Technical and Functional Consultant Requirements for ERP Implementation - By: Nick Mutt

Technical and functional consultants are required for ERP implementation to understand the present system and design processes with solutions to the existing problems, implement them and train the users.

ERP implementation is done in four phases first is the requirement phase where the functional consultant gathers the 'AS IS' information, which is, how the particular company is running its business. Second phase is where solutions to the problems and automation of the present system are done, in this phase technical consultant and functional consultant are major players. Third phase is of testing and debugging and also integrating the ERP application with already in use applications and their databases. Final phase is to train the users, issue rights to access and data security protocols.

Functional consultant shall be a good communicator with knowledge of key fields like information technology, programming, logistics, human resource and SCM. Functional consultant works as a coordinator between customer and the project and plays an important role in creating work flows, providing all the information and key problem areas to the technical team, suggesting and explaining changes to the client, imparting training and helping in integration of ERP with on going applications and testing. Functional consultant is also expected to do mapping and GAP analysis for ERP implementation. Creating test scripts by working closely with clients key team members and analyzing the results with the client team as well as technical team of the project is also a major role played by the functional consultant for ERP implementation. Making end user manual and configuration document which provides all the necessary details about the settings done to make the application run for the client is also a role of functional consultant.

Technical consultant takes care of all the technical details related to the ERP implementation for any client. Technical consultant is responsible to understand the 'AS IS' process and work out best solutions and provide with the complete details of technology involved in it. A Technical consultant is the executioner of the plan that has been suggested by the joint efforts of functional consultant and clients team members. Technical consultant shall posses knowledge of various technologies and well versed with different platforms, hands on experience of working with different databases, web development, data transformation, testing tools, system configuration and tools for the protection of data.

Technical consultant in ERP implementation works out the ways of filling in the gap between 'AS IS' and 'TO BE'. The automation of on going processes, solutions to the problem areas and enhancement of work process, suggested by the system analysis team, are studied, analyzed and plan of action is choked out by the technical consultant. After this, technical consultant works in close coordination with functional consultant and development team for testing and deployment of the project. Technical consultant also provide the details of best practices for the smooth running of the application along with steps taken for better data security and disaster recovery. Timely suggestions for upgradations are also expected from technical consultant either for better working or compatibility of the ERP application with latest technology.

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Know How to Become an ERP Consultant? Also find information on CRM Software for FMCG. Know the reputed ERP Job Training Institutes.

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