Because ERP systems manage so many aspects of the business and usually require integration with other systems, they can be complex, requiring companies to hire ERP professionals to handle the deployment. These professionals have specialized ERP skills and knowledge to not only get an organization up and running on ERP software—whether that’s for the first time or as an upgrade to a new system—but also manage the project, drive change management initiatives and educate users.
ERP professionals typically fall into a few broad categories:
Functional Consultants are involved in the high-level strategic thinking that underpins an ERP implementation or migration. They provide insight into managing the workflow processes of various departments, including human resources, accounting, sales and marketing, and materials management—which all influence the implementation strategy.
Technical Consultants are responsible for the tasks required to implement a new ERP solution. They handle programming, integration, installation and customizing the system to meet the company’s requirements. They also set up automation and reporting tools that various employees need to facilitate their jobs.
Techno-functional Consultants play hybrid roles. They understand both the business processes and the technical requirements for a particular area of ERP, like inventory or finance, and can work on the implementation and management end to end.
Top 3 ERP Skills for an ERP Professional
Technical Skills: Technical and techno-functional ERP professionals must have the knowledge and experience to implement hardware and software. These skills can come from hands-on experience in ERP development and can include coding skills. As ERP systems from different vendors can vary greatly, these professionals need to know the ins and outs of each system with which they work.
Professional Skills: ERP implementations help business units achieve a higher level of efficiency, so ERP consultants need professional skills in the functional areas that will be affected. These could include skills in accounting and finance, sales and marketing, supply chain management, materials management, and purchasing and procurement processes. These skills are necessary to assist with setting up workflows that align with business processes. ERP consultant résumés often include “business requirements” as a skill set.
Soft Skills: ERP implementations involve people as well as technology—and there may be many people involved, from end users to executives. Some of the most important ERP skills are soft skills: collaboration, teamwork and conflict resolution. Just as individual business processes and systems need to work together, so do people.
How to Become An ERP Expert
Formal Education: Most ERP professionals have a bachelor’s degree, typically in a field like computer science or IT.
Experience and Background: Additionally, ERP consultants usually have a business or technology background. Some companies will want ERP consultants with accounting experience. Most consultants have worked on ERP implementations as part of a team; experienced consultants may have worked on ERP systems in a variety of industries.
Certifications and Requirements: Being certified in specific ERP systems is definitely a plus for consultants. These certifications demonstrate to companies that the professional has undergone comprehensive training and has expertise in the system.
Note: This article was taken from https://www.netsuite.com/
