Panorama Consulting Group Announces Three-Day ERP Boot Camp

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced open registration for the firm’s upcoming ERP Boot Camp to take place December 8^th through the 10^th in Denver, Colorado. The three-day session is a highly focused and intensive ERP training course designed to teach attendees the best practices associated with successful ERP implementations.

Eric Kimberling, president and founder of Panorama Consulting Group and highly respected expert in the ERP market, hosts this interactive session. Eric will be joined by a panel of independent and technology-agnostic ERP experts to help round out the educational experience.

This unique, continuing education opportunity is designed for practitioners eager to become better implementation project managers, successfully manage their ERP initiatives, and incorporate best practices into their organizations. This course is also an excellent training session for new ERP consultants and students focusing on information technology and project management.

ERP Implementation Boot Camp Topics

• Overview of common ERP implementation challenges and obstacles
• Fundamentals of ERP implementation project management
• Deep dive analysis of ERP implementation benchmarks and best practices
• Implementation lessons learned from ERP implementation failures and lawsuits
• Group critique and assessment of your implementation plan
• Interactive case studies and exercises
• Expert panels and Q&A sessions
• Networking with industry peers

ERP Boot Camp Registration Includes

• Three-day ERP Boot Camp (8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, including breakfast and lunch)
• One year of complementary access to Panorama’s premium ERP research and content
• Complementary copy of Panorama’s forthcoming eBook entitled “Breakthrough ERP Strategies and Solutions”
• One-hour follow-up phone and webcast consultation from one of Panorama’s senior ERP implementation experts
• Workbook of ERP Boot Camp training course materials, including sample implementation tools and templates
• A 5% discount on follow-up consulting services or workshops from Panorama Consulting Group

Registration is open to all CIOs, COOs, IT directors, ERP implementation project managers and team members, ERP consultants, educators and students.

“ERP implementations are challenging and overwhelming, especially without the right expertise and tool set,” said Eric Kimberling, president of Panorama Consulting Group. “Our clients have been asking us to train their teams to implement more effectively, which is why we’re offering this year’s ERP Boot Camp. It is a unique way for us to train practitioners on the tools and methods that make our implementations so successful.”

Early bird registration discounts will be available until November 19th. Interested parties can learn more about the event and register online at: http://panorama-consulting.com/services/complementary-erp-consulting-services/erp-boot-camp/.

The ERP Boot Camp training session is a new offering that augments Panorama’s core ERP services of ERP selection, ERP implementation, and organization change management.

Panorama Consulting Group Launches New Online ROI Calculator for ERP Software Investments

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced the release of an online ROI calculator. The ROI calculator will assist website visitors in reviewing the potential return on investment and benefits received from ERP software purchases.

The new ROI calculator was created with the data collected from various internal and external research sources. It is designed to be a high-level estimate of potential ROI based on user estimates of tangible costs such as inventory, SG&A, and labor and intangible costs such as average on-time delivers, average financial close time, and order fill rates. The ROI calculator will use these cost estimates and an employee count to calculate ERP software users and ERP investment costs which include ERP license costs, project management, and ERP implementation costs. The final calculation provides both a return on investment calculation and a payback period in number of years.

“In today’s volatile economy, companies need to know that their ERP software investments are delivering measurable value,” said Eric Kimberling, president of Panorama Consulting Group. “Panorama helps clients select and implement software in such a way, so we wanted to provide the ERP community with a high-level summary of what we do for clients on a daily basis.”

The ERP ROI calculator is available at: http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/erp-roi-calculator/.

Panorama Consulting Group Issues Call for Participants in 2010 ERP Benchmark Survey

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced its sixth annual ERP benchmark survey to collect qualitative and quantitative data regarding actual results from across the globe.

The survey is designed to collect information relative to project scope, ERP implementation cost and duration, as well as the ERP vendors considered and ultimately selected. Survey questions cover traditional ERP software packages, software as a service (SaaS) ERP solutions, and open source providers. This year’s study includes a number of new areas of focus compared to previous studies including more detail about scope and modules implemented, cost, and hosting solutions.

“Our research has proven to be the industry’s leading independent source for companies looking to select and implement new ERP software,” says Eric Kimberling, president of Panorama Consulting Group. “This year’s study will take our research to a whole new level in terms of detail and statistical analysis.”

