What to evaluate when choosing an ERP partner — and why the right firm makes more difference than the software itself.
Australian manufacturers are under sustained pressure to modernise. Rising input costs, skills shortages, supply chain volatility and ageing legacy systems are pushing more organisations to reconsider how their core business systems support — or hold back — day-to-day operations.
ERP is often central to that conversation, but choosing the right consulting partner matters just as much as choosing the right software. This article looks at what manufacturers should be evaluating when selecting an ERP consulting firm, and why the right partner can mean the difference between genuine operational improvement and simply replicating old problems in a new interface.
70% of ERP project failures are linked to poor implementation decisions, not platform limitations
3× more likely to achieve ROI targets when using a sector-experienced implementation partner
35% average reduction in implementation costs when scope is properly defined at project outset
Why the consulting partner matters as much as the software
It is a common misconception that ERP success comes down to product selection alone. In practice, the consulting partner shapes how well the system is configured, how effectively staff adopt it, and whether the implementation accounts for the specific realities of your manufacturing environment.
A strong ERP consulting firm brings more than technical configuration skills. It brings an understanding of production planning, inventory control, costing, supply chain dependencies and the regulatory or quality requirements relevant to your sub-sector — whether that is food and beverage, metal fabrication, industrial machinery, plastics or packaging. Without that context, even a capable platform can be implemented in a way that does not reflect how your business actually runs.
Manufacturing-specific expertise
Generic ERP knowledge is not enough for manufacturers. The gaps show up quickly: a consultant who does not understand make-to-order production will not ask the right questions about job costing; one who has never worked in a regulated food environment will not appreciate the traceability requirements that drive system design decisions.
⚠ Warning sign
One-size-fits-all methodology
If a consulting firm cannot point to experience in your specific manufacturing sub-sector, they are likely applying a generic implementation approach. That rarely ends well in a production environment with complex scheduling, costing and quality requirements.
⚠ Warning sign
No reference clients in manufacturing
A firm that cannot offer references from manufacturers of comparable size and complexity is asking you to be their learning experience. The cost of that learning typically falls on your project budget and timeline.
Proven implementation methodology
ERP projects fail more often due to poor process discipline than poor software. A reputable consulting firm should be able to clearly articulate its implementation methodology — covering business process analysis, governance structure, data migration approach, testing and change management.
Key signal: Ask any prospective partner how they handle scope changes mid-implementation. A firm with clear, structured change management processes will give you a direct answer. A firm without them will give you a vague one.
Strong governance keeps projects commercially and operationally sound. When governance is weak, teams revisit decisions, scope expands informally, and technical work continues while critical business questions remain unresolved.
Platform expertise and local delivery
For manufacturers using or considering Epicor Kinetic, it is worth confirming the consulting firm holds genuine partner status and certified expertise — not just general familiarity. Authorised partners have deeper product knowledge, better vendor support access, and a track record of delivering within that ecosystem.
For manufacturers managing time-sensitive production environments, working with an onshore team that understands the Australian regulatory and industrial landscape often proves more valuable than offshore models that prioritise cost over responsiveness.
What certified expertise looks like“
Authorised partner status, named certifications in the platform, documented project delivery history, and direct access to vendor technical support channels.
What to avoid:
General software consultants with surface-level product knowledge, offshore delivery models for complex on-site environments, and firms that cannot name reference clients.
Full lifecycle capability
Many manufacturers find that splitting strategy, implementation, customisation, testing and ongoing support across multiple vendors creates accountability gaps and slows resolution when issues arise. Firms that can support the full ERP lifecycle tend to provide more continuity and a more accountable delivery model.
- Initial consulting and scoping — Business process analysis, gap assessment and solution design before any configuration begins.
- Implementation and configuration — Structured delivery with clear governance, testing and change management baked in.
- Integration and data migration — Clean connections to payroll, supply chain and third-party platforms, with historical data handled properly.
- Post go-live support — Hypercare in the critical weeks after launch, then ongoing optimisation as the business evolves.
Questions to ask during evaluation
Manufacturers shortlisting ERP consulting firms should work through these questions with every candidate:
- What manufacturing sub-sectors have you delivered for previously, and can we speak with reference clients?
- How do you handle scope changes during implementation?
- What does your support model look like after go-live, and what is included?
- How do you approach data migration from legacy systems?
- What is your team structure on a project our size, and who is our day-to-day contact?
💡 Quick win: Ask every firm on your shortlist for a copy of their implementation methodology document before the proposal stage. The quality of that document — or whether it exists at all — tells you a great deal about how they actually run projects.
Choosing a partner built for the long term
ERP is not a one-off project. It is a long-term operational foundation, and the consulting relationship should be approached the same way. Australian manufacturers are best served by firms that combine sector expertise, certified platform knowledge, full lifecycle support and a genuine understanding of local industry pressures.
“Technical product knowledge matters, but it is only one part of effective delivery. A strong partner should demonstrate industry understanding, structured implementation methods, governance discipline, and the ability to work credibly with executives and operational teams alike.”— Xen Zambas, Director Products & Solutions
SoftLabs has supported Australian manufacturers across fabricated metals, industrial machinery, plastics, food and beverage, and paper and packaging with ERP consulting and implementation built around real operational needs. Explore our Epicor Kinetic solution for manufacturing or speak with our team about your specific requirements.
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Talk to the SoftLabs team about what’s possible for your organisation.
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