-versed in the latest technology and best practices, allowing them to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation. By outsourcing providers you can leverage their experience, avoid costly mistakes and achieve optimal results.
2. Cost Savings
Outsourcing implementation can be a cost-effective option for your business. Instead of hiring and training a full-time team of ERP experts, outsourcing allows you to leverage external resources. This eliminates the need for additional overhead costs such as salaries, benefits and infrastructure. By working with an ERP consultant with a proven track record of success, you can benefit from economies of scale and reduce overall implementation costs.
3. Time Savings
An ERP project requires significant time and effort. By outsourcing implementation services, you can free up your in-house personnel to address other critical tasks. Your ERP implementation partner can dedicate their full attention and resources to the implementation process, ensuring a faster and more efficient completion. This is especially beneficial if you have a tight deadline or limited internal resources.
4. Access to the Latest Technology
Outsourcing ERP implementation services provides access to the latest technology and tools required for a successful implementation. Third-party providers often invest in cutting-edge ERP software and training methods and infrastructure, allowing your business to leverage the best resources available. By working with external experts, you can take advantage of advanced features and functionalities that align with your specific business needs.
5. Reduced Risk
ERP implementations involve inherent risks, including potential errors, delays and disruptions to business operations. By outsourcing your implementation, you can mitigate these risks by relying on the expertise of the third-party provider. They take responsibility for ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation, minimizing the chance of costly mistakes. With a dedicated team of experts, you can navigate potential challenges and achieve a successful implementation.
Cons of Outsourcing ERP Implementation Services
1. Loss of Control
One potential drawback of outsourcing ERP implementation is the loss of control over the process. When you outsource, you rely on the knowledge and decision-making of the third-party provider, and some providers aren’t flexible in their approach. This can be a concern for your business if you have specific requirements or preferences that you want to be taken into account during the implementation.
Therefore: It’s crucial to establish clear responsibilities and a well-defined management structure, maintaining collaboration with the outsourcing provider to ensure alignment with your business goals.
2. Communication Challenges
Effective communication is vital for the success of the implementation, and outsourcing ERP implementation services can present communication challenges, especially if the third-party provider is located in a different time zone or speaks a different language.
Therefore: It’s essential to establish efficient channels of communication and ensure that all parties involved are on the same page. Get an implementation partner that will work with your team until the project is completed. Regular updates, meetings and documentation can help overcome potential communication barriers.
3. Security Concerns
When outsourcing ERP implementation, security concerns may arise, particularly if sensitive data is involved. It’s crucial to carefully assess the security measures and protocols implemented by the third-party provider to protect your data and intellectual property.
Therefore: Establish robust data protection agreements and confidentiality clauses and insist on compliance with relevant regulations in order to address these concerns and ensure the security of your business information.
4. Cultural Differences
Outsourcing ERP implementation services to a third-party provider located in a different country may lead to cultural differences. These differences can manifest in work styles, communication norms and expectations.
Therefore: It’s important to acknowledge and address any cultural differences. To ensure effective collaboration and minimize misunderstandings, you must encourage open dialogue, cultural sensitivity and fostering a shared understanding of project objectives to help bridge any cultural gaps. However, this may not be the best time to build international relationships, since your company’s entire operations are at stake.
5. Dependency on the Third-Party Provider
Outsourcing ERP implementation services may create a dependency on the third-party provider, especially if they are responsible for ongoing maintenance and support.
Therefore: It’s important to establish a clear understanding of your rights, responsibilities and the terms of the partnership. Additionally, you will need a contingency plan in place in case the third-party provider becomes unavailable or terminates the contract. This will ensure the continuity of ERP system support, particularly if you hire a lone ERP consultant, rather than a firm like Ultra Consultants, with dozens of full-time experts on staff.
Keeping ERP Implementation In-House
Keeping implementation in-house involves managing the entire process internally, utilizing your organization’s resources and experience. This approach allows for greater control, customization and confidentiality. It can be cost-effective in the long run, as you won’t incur external vendor fees. However, it demands substantial time, skilled personnel and rigorous project management that may prove to be costly in other ways.
If you want to implement an ERP system in house, you need to have a well-defined strategy, robust IT infrastructure and comprehensive training for your end users.
Pros of Keeping ERP Implementation In-House
1. In-Depth Knowledge of your Business
Your internal team knows your business inside out. They understand the unique requirements, processes and challenges of your organization. This familiarity can help ensure that the ERP system is implemented in a way that aligns with your specific business needs.
In-house experts can swiftly adapt to evolving business needs, ensuring optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This deep knowledge also bolsters data security, compliance and streamlined decision-making.
However: A familiarity with your own system does not necessarily equate to tailored ERP configurations or seamless integration with existing systems, since most internal team members have little to no knowledge of the extensive ERP landscape currently available.
“Lack of alignment of ERP systems and business processes is a major issue in the implementation of ERP.”