In exchange for participation, each submission will be given a complimentary copy of the new report. In addition, one company will be selected as the recipient of an Enterprise Systems and Processes Audit Program to be performed by Panorama Consulting Group and valued at $16,000. The winning company will receive a complimentary, two-week business systems and processes review. This evaluation is designed to measure the potential for realizing additional business benefits and increasing cost savings with the organization’s current ERP software package or legacy systems. The winning company will be notified by December 31, 2010.

The survey is available at http://Panorama-Consulting.com/resource-center/erp-diagnostics/. Prior survey results and analyses are available in Panorama’s online resource center at http://Panorama-Consulting.com/resource-center/.

Nick Macera Joins Panorama Consulting Group as Director of ERP Implementation Services

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced the addition of Nick Macera as Director of ERP Implementation. Mr. Macera joined the company to lead Panorama’s growing team of implementation consultants.

After an extensive career working in IT management roles, Nick Macera brings real world information technology experience at major corporations within the manufacturing, retail, airline, and food service sectors. Nick has led ERP selection and implementation projects, as well as global rollouts of Tier I ERP software packages. In addition to his ERP-related skills, Nick also possesses a strong IT skill set that includes business transformation, organizational change management, analysis and implementation of business process improvements, utilizing Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques, EDI systems, and Sarbanes Oxley compliance. Nick was a previous client in his role as CIO for a well-known international manufacturing company and joined Panorama in early 2010.

“Nick has an extensive background and strong track record in global ERP implementations, so he is a very valuable addition to our team,” said Eric Kimberling president of Panorama Consulting Group. “In addition, hiring a former client into this key leadership role is a testament to the strengths and value that our clients see in the work we do at Panorama.”

Panorama Consulting Group’s service offering includes independent ERP selection, ERP implementation, and organizational change management consulting.

Panorama Consulting Group Launches Online ERP Database to Assist in ERP Selection Projects

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced the release of an online ERP database. This newly released ERP directory assists website visitors in reviewing potential ERP vendors and helps internal project teams make educated decisions at the conclusion of their ERP selection projects.

The new ERP database provides information on the enterprise software industry and lists over 140 software vendors with groupings for the various tier I, II, and III segments. Each ERP vendor has a detailed profile that includes a list of their product offering, an overview of their target market and industry experience, contact information, and recent news or press releases. In addition to the basic profile information, the vendor listings provide an opportunity for website visitors and ERP users to rate their existing software supplier based on a variety of criteria such as presales activity, technical support, functionality, and obtainment of ROI.

“We feel this ERP database and the vendor scorecard is imperative for educating our website visitors and for providing them with an unbiased and unaltered view of ERP vendors and their software offering,” said Eric Kimberling, president of Panorama Consulting Group. “The large poll of ERP vendors and list of ERP software packages can appear overwhelming to even the most astute of ERP selection teams. We are attempting to help alleviate potential confusion and help companies make better decisions, regardless of whether or not our trained ERP consultants assist in the ERP selection process.”

The ERP database launch is a phased deployment and the Panorama team is working hard at rolling out the next phase of this information portal. Phase two will provide ERP vendors an opportunity to review and augment their respective profiles by providing updates, as well as information on their social media communities, literature, white papers, and any images or supplemental content that will help provide the most informative profile possible.

The ERP database is available for review: http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/erp-database/

2010 Organizational Change Management Report Released

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today released the next installment of the firm’s 2010 ERP Report. This report focuses on the sensitive issues that arise during ERP implementations and the organization’s ability to leverage the effects of organizational change management.

Organizational change management is a broad topic that encompasses employee buy-in, organizational design, communications and training. It also includes, but is not limited to, cultural assessments, organizational assessments, and executive alignment. The report reviews the seven key areas of a comprehensive ERP organizational change management plan and provides metrics for each area.

“The report highlights some interesting data concerning organizational change and how it relates to ERP implementations,” said Eric Kimberling, president of Panorama Consulting Group. “One key data point within the report is the average organization’s drivers for changing their existing business processes. The report findings show that 41% of respondents changed business processes to accommodate ERP functionality, while just 27% changed or customized ERP functionality to accommodate current business processes. Clearly some companies are allowing their ERP software to determine their future business processes,” which highlights the need for an effective organizational change management strategy.

To offer further analysis of the study results, Kimberling will present the free webinar, Thursday, on June 3 at 10:00 a.m. MDT.

The full report is available for download at: http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/2010-organizational-change-management-report/.

Panorama Consulting Group 2010 ERP Report

The 2010 ERP Report was conducted by Panorama Consulting Group via online polling and was supplemented with qualitative data gathered from focus group interviews with a sample of survey respondents. Information was collected from December 2005 to December 2009. The 1,600 participants represent global organizations that have implemented ERP within the last four years.

