Successful ERP projects depend on the right team setup and clear role boundaries. In this post I detail how separating the duties of the ERP project manager and the ERP consultant makes ERP projects more effective.

Main Differences Between the ERP Project Manager and the ERP Consulting Team

In ERP projects, project professionalism is the responsibility of the ERP project manager. Project professionals know general project management methods and are responsible for planning, monitoring, controlling, and closing. They ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and to quality standards. The ERP consulting team, on the other hand, handles the technical and functional requirements of the ERP solution. They are responsible for defining solutions that fit the organization and implementing them successfully.

ERP project managers specialize in creating project plans, resource allocation, and schedules. They ensure these plans are executed and revised when needed. They manage scope and changes. The consulting team steps in at implementation and carries out tasks that require technical and functional expertise in line with the project plan.

Contract and Agreement Management

Managing contracts and agreements is another key duty of the ERP project manager. They are responsible for managing contracts and agreements with stakeholders throughout the project. They monitor compliance with contract terms and negotiate when needed. They define project scope and manage scope changes. The ERP consulting team focuses on the technical side of the ERP system: analysis, training, customization, system architecture, data integration, and resolving technical issues.

Dispute and Complaint Management

ERP project managers are responsible for managing disputes and complaints that may arise during the project. They mediate to resolve issues between parties. The ERP consulting team implements and integrates the different modules of the ERP system and ensures they work according to business requirements.

ERP Business Processes and Technical Details

ERP project managers must know the organization's current business processes and operations in depth. Having been an experienced ERP consultant before strengthens them further. This knowledge is critical for integrating the ERP system with business processes. The ERP consulting team knows the technical details and module functionality of the ERP software and ensures the product is configured correctly and ready for use.

Project Goals and Strategic Alignment

ERP project managers ensure project goals align with the organization's strategic goals and steer the project toward long-term objectives. The ERP consulting team focuses on developing and implementing technical solutions and delivering what is needed to meet the organization's technical requirements.

Communication Management and Training

Managing communication and making critical decisions during the project is an important role of the ERP project manager. They enable effective communication among project stakeholders, including ongoing contact with the client sponsor and the client's project management team or board. The ERP consulting team is responsible for training staff who will use the ERP system and for implementation. The ERP consultant and the ERP project manager must work together in harmony for project success.

ERP Consultants' Area of Expertise

The main expertise of the ERP consulting team is the technical and functional side of the ERP software. They specialize in installing, configuring, and adapting the ERP system to the organization's needs. ERP consultants also know the product they implement best. They play a major role in customizing the product and communicating with the software team. Because they know the product's technical details, they communicate effectively with the software team and ensure the right customizations are made.

Why Assigning Project Management to ERP Consultants Is a Mistake

Giving project management responsibility to ERP consultants can risk the project's strategic goals. Project management is not only about technical details; it also includes scope management, budget management, schedule tracking, risk management, and stakeholder communication. It also lets your consultant focus on quality solutions instead of being tied up in project management processes and issues. So assigning project management to ERP project managers is vital for project success.

For ERP projects to be completed successfully, the roles and responsibilities of the ERP project manager and the ERP consulting team must be clearly separated. This separation allows both teams to perform at their best in their own areas and helps the project reach its goals. The best ERP project managers are experienced professionals with ERP consulting experience and project management competence.

Role and Responsibility Comparison

With the clear role boundaries set out in this post, I argue that ERP projects will be run in a healthier and more effective way. Making roles and responsibilities explicit supports project success and the achievement of goals.