2. Greater Control and Communication
With an in-house team, it is easier to arrange face-to-face conversations, keep abreast of project status and monitor progress. This direct communication allows for better control over the implementation process and ensures that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly. This level of control and communication fosters a collaborative environment, enabling your team to actively participate in the implementation process and contribute their suggestions.
However: In-house relationships can be well-worn, overly casual and strained due to previous work incidents, making for ineffective or incomplete communication channels.
3. Alignment of Business Goals
Teams within your company understand the strategic objectives of your organization and can ensure that the ERP solution supports these goals. They can prioritize functionalities that directly impact your business’s success and focus on areas that require immediate attention. This alignment ensures that the implemented ERP system becomes a valuable tool in achieving your organizational objectives, rather than a generic solution that may not fully meet your needs.
Furthermore, when your employees are assigned to the implementation project, they have a vested interest in its success. Their personal and career development can be tied to the project’s outcome, which motivates them to ensure its success.
However: Internal teams may be biased towards ERP systems they are familiar with or implementation approaches they have experienced once or twice, and their decisions may not be completely objective.
4. Opportunity for Personal and Career Development
Assigning employees to the implementation project provides them with an opportunity to further develop their skills and knowledge. They can gain hands-on experience with a complex and critical project, expanding their skill sets and knowledge base. This exposure to ERP implementation can enhance their value within the organization and potentially open doors for career advancement. Additionally, the learning opportunities provided by in-house implementation can foster a culture of continuous improvement, benefiting your organization in the long run.
However: While ERP projects could provide your organization members with learning opportunities, an ERP project is a complex, time-consuming undertaking, which will likely mean that your employees will have to sacrifice their usual work priorities. Carefully consider the effects of having key employees working on the implementation project rather than on activities driven towards improving your business.
5. Retaining Resources and Knowledge
When you choose to manage ERP implementation internally, you retain control over the personnel and input involved in the process. This means that the company team responsible for the implementation, whether it’s IT professionals or business analysts, continues to build and refine their knowledge about the ERP system and its intricacies. As your employees gain experience and familiarity with the specific needs and processes of your organization, they become valuable assets.
However: While implementing your ERP in-house can result in an increase in knowledge and experience, your team may not be able to keep up with the latest trends and developments in ERP solutions. Your employees need to be focused on the day-to-day support of the system, rather than on researching and implementing new features and functionality.
Cons of Keeping ERP Implementation In-House
1. Recruitment and Training
Implementing an ERP system requires specialized knowledge and expertise. An important, but often overlooked, stage of ERP project management is change management. ERP projects bring immense transformation to organizations, touching all departments of your company. Providing your team with the necessary training and support to adapt to the new ERP system creates an environment where they feel empowered to embrace change and explore the system’s potential.
If your company’s personnel lack the necessary skills, you will need to recruit new employees or invest in training programs or face the consequence of an inexperienced team: an inadequately implemented system. Recruitment can be time-consuming and expensive, and training new hires can add to the overall implementation timeline.
An independent ERP implementation firm will not require additional training or recruitment. Their team already has a deeper understanding of what is required during implementation and has the experience to ensure a successful implementation, including change management. Thus, you will save resources needed to train your employees and put them to better use.
2. Burden on Internal Resources
Assigning employees to the implementation project means they will have less time to focus on their regular tasks. This can lead to increased workload for other team members and the need for additional hiring to fill the gaps.
With an experienced external team, an independent ERP implementation partner can help alleviate this burden and allow your employees to focus on their areas of expertise and on driving your business forward.
3. Lack of Software Expertise
Your internal team may not have in-depth knowledge of the many options within ERP solutions, which can result in implementation decision errors and the need for rework. This can prolong the implementation process and create cost overruns.
On the other hand, ERP implementation consultants have knowledge and experience in the intricacies of ERP implementations and are committed that the project is done in a timely manner and within the set budget.
4. Lack of Large-Scale Negotiation Experience
While many organizations already have an established purchasing department, internal buyers have rarely, if ever, managed the acquisition of enterprise software or related technologies.
With an ERP implementation specialist, you get an experienced negotiator to support your interests, working on your behalf. They will ensure you get the best possible deal at the best possible price.
Conclusion
Outsourcing ERP implementation services can offer numerous benefits, including access to expertise and experience, cost savings, time savings, access to the latest technology and reduced risk. However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider, such as loss of control, communication challenges, security concerns, cultural differences and dependency.
Ultimately, the decision to outsource ERP implementation or keep it in-house depends on the unique requirements and capabilities of your business. Carefully evaluate the potential benefits, cost savings and access to specialized knowledge before making a final decision. By selecting the right approach and implementation partner, you can pave the way for a streamlined and successful ERP system implementation, enabling your organization to optimize each core business process and drive operational efficiency.
Ultra Consultants is an independent enterprise software consulting firm serving the manufacturing and distribution industries in North America and around the world. We leverage our exceptional expertise in ERP implementations, deep industry experience, today’s best practices and a rigorous, proven methodology, to help businesses realize the benefits of modern enterprise technologies–and see real bottom-line results.
