Why use independent ERP consultants? The key to a vendor-neutral ERP selection

In a world where companies are increasingly focusing on digital transformation, choosing the right ERP system is at the heart of strategic decisions.

But how do you find a partner that isn't driven by vendor interests?

As an independent ERP consultant, Dreher Consulting positions itself as a trusted partner that puts your needs first. In this article, we explore what makes independent ERP consultants special, why they are essential for B2B companies, and how our methodology at Dreher Consulting helps you find the optimal solution.

What does independence mean in ERP consulting?

Imagine you're looking for a new car, and your consultant earns commission from a specific manufacturer. Would you trust them? The situation is similar in the ERP world. Many consultants are tied to specific software vendors, which can lead to biased recommendations. Independent ERP consultants like Dreher Consulting, on the other hand, operate completely vendor-neutrally: We have no partnerships or commissions that influence our advice.

This independence is based on years of industry expertise. At Dreher Consulting, founded in 1992 by experienced professionals with over 30 years of combined experience in IT and process consulting, the customer is our primary focus.

Our consultants have worked in diverse industries—from manufacturing to retail to services—and know firsthand the pitfalls of vendor-dependent consulting. According to a study by the Gartner Group, up to 70% of ERP projects fail due to unsuitable system selection, often due to bias. As an independent ERP consultant, we minimize this risk by objectively analyzing your needs and optimization potential, and then making recommendations.

The advantages of independent ERP consultants for your company

Why should you, as a B2B company, rely on independent ERP consultants? Let's examine the key benefits:

• Objective system selection: We evaluate ERP systems such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, ProAlpha, Infor, open source solutions, and many more based on your specific requirements—not on sales quotas. This results in a customized solution that is scalable for your company over the long term, ensuring your investment and software support are profitable in the long run.

• Cost efficiency: Vendor-dependent consultants tend to recommend expensive add-ons. Our independent perspective helps avoid unnecessary expenses and maximize ROI. In one of our projects for a medium-sized mechanical engineering company, we reduced implementation costs by up to 25% through a neutral needs analysis.

• Risk management: ERP implementations are complex. As an independent ERP consultant, we integrate best practices from various systems to optimize change management processes and minimize downtime.

• Long-term partnership: We don't stop at selection—we support you through implementation and optimization. Our clients value this continuity, built on trust.

In an era of accelerating digitalization, independent ERP consultants from Dreher Consulting offer true differentiation. Think of Professor Seth Godin's concept of the "Purple Cow": In a market full of standardized consulting services, we are the conspicuous, valuable exception—independent and client-focused.

The methodology of Dreher Consulting: Step by step to the perfect ERP solution

At Dreher Consulting, we follow a proven, vendor-neutral methodology based on experience and data. Here's an overview of our approach:

1. We begin with an in-depth analysis of your current processes. Through workshops and interviews, we identify pain points and goals. As an independent ERP consultant, we use tools like process mapping to create a neutral foundation.

2. Market overview: We scan the entire ERP market—from cloud solutions like SAP S/4HANA and many others to on-premise alternatives. Our expertise covers over 120 systems, based on real-world implementations.

3. Evaluation and recommendation: Using scorecards, we evaluate systems based on criteria such as functionality, scalability, and integration. No bias—just facts. We help you objectify and secure your decision for or against a software solution. Risk management plays a key role in our selection process and is continually updated and integrated throughout the entire project.

4. Implementation support: We coordinate all tasks with the selected provider, monitor the rollout, and train your team as part of the implementation of business processes. We also supervise the necessary training sessions. We can also provide complete test management and test audits for you. This service is based on the experience gained from numerous implementation projects, and we pass this knowledge directly on to you.

5. Follow-up care: Post-go-live optimizations ensure sustained success. The real lever for ROI comes after go-live. Employees first need to get used to a system, which is done during training. They need to gain confidence in the system by trusting it, handling it professionally, and becoming familiar with the processes. These important aspects are part of our aftercare once you're live. We won't leave you alone during this crucial phase.

This methodology has made us an authority in the industry.

Our consultants are certified (e.g., QS/PMP, ITIL) and share their knowledge in professional articles and at conferences. For your transparency: All our projects are documented, and we provide references upon request. We guarantee our clients complete anonymity, as we understand the importance of confidentiality. Data protection and thus compliance are an important part of our work as independent ERP consultants.

Case studies: Successes through independent ERP consulting

To illustrate the effectiveness, here are two anonymized examples from our practice:

• Medium-sized manufacturer: A company with 245 employees was struggling with inefficient processes. As an independent ERP consultant, we recommended a hybrid solution combining Microsoft Dynamics with customizations. The result: 30% faster order processing and 15% cost savings.

• Service companies: The focus here was on scalability. We chose a cloud-based ERP solution that seamlessly integrated with existing CRM systems. The client reports improved data quality, reduced errors, and reduced effort for onboarding and training new employees.

These successes underline our expertise and trustworthiness as an independent ERP consultant.

Conclusion: Take the next step with Dreher Consulting

In a highly competitive B2B market, choosing an independent ERP consultant is the key to sustainable success. Dreher Consulting closes this gap by combining expertise, independence, and client-focused methodology.

Contact us today and simply schedule an appointment for a free consultation to answer your questions. Or send us an email. Let's shape your ERP future together – vendor-neutral and forward-looking.

Author: Dr. Harald Dreher, founder of Dreher Consulting, with over 33 years of experience in ERP consulting. This article is based on real-life projects and industry expertise to create transparency and trust.