Working in ERP Advisory

A hybrid role in ERP and business transformation

As a Project Manager and ERP business integration expert, Cosie Goudesone has a hybrid role, bridging the gap between technology and business at clients. He helps customers select and implement the right ERP system and is often involved in projects set up to improve management reporting.

'These projects often involve working with master data, restructuring the ERP system, and ensuring the correct data flows into BI tools,' says Cosie. 'Beyond that, I am active in business development, discussing potential projects and approaches with clients as an ERP expert.'

From Finance to ERP Advisory

Cosie started 13 years ago as a 'Young Hub' at TriFinance. By working for about three years in Transition & Support, he got experienced in accounting, controlling, and procurement before transferring to the ERP team. 'It’s not like I had an unstoppable passion for ERP right from school,' says Cosie. 'My interest developed organically. It just turned out to be a good fit.'

'When working on ERP advisory projects, I can really add value for my clients,' says Cosie. 'By combining my experience in ERP and business, I act as a bridge between the integrator and the client, ensuring we successfully complete the project and that the implemented systems optimally support business processes.'

An SAP S/4HANA Optimization

A recent project involved optimizing an SAP S/4HANA implementation for a company struggling with significant deficiencies in the finance and controlling modules, which hindered efficient reporting and decision-making.

'After conducting a scan of these modules, we worked with the client to prioritize,' says Cosie. 'First, we ensured compliance with Belgian GAAP regulations. Then, we focused on costing and management reporting, giving the company access to margin reports, variance reports, P&L overviews, budgets, and various dashboards. These insights have better prepared the company for the future.'

Re-Implementation of Infor M3 in a Live Production Environment

Among all the projects Cosie has managed in recent years, the re-implementation of Infor M3 at Miraclon stands out as one of the most challenging and successful.

'It was a live production environment, and we had to account for cultural differences between Belgium, the US, and Japan, resistance to change, and considerable pressure due to disappointing numbers,' says Cosie. 'Despite these challenges, we successfully restructured the Finance and Controlling modules. This was only possible thanks to close cooperation between the internal team and technical consultants.'

The Skills of an ERP Expert & Project Manager

The role of an ERP expert and project manager requires a combination of hard and soft skills, both technical and interpersonal.

'While companies may be similar, each one is unique,' says Cosie. 'You learn more over the years about different tools, industries, processes, and project management methods. But soft skills are becoming increasingly important. As a consultant, you can know exactly where a project needs to go, but if you can’t get the team on board, nothing will happen.'

The Role of ERP in Business Transformation

ERP implementations play a critical role in digital transformation, which has become essential for businesses.

'The cost savings and efficiency benefits of a digitalization project are immense,' says Cosie. 'But the risks are as well. Choosing the right ERP system and implementing it with a business-oriented approach greatly increases the chances of a successful transformation. 

'A failed ERP implementation can have severe consequences: halted production, customers not being supplied, and unpaid suppliers, leading to long-lasting and costly financial impact. A project failure in which up to two million euros might have been invested, without meeting its goals, is a significant setback. A successful ERP implementation increases the chances of a successful digital transformation, which it is a crucial part of.'

A well-executed ERP project results in better business insights, improved margins, and a stronger, more future-proof business.

Advice for finance & controlling professionals considering ERP Advisory

For finance and controlling professionals considering a shift to ERP advisory, Cosie emphasizes that it is definitely possible—provided they have the right support.
'It’s important to find an employer who gives you the opportunity to grow and doesn’t just throw you into the deep end,' he says. 'At TriFinance, I received that guidance and had the chance to develop step by step in this role.'

More on ERP

• Johan Reunis, Six benefits of leading ERP implementation projects
  
• Serge Vigoureux, ERP going cloud at ICSense
• Bridge Builders with an analytical mindset: meet the ERP Team
• ERP management in a complex setting at IKO
• ERP migration at a Top 10 Engineering Firm