Every day I help clients get the most out of their business by deploying smart software solutions. And what I have become convinced of is that the right 'attitude' can really make the difference. A critical, open and honest attitude from both the client and me as a consultant is an absolute must to achieve the optimal result.
Why the consultant must be critical
As a consultant, you should not give clients what they ask for. That may sound strange, but it's easy to explain. If you really want to move the client forward, you have to give the client what he needs. That means holding every customer process up to the light, weighing every requirement or desire for the system and critically asking why behind a customer opinion. After all, as a consultant, you know better how processes run optimally and whether the customer's requirements regarding the software are real or whether a process modification or workaround is more appropriate. This can lead to spirited mutual discussions, but this is necessary to achieve the best project result. As a consultant, you must adopt a professional attitude, not shy away from discussions, focus criticism not on the person but on the process, and vice versa do not take criticism from the customer personally.
Why the customer needs to be critical
An ERP system touches the entire organization, and the choices you make during the implementation affect the success of the organization for years to come. Therefore, use the ERP implementation to take steps forward. That means not copying your current processes 1-to-1 to a new system, but being open to changes and improvements. New ways of working that you may have to get used to, but that should benefit the organization. Make sure that internally you all look critically at the business processes and discover where there is room for improvement. On the other hand, you must also be critical of what the consultant presents you with and not accept everything blindly. If a certain process step or feature in the software is of great importance to your business, you must stand up for it and defend this modification.
The shortest path to success
ERP software can really make a difference for organizations. If you choose a good system with support from an expert partner, your company will gain a clear competitive advantage. But the software is only a tool; your way of working is much more important. And that's where a critical attitude is needed from both you and the software partner. Be open to criticism, be critical yourself, dare to speak up and you will see: this is the shortest way to success.
Luuk Busschers is a Consultant at Dysel and helps customers achieve their goals by deploying industry-specific ERP software.