Panorama Consulting Group Issues 2010 ERP Vendor Analysis

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today released the 2010 ERP Vendor Analysis Report. The 2010 ERP Vendor Analysis Report provides findings on detailed project factors such as implementation costs, durations, and payback periods summarized by vendor.

Though nearly three out of four companies (72%) indicate that they are least “fairly satisfied” with their enterprise resource planning software, the majority fail to realize even half of the business benefits expected after ERP implementation. The findings were relatively consistent across vendor tiers, with a total of 55% of companies reporting realization of just 30% or less of expected benefits. Tier III ERP software clients realized the least amount of benefits (72% reported less than 50% realization) with Tier I ERP clients close behind (69.8% reported less than 50% realization). Over half of Tier II ERP clients (53.3%) reported less than 50% realization but nearly half (46.7%) reported more than 50% realization.

“The fact that most companies are initially satisfied with their ERP selection but then fail to realize more than half of the expected benefits indicates widespread underutilization of the capabilities of these packages,” said Eric Kimberling, president of Panorama Consulting Group. “No matter how robust the enterprise software is, it must be fortified with change management and end-user training to ensure it is being used to its full potential.”

The report confirmed previous findings that each vendor tier has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Tier I ERP vendors had a strong showing, with SAP as the most commonly short-listed vendor (20.4%), Oracle eBusiness the most frequently selected ERP solution (54.2%), and Microsoft Dynamics has the shortest “payback” period of all the major solutions (2.6 years). However, Tier I ERP implementations are more likely to take longer than expected (30%) as opposed to Tier II (18%) or Tier III (5%). Tier I ERP solutions are much more likely to require heavy customization (25%, on average) than their Tier II and Tier III counterparts (6% and 12%, respectively). In addition, Tier I ERP systems take an average of three years to “payback” their cost, while Tier II ERP packages take 2.2 years, and Tier III ERP packages take only 1.7 years. Conversely, with 70% of clients rating themselves “fairly satisfied” or better, Tier III ERP solutions have the lowest satisfaction levels of all the vendor tiers.

“Companies must weigh so many factors during an ERP evaluation – and put out so many fires during a software implementation – that it’s no wonder many of them fail to realize the full scope of possible benefits,” said Kimberling. “Third-party consultants can provide ERP selection advice, implementation supervision, and organizational change management services to help companies more effectively harness the power of their ERP software.”

To offer further analysis of the study results, Kimberling will present the free webcast, Understanding the Differences Between Leading ERP Software Solutions, on April 1 at 10:00 a.m. MDT. Register for the seminar at: http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/erp-webinars/.

Panorama Consulting Group 2010 ERP Report

The 2010 ERP Report was conducted by Panorama Consulting Group via online polling and was supplemented with qualitative data gathered from focus group interviews with a sample of survey respondents. Information was collected from December 2005 to December 2009. The 1,600 participants represent global organizations that have implemented ERP within the last four years. The full report can be accessed at: http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/2010-erp-vendor-analysis/.

Panorama Consulting Group

Founded in 2005, Panorama Consulting Group is a niche consulting firm specializing in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) market for mid-sized companies in North America and Europe. Independent of affiliation, Panorama helps firms evaluate and select ERP software, manages the implementation of the software, and facilitates all related organizational change management to assure that each of its clients realize the full business benefits of their ERP implementation. More information can be found on its web site, www.panorama-consulting.com.

Eric Kimberling Named 2010 Pro To Know by Supply and Demand Chain Executive Magazine

Denver, Colorado, February 24 2010 – Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced that founder and president Eric Kimberling was named in the tenth annual listing of “Pros to Know in the Supply Chain Industry” by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine. The Provider Pros to Know is a listing of individuals from a software firm or service provider, consultancy, or analyst or research firm who have personally helped clients address the challenges of the recession and prepare for the recovery ahead.

“This year’s Provider Pros to Know have shown themselves to be thought-leaders in the supply chain industry,” said Andrew K. Reese, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “Highlighting the learnings that the Provider Pros to Know have taken out of the Great Recession provides our readers with a wealth of best practices that they can apply in their own supply chains, as well as insights into how leading organizations are positioning themselves for competitive advantage in the Great Recovery ahead.”

