Connecting link

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software connects all departments and functions in a company through a common interface, facilitating the management of key internal and external resources.

The lowdown


Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software connects all departments and functions in a company through a common interface, facilitating the management of key internal and external resources. On the technical side, knowledge of ERP packages and database management is imperative. On the functional end, in-depth knowledge of the industry is necessary. Implementing an ERP system comprises of components like finances, human resources, supply chain management etc

Work-tactics-Be-prepared-to-work-for-long-hours-and-even-nights-to-meet-deadlines-Also-ascertain-the-amount-of-patience-and-negotiation-skills-you-possess

Clockwork
8.30am: Meeting with client
10.30am: Document details of the meeting and send to client and team
12.30pm: Lunch with CEO of client’s company to report progress
1.30pm: Meet individual members of team to discuss specific issues
4pm: Conference call with a team
5.30pm: Meet software vendor
6.30pm: Check data migration reports
7.30pm: Call hardware vendor to discuss delivery schedule
8pm: Study process maps
10.30pm: Head home

The payoff
Both functional consultants and technical consultants can earn between Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh per annum with one to three years’s of experience. Pay increases as you become more experienced

Skills/TRAITS
* Programming skills
* Innovative thinking ability
* Documentation skills
* Negotiation and people skills

Getting there
For entry-level positions, functional consultants should have worked in an industry at management position for at least three years and used an ERP system for at least a year. Technical consultants can be programmers in any of the major programming languages with at least one year’s experience

Institutes and URLs
* Edith Cowan University, Australia
www.ecu.edu.au
* Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta
www.iimcal.ac.in
* Siemens Information Systems
www.siemens.co.in
* Oracle University
www.education.oracle.com
* ERP World, Jabalpur
www.guruerp.com
* Lithan Genovate
www.genovate.com

Pros and cons
* Lucrative career
* You will work with top management
* Long working hours
* Each successful implementation furthers your career
* Have to stay away from home

With a large number of ERP software installations already in place and new ones happening regularly, the need of ERP skilled resources is huge -- Sunil Sirohi, vice president, Technology Services Organisation, NIIT Ltd, New Delhi