You're starting out in ERP. What career growth opportunities await you?

Ever Since the dawn of computers, there is one career that has stood the test of time and that is business process automation. This has had many avatars and ERP is the big Brother of BPM or Business process mapping. This is one career that can not only generate income for you but also help you gain insights into many many verticals where you get the opportunity to deploy/roll out/implement. The amount of insight that you can get with each implementation into various businesses and business processes is unimaginable. The amount of general knowledge you would gain is mind boggling and actually make you a better individual. Now that is a big statement but this is one career that tells you that how little you as you know more and more.

There can be 2 tracks in ERP: 1.Technical ERP Consultant - They are one who actually make changes in the ERP system.Like changing the integration,adding some extra field in the page, changing the page,creating new report,updating an existing report.They also takes care of the the entire Integration layer 2.Functiona ERP Consultant - They are one who know how the process runs functionally.If there is a need to captured some extra data they raise a demand or change request and the same is implemented by Technical team.They can create a new BP(business process), update it (customise) to align with the company. Generally people tends to start with technical and slowly as they understand the process they shift towards the functional aspect.

Below is my view on a ten year career path in ERP Functional- Entry level 0-2 years (training and getting aware of one module area), Mid level 2-6 years( Module expert to process area expert) Senior level 8-10 yrs( Solution architect- cross functional area awareness and expertise) Technical- Entry level 0-2 yrs(training and getting aware of one technical stream like reports), Mid level 2-6 years (Stream level expertise, awareness of other streams like integration, conversions, extensions,etc.) Senior level 8-10 years(Technical Architect -Cross stream experience and expertise) PM- typically post mid level expertise, technical and functional resources pick up PM track as per their interest levels, or sometimes even forced!

If you become a Super User and or a Specialist in the ERP is one choice that can lead to some opportunities. Become very knowledgeable in the module of the ERP in question and then become a technical Consultant is a path that I have seen with some people that is very successful and lucrative. But ERP knowledge combined with business knowledge can make more powerful as a Consultant and or Project Manager and get leadership positions.

Ground-Level Understanding: Start with a solid understanding of how ERP systems work at the operational level. This can be achieved by gaining hands-on experience as an end user or through internships and entry-level positions. It's important to know the daily challenges and workflows that ERP systems aim to streamline. Selecting a Specialization: Depending on your interests, you can pursue different paths within ERP: Technical: Focus on programming, customization, and system integration. Functional: Work on aligning the ERP system with business processes Techno-Commercial: A hybrid role that involves both technical and functional aspects. Multiple ERP Roles i.e. ERP Consultant, Manager, Analyst, Architect, support and training.

A functional ERP consultant communicates more with ERP stakeholders than the technical consultant. ERP client's requirements definition, business process improvement, participation in ERP vendor selection, ERP configuration, integration of ERP modules, ERP user training, personalized reporting, functional testing and support are the former's activities. Technical ones are data migration from old systems, ERP installation, program customization, integration with third-party applications, workload or other technical testing, ERP system backup and recovery planning, update, upgrade and other maintenance tasks. With soft skills, they can better reduce or eliminate ERP stakeholder resistance to changes brought about by the ERP deployment.

Starting out in ERP, analyst roles are a great entry point. As an ERP analyst, you'll focus on understanding and optimizing how ERP systems support business processes. This involves analyzing system performance, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring that the ERP system aligns with organizational goals. You'll work closely with both technical teams and end-users to troubleshoot issues, gather requirements, and implement solutions. This role helps build a strong foundation in ERP, offering opportunities to specialize further in areas like data analysis, reporting, or process optimization.

ERP software can integrate all of the processes needed to run a company. ERP solutions have evolved over the years, and many are now typically web-based applications that users can access remotely. Some benefits of ERP include the free flow of communication between business areas, a single source of information, and accurate, real-time data reporting.

Business Analysts bridge the gap between IT and business. Analysts are storytellers. They write reports that even non-analysts can understand. They’re like translators at a global summit, ensuring everyone speaks the same language.

I view the role of a Management Analyst in the ERP domain as pivotal to driving organizational transformation. A Management Analyst not only bridges the gap between business objectives and technical solutions but also plays a key role in ensuring that ERP systems deliver measurable value to stakeholders. This role also opens doors to leadership opportunities in project management or consulting. By continuously developing a holistic understanding of business functions and technical configurations, a Management Analyst can help organizations navigate evolving challenges capitalizing on the full potential of ERP solutions.

Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications from leading ERP providers like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft. These can enhance your credibility and career prospects.

Baseado em minha experiência, desenvolvedores com experiência e seniores s?o destaques na área de ERP pois exige bastante conhecimento técnico, da ferramenta de desenvolvimento em si, banco de dados, e se destacam aqueles que também aprofundam seus conhecimentos em processos, pois entendem mais fácil e rapidamente os requisitos das especifica??es funcionais e o nível de retrabalho é baixíssimo.

There are hundreds of ERP applications a company can choose from, and most can be customized. An ERP system can be ineffective if a company doesn't implement it carefully.

