In implementation functional consultant steps in first and prepares ‘As Is’ document. This document contains detailed description of present working of the entire organization, it also explains problem areas, areas which can be improved through ERP, replacement of redundant processes and ways to increase efficiency of the company through ERP. This document once approved by the customer allows functional consultant to Map the requirements of the customer with ERP and also do GAP analysis which describes the gaps between requirements of the customer, present work flow and the working process of the ERP. After Gap analysis and Mapping functional consultants work with technical consultants to find out ways to bridge the gaps and fulfill customer’s requirements without compromising the benefits of ERP. These are roles and responsibilities of ERP consultants in the pre-implementation process.

Technical consultants identify the requirements related to technology, they suggest solutions and give technical advice about servers, database, hardware, operating system and number of license etc. Functional consultant suggests the best suitable option to the customer according to allocated budget. Together functional and technical consultants also identify the crucial data which has to be transferred to the new system. These are roles and responsibilities of ERP consultants fulfilled by functional and technical consultants together.

Later, for time being, technical consultants take over all the roles and responsibilities of ERP consultants. They install server, operating systems and ERP application, they link ERP database with all the points of input and also with other databases. If it is internet based system it is installed and tested along with security features. Technical consultants design business processes and architecture of the system and also write test cases to test the entire system before handing it over for practical use.

Once ERP has been installed and tested, functional consultants train the staff and provide all the details of the system to run it smoothly. They document entire handling mechanism so that system does not shut down or malfunction later due to bad or wrong entries or mishandling. Functional consultants also document the changes made in the ERP for matching-up with company’s working so that these can be referred for future changes.

The roles and responsibilities of ERP consultants are very important and crucial for ERP’s success, in order to shoulder these consultants shall posses sound knowledge of their respective fields and also good communication and presentation skills. ERP consultants shall remain impartial during entire process and strive to implement the software in a way that it gives maximum benefits to the customer.

Read about ERP Implementation Cost Timeframe. Also know Causes of ERP Failure.

ERP also has immense potential in bringing down cost of production and keep prices of services or products to minimum. The companies who are able to achieve this remain safely placed in the market and withstand threats of competition and new entrants in a sound manner. Companies using ERP get benefits like keeping their inventory under control and better production planning. With better planning over-purchase of inventory and dead stocks get reduced to increase cash flow. Availability of funds gives lot of freedom to the management in taking decisions. This advantage increases effect of an ERP system on the competitive strategy of the company immensely.

Today’s market is customer-centric, with ERP, any organization can improve its responsiveness and providing better services to the customer. Management can get response and feedback from their customers and can plan new products or can add or enhance certain features to launch better product or services in the market. The accurate and timely information made available to the management is extremely beneficial for making correct decisions to get an edge over the competition.

The flawless management of all the units and departments of the organization is major effect of an ERP system on the competitive strategy of the company. It does not matter if company is working at distant geographical locations in different countries with separate systems of accounting, currency and language. Multi-lingual, multi-accounting and multi-currency features of ERP allow large or medium organizations to expand their business beyond geographical boundaries and still manage entire operations with efficiency and ease. ERP enhances business process efficiency, enables speedier actions between units, allows operational staff to access real time information from anywhere and merges entire supply chain network seamlessly. This advantage too makes effect of an ERP system on the competitive strategy of the company immense.

It’s not that ERP only integrates and enhances functioning of primary and support activities which comprise the value chain model it also harmonizes functioning of modules like HR, administration, procurement processes with primary activities like sales, marketing, production and logistics etc to provide an edge to the company over its competitors.

Read about SAP R/3 Architecture. Also know SAP B1, SAP Business One Implementation.