“I think the most important thing to appreciate is that when implementing anything of the nature of Rapport3, or any system like it which represents a significant change to the way people work in the business, it’s really important to have a plan and stick to it. Cubic were great - they effectively led that planning process through the initial consultancy to establish our requirements.” - Ryder Architecture.
Avoiding the False Economy of Cutting Consultancy Costs
Jen Lane
January 23, 2024
The False Economy of Cutting Consultancy Costs
False economy is the action of saving money initially but wasting money in the long run. For example, you want to purchase something new and price all the options. One of the options has a price that is almost too good to be true. However, you don’t have to wait too long to learn that your instincts are correct and you are purchasing a second replacement product.
In the world of
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, the importance of effective consultancy cannot be overstated. For industries such as architecture and engineering, where ERP systems like
Rapport3 play a crucial role, the temptation to cut corners on consultancy services can be high, especially when competitors offer seemingly attractive, low-cost options. But, this cost-cutting can cost you more in the long run. An underused system, unmet expectations, and additional long-term reconfiguration costs are a few examples.
The Role of Consultancy in ERP Implementation
- Understanding Industry-Specific Needs: Industries like architecture and engineering have unique processes and requirements. Rapport3’s consultants take the time to learn industry-specific requirements and understand your company’s needs. This ensures that we configure the project financial solution accordingly.
- Effective Process Mapping: This is crucial for aligning the ERP system with business processes. Our expert consultants accurately identify and map business processes, ensuring the ERP system enhances operational workflows rather than disrupts them.
- Training and User Adoption: Providing customised training for your team with your configured system is essential. Our highly knowledgeable consultants provide comprehensive training tailored to different user roles, leading to better adoption and proficiency.
- Data Migration and Integration: Moving data from old to new ERP systems is complex. Our consultants ensure accurate and secure data migration and seamless integration with other business tools.
- Project Management and Configuration: Implementing an ERP solution is a project in itself. Our expert team takes the time to learn your exact needs and customise our consultancy approach. This guarantees we manage your projects well, complete them on time and within budget, and meet your business requirements.
The False Economy of Cutting Consultancy Costs
- Short-Term Savings, Long-Term Costs: Low consultancy costs might initially seem financially appealing. However, inadequate consultancy can cause incorrect setup. This can lead to higher long-term costs due to system inefficiencies and the need for reconfiguration.
- Poor User Adoption and Inefficiencies: Without customised training and process alignment, your team may not use the project and resource management system effectively. This can cause inefficiencies and reduced return on investment (ROI).
- Risk of Data Migration Errors: Insufficient expertise in data migration can lead to errors and data loss, impacting business operations significantly.
- Missed Opportunities for Business Insights: ERP systems offer deep business insights, especially those integrated with tools like PowerBI. Inadequate consultancy can mean missing out on these valuable insights, which are essential for strategic decision-making.
Choosing a lower-cost consultancy option may be tempting. However, investing in quality consultancy services ensures that your ERP system is not just a tool. Your system can be a strategic asset that propels your business forward. An ERP system is valuable when set up correctly, and your team is trained to make the most of it. This is where expert consultancy makes all the difference.
Hear from Rapport3’s clients how expert consultancy made the implementation process seamless:
“Our experience of the implementation of Rapport3 was better than anticipated. Cubic was very ‘hands-on’ and proactive – a complete change from our previous provider. Cubic is a very interactive company that responds quickly to queries, which is crucial when introducing a new system.” - Silcock Dawson & Partners.
“Even from the beginning, when we did the integration and set up, it was all very thorough; nothing was left to chance about how our data would be transferred...The whole process has been seamless; they had thought of everything ahead of time.” - Services Design Solution.
Discover key takeaways from our roundtable event on digital transformation in the AEC industry. Learn how industry leaders, including PRP, Civic Engineers, and David Chipperfield Architects, are overcoming challenges and leveraging Rapport3 for innovation and growth.
Discover how Rapport3 enhances the RIBA Plan of Work, helping architecture firms streamline project management, improve collaboration, and track financials with ease. Learn how to optimise each project stage for efficiency and success.
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