“It is an honor to be recognized for this award,” states Eric Kimberling, founder and president of Panorama. “This is a testament to Panorama’s ability to help clients more effectively select and implement enterprise software while coping with economic hardships.”

Supply & Demand Chain Executive, which has created three separate sets of criteria for the Practitioner, Practitioner Team and the Provider Pros to Know, issued a call for Pros to Know nominations in November 2009. Beginning in January, the magazine’s editorial selection committee culled through more than 400 submissions to find the applicants that best fit the criteria.

The full listing of the 2010 Pros to Know will be available in the February/March 2010 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine and e-book beginning in the third week of March and on the Supply & Demand Chain Executive web site at http://www.SDCExec.com/2010Prostoknow.

Panorama Consulting Group’s service offering includes independent ERP software selection, ERP implementation and execution, and organizational change management consulting. For additional information on Panorama’s services, please visit its web site at http://www.panorama-consulting.com.

About Panorama Consulting Group

Founded in 2005, Panorama Consulting Group is a niche-consulting firm specializing in enterprise resource planning solutions for mid-market companies globally. Independent of affiliation, Panorama helps companies in ERP software selection, ERP implementation, and organizational change management to assure that each of its clients realize the full business benefits of their newly purchased ERP system.

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive’s user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage. On the web at http://www.panorama-consulting.com.

Panorama Consulting Group Releases 2010 ERP Report

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today released the 2010 ERP Report. The Report includes data on a wide variety of traditional and SaaS ERP software solutions.

While the average cost of an ERP implementation has decreased from $8.5 million in 2008 to $6.2 million in 2010, companies are realizing significantly less business benefits from the technology, according to the 2010 ERP Report issued today by Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm in Denver. The report reveals that two out of five (41%) of participants failed to achieve at least half of the business benefits they expected. This figure is nearly double the finding in the 2008 ERP Report (21%).

“While it is promising to see the costs of ERP implementations decrease, we are concerned that it is at the expense of organizational change management and other key activities required to make enterprise software initiatives successful,” said Eric Kimberling, President of Panorama Consulting Group. “Companies that cut costs in these areas suffer lower levels of satisfaction, user buy-in, and return on investment.”

The 2010 Report provides further data on the importance of balancing a company’s high expectations of ERP systems with comprehensive organizational change management initiatives. While 69% of companies expect that a new system will improve business performance and 39% expect it will make employees’ jobs easier, more than half (53%) of respondents assess their company’s ability to deal with change as fairly poor or very poor. Nearly half (47%) indicate communication between management and employees is poor. In addition, more than two out of five (41%) of respondents have experienced significant changes to their business (e.g., a new CEO, new locations, mergers and acquisitions, and layoffs) during the implementation process.

“Turbulence in business operations is magnified by the stress of an ERP implementation,” said Kimberling. “Management must allocate proper time and realistic spending to ensure that employees are aware of the benefits of the process and ready to accept and work through the challenges of a system changeover. In addition to hiring third-party consultants to help with software selection and implementation, smart companies are looking for outside assistanceto manage the user-side processes that are so critical to project success.”

To offer further analysis of the study results, Kimberling will present the free webcast “Overview of Panorama’s 2010 ERP Report,” on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Register for the webinar at http://www.panorama-consulting.com/erp-webinars/.

About the 2010 ERP Report
The 2010 ERP Report is based on research by Panorama Consulting Group via online polling and was supplemented with qualitative data gathered from focus group interviews with a sample of survey respondents. Information was collected from December 2005 to December 2009. The 1,600 participants represent global organizations that have implemented ERP within the last four years. The 2010 ERP Report can be accessed at: http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/2010-erp-report/.

About Panorama Consulting Group
Founded in 2005, Panorama Consulting Group is a niche consulting firm specializing in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market for mid-sized companies across the globe. Independent of affiliation, Panorama helps firms evaluate and select ERP software, manages the implementation of the software, and facilitates all related organizational changes to assure that each of its clients realize the full business benefits of their ERP implementation. More information can be found on its web site, www.panorama-consulting.com.

Panorama Consulting Group Announces Record Growth in 2009

Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced record growth for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Panorama’s service revenue increased 68% in 2009 from the previous year ended December 31, 2008. This revenue spike supported a corresponding increase in profits of 233%. In addition to the record revenue and profits, Panorama was able to increase overall headcount by over 100%.

“Our strong 2009 results are attributed to particular growth and strength in our ERP implementation and organizational change management practice areas. While we grew across many sectors and industries, collaborations with mid-size clients contributed to most of our growth,” states Eric