4 Reasons to Use a Boutique Firm for ERP Consulting Services

The demand for enterprise resource planning (ERP) talent is increasing rapidly—in fact, the global market for ERP software is expected to grow by $136.1 billion over the next decade. These comprehensive software solutions—like SAP, Workday, or Oracle, for example—offer opportunities to streamline business operations that can’t be ignored. But who should you trust to implement your enterprise software? You may plan on outsourcing entirely to one of the Big Four firms, but we’d like to make a case for using a boutique firm for ERP consulting services.

Most people understand boutique firms offer a cost-effective alternative to big integrators. It’s no surprise the median bill rate for a boutique ERP consulting firm is lower than that of the largest firms. But the benefits don’t stop there: boutique ERP solutions providers like Conexess can offer superior talent in the space because of their hyperfocus on a niche solution. Imagine having an on-call roster of elite talent at all times—that’s close to what you’ll experience working with a boutique firm.

Large integrators aren’t all bad, of course. Companies rightly choose to work with them because they have a defined methodology and an abundance of resources. But when critical skill gaps arise, partnering with a boutique firm for ERP consulting services can be a helpful supplement in finding the exact talent you need.

Let’s break down four of the biggest reasons you should choose a boutique firm instead of—or in addition to—a large integrator for ERP consulting services.

White-Glove Service

Boutique firms offer a more personalized approach to ERP talent sourcing. And why wouldn’t they? These specialized service providers focus on ERP all day, every day—not just when they need to check the boxes. In our industry experience, we’ve found that clients who chose to work with a boutique staffing firm felt their business needs were better understood than solely with a big integrator.

A smaller organization can also take deeper dives into customer needs, offering customized staffing solutions such as onsite support and managed services.

Ethical Sourcing of Consultants

Much like today’s consumer wants to know where their food is coming from, today’s hiring manager needs the full story on the origins of their elite talent. Boutique firms work to establish and maintain robust networks of specialized consultants, which clients can access directly. Transparency and communication are key at this stage in the process, simplifying the process for hiring managers and consultants alike.

Here’s a fun fact: large integrators often partner with boutique firms to find the ERP specialists they need, so working directly with a boutique effectively “cuts out the middleman.” The client benefits by working with carefully curated talent, typically found through a more stringent vetting process. This is largely a product of methodology—project managers at boutique firms are typically unbiased and will work on behalf of the client with both internal resources and larger integrators to keep everyone honest.

No Bait-and-Switch Tactics

Bait-and-switch tactics can be a common practice among many large consultancies. The ideal specialist is dangled in front of an eager client only to be replaced mid-implementation by a junior recruit. The recruit may be perfectly capable working within the ERP platform in question, but some younger consultants lack the business process knowledge needed to truly understand a client’s requirements. Most organizations that work with the largest firms will eventually experience this scenario.

Boutique firms prioritize transparency and honesty throughout the process of sourcing proven consultants. By the time an ERP specialist contacts a client, a boutique firm like Conexess will have already done the legwork to know that specialist’s skills, track record, and personality.

Access to Top Talent at a Reduced Rate

We’ve already established this clear benefit, but it bears repeating: When compared with global integrators in the space, boutique firms can offer access to niche talent at a much-reduced rate. When you consider the increase in quality organizations can experience, it truly underscores the value of “going boutique.” After all, who wouldn’t want to save money and still get the best resource?

Boutique is Better

There’s no denying it: working with a boutique firm for ERP consulting services can offer numerous benefits, including cost-effectiveness, personalized attention, ethical sourcing, and transparency. As the demand for ERP talent continues to grow, organizations should consider partnering with boutique firms like Conexess—as either an alternative or a supplement to larger integrators—to find the specialized expertise they need to succeed in this competitive market.

Ready to find your next superstar ERP consultant? Reach out to Conexess today!