If you’re tired of experiencing business growing pains, technical errors, and sales bottlenecks, it could be time to hire a software consultant.
It’s surprising how many issues in an SMB come down to software inefficiencies and poorly integrated tech stacks.
But how do you know when a software consultant is the solution? Here are eight common warning signs that it’s time for software consultant services.
What is a Software Consultant?
A software consultant is a freelance professional who advises on the best IT solutions and processes. With in-depth knowledge and experience of specific software solutions, they can ensure your tech stack aligns with your long-term business goals.
What Does a Software Consultant Do?
Many business owners make the mistake of thinking software consultants just give advice on software, but they’re much more hands-on than that.
If you’re not sure how a software consultant company could help your business, here are a few of their service solutions:
- Assess your current systems and technology procedures to pinpoint areas for improvement and upgrades.
- Identify the best software solutions and tech stack configurations for your company’s needs.
- Assist with technology roadmap planning by identifying each project’s goals, scope, resources, and needs.
- Guidance through the software implementation process to ensure a seamless, productive integration and deployment.
- Training and knowledge transfer for team members who will be using new software tools.
- Troubleshoot problems that arise during software implementation to avoid major delays or cost runovers.
Benefits of Hiring a Software Consultant
Many software vendors have in-house software consultants on hand to give you advice. So, what are the benefits of hiring a dedicated business software consultant for your project?
Priceless Experience
Software companies come with years of experience and deep knowledge of programs, far above the generic assistance you’ll get from software vendor teams.
At StackPlan, we carefully vet all of our recommended technology advisors to ensure you get the most valuable advice based on real-life experience.
Faster, More Successful Software Implementations
Having a professional software consultant guide you through a new software implementation can save hours of time and thousands in unnecessary delays.
They’ll be on hand to train your team, handle the technical side of implementation, and ensure you get the most out of your new software.
Fully Tailored Solutions
It’s challenging to find software solutions that exactly match your business requirements. You might find a solution that works well for your marketing team but falls short for your customer service team.
Rather than trying to find workarounds for software solutions that don’t quite work, software consultant services will help you find tailored solutions that work perfectly for your business processes.
Current Process Optimization
Perhaps you don’t need a brand-new tech stack; perhaps you just need to optimize your current systems. A software consultant can review your entire technology system and show you where to improve.
We’ve had clients save thousands on slow processes and underutilized software features, all from a professional review by a software expert.
8 Signs You Need to Hire an ERP Software Consultant
The most important question is, how do you know when to hire a software consultant?
If you can relate to these glaring warning signs, it’s time to book a consultation with a software expert.
1. You’re not sure how to execute your technology roadmap
Have you got exciting goals for your business, but you’re not sure how to achieve them with your current processes?
Whether it’s expanding into new markets, launching a new product, or creating a better client experience, software consultants will help you define a strategic plan based on your goals and budget and show you how to implement changes to support those goals.
2. Your Projects Often Run Over Budget or Schedule
Keeping up with client demands is an ongoing challenge for any business. But if you consistently run over budget or schedule with client projects, it’s a sign that your systems need updating.
This is especially true if you feel like you lack the manpower, resources, or expertise to improve your current client process.
Hiring a software consultant is a game changer for over-run projects.
They will show you how to update or upgrade your software to streamline your client process to ensure you never miss a deadline or go unnecessarily over budget again.
3. You Lack In-House Technology Experts
Hiring in-house developers and project managers is time-consuming and incredibly expensive. Not all businesses have the capacity to handle screening, onboarding, training, and supporting another full-time team member.
However, that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from a software expert when it comes time to act on new technology initiatives.
Working with a software consultant saves time and money while giving you access to expertise when needed most.
4. You’re Struggling to Scale Your Software
The most successfully implemented tech stacks effortlessly scale alongside a business.
If your current software can’t handle increased traffic, higher sales, or faster client onboarding without bottlenecking, it’s a warning sign that your business will stall.
The challenge here is that you don’t know what you don’t know. An ERP software consultant can assess your software and predict problems you might face with scaling.
They can also recommend better alternatives that quickly scale as your business does.
5. Your Tech Stack is Outdated
When was the last time you updated your current software? If you still rely on outdated tools, your business will never have a competitive edge.
Outdated software struggles to integrate with third-party tools and is much more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
With the help of software consultant services, you can modernize your technology stack and improve processes by adopting industry-leading frameworks.
6. You’re Facing New Software Integration Challenges
Many businesses think adding new software to an already overloaded tech stack will solve internal problems.
However, this usually leads to more bottlenecks, system breakdowns, and user errors over time.
If you’re trying to add more tools to your tech stack and the integration is a challenge, it’s a clear sign you need the advice of a software consultant.
7. Your Project Requirements Have Evolved
For startups, the ability to pivot and adapt to a changing market is essential for long-term success.
If you’re planning to launch a new product, tweak your service offer, or enter new markets, you should start with a software consultation.
You need software that can adapt to changing market conditions as quickly as your business needs to. Don’t risk falling behind competitors by installing software that holds you back.
8. You’re at the End of Your Software License
Finally, if you’re coming to the end of your software subscription, why not test the market and see if there are more efficient systems you could implement?
Allowing your licenses to auto-renew without a professional review is a missed opportunity to grow and improve.
You might discover you already have the best system for your needs, but you could also find significantly better software that fits your business processes. Is that a gamble worth taking?
Find the Right Software Consultant at StackPlan
At StackPlan, we’ve taken all the hard work out of finding the right software consultant for your business.
Our vetted database of software consultant companies is filled with industry-leading experts who can help you with software reviews, implementations, data transfers, and more.
Head to the next guide to grab our full criteria for finding the right software consultant for your next project.
Ready to get started? Connect with a tech advisor today!