Se você tem uma propens?o para codifica??o e personaliza??o de sistemas, a trilha técnica em ERP pode ser sua voca??o. Fun??es como desenvolvedor de ERP ou consultor técnico envolvem trabalhar com linguagens de programa??o, bancos de dados e software ERP para criar solu??es personalizadas que atendam às necessidades exclusivas das empresas. O crescimento nessa carreira pode levar a cargos de desenvolvedor sênior ou até mesmo a fun??es de arquiteto, onde você projeta cenários complexos de ERP alinhados com a vis?o estratégica da organiza??o. Investir em habilidades técnicas e de codifica??o n?o só impulsionará sua carreira, mas também permitirá que você contribua significativamente para o sucesso das implementa??es de ERP.

Its definitely a long journey, however it will be a journey full self-knowledge and very rewarding. Due to the fact that ERP`s are always in evolution you will need to dedicate yourself to a constant studies in order to keep up with its never-ending evolution.

Projetos de implanta??o de sistemas de ERP costumam ser muito desafiadores. Além das competências e conhecimentos de gerenciamento de projetos você precisará de uma sólida forma??o em sistemas.

Coming from a technical and/or consulting ERP background - although not a necessity - can help greatly in a project management role, as it can provide deep insights into the challenges that your team will face, and to guide them towards solutions to same. It can also help to see the relative strengths of your team members, and plan accordingly, providing feedback and mentoring as needed. Trust your team to deliver, while continuously monitoring progress - delegate and resist the urge to deep dive on technical issues.

Project management is a crucial career path within ERP, overseeing implementation projects from start to finish while ensuring they stay on track and within budget. Beyond strong project management skills, an ERP project manager greatly benefits from a thorough understanding of end-to-end business processes and their interconnections. This comprehensive insight facilitates more effective decision-making and problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, it enables clear communication across various organizational levels, tailoring messages to different roles and responsibilities effectively.

A implanta??o de um ERP é aquele momento onde até os gestores precisar?o descer nos bits e bytes, é um momento desafiador, um caminho longo a ser percorrido e cheio de obstáculos. Já imaginou o tanto de customiza??o que será necessária?! Imagine! Construa uma base sólida, busque consultorias preparadas e envolva o cliente nesse processo, será ele quem poderá dar um bom feedback.

As an ERP consultant, you can specialize in various modules like finance, supply chain, or human resources, deepening your expertise in specific business processes. You can progress to roles such as senior consultant, solution architect, or project manager, where you'll lead complex implementations and provide strategic guidance to clients. Additionally, with experience, you can transition into a leadership position within a consulting firm or start your own consultancy, offering specialized services to a broader range of clients. This path also provides opportunities to work across different industries and geographies, enhancing your professional network and expertise.

A consultoria em ERP é uma carreira dinamica que oferece uma vis?o abrangente de diversos setores e modelos de negócios. Como consultor de ERP, você tem a oportunidade de aconselhar organiza??es sobre as melhores práticas para implementar e utilizar sistemas ERP, desempenhando um papel crucial na otimiza??o de processos empresariais. Essa fun??o exige uma combina??o única de conhecimento técnico, perspicácia nos negócios e excelentes habilidades de comunica??o. A capacidade de traduzir necessidades empresariais em solu??es técnicas eficazes é essencial para o sucesso nessa área. O crescimento na carreira pode levar à consultoria sênior, onde você enfrentará projetos mais complexos e poderá se especializar em módulos ou setores específicos.

ERP doesn't needs to be theoretical it's completely practical, Buisness is everywhere , A small Tea Shop is a buisness that can be converted to a ERP store , Given for its Massive Buisness across various organisations , SAP is one of the best ERP tool in current era, A career to start as a functional consultant is very lucrative and draws money to your account (Logistics , Finance , Sales) Are the areas which will never get obsolete and SAP has a very practical module package for these

When you are in consultancy path- Expert in any module Knowledge of Integration Knowledge in business processes Expert in Functional Spec SAP implementation methodology Knowledge of BBP and business scenario Testing and development Configuration Skills

A career with ERP projects for 10-15 years (after experiencing possible roles in ERP projects) can open up possibilities beyond ERP. Areas such as process excellence, transformation, data analytics, etc. are few such avenues where ERP experience can be very valuable. A professional can find opportunities in such areas in various setups - consulting organization, GCC, shared services, in-house IT or even a business function depending on his/ her expertise in a domain or industry (gained during ERP projects).

Consulting in ERP is a dynamic career path, exposing professionals to diverse industries and business models. ERP consultants guide organizations in implementing best practices and optimizing ERP systems. This role demands a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and strong communication skills. Career growth can lead to senior consultancy roles, managing complex projects or specializing in specific ERP modules or industries. #ERP #Consulting #DigitalTransformation #BusinessConsultant #TechLeadership

Tips for Success Network: Connect with other ERP professionals. Join forums, attend webinars, and participate in industry events. Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications from leading ERP providers like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft. These can enhance your credibility and career prospects. Soft Skills: Develop your communication, problem-solving, and project management skills. These are crucial for successfully implementing and managing ERP systems. Mentorship: Find a mentor who has experience in ERP. They can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career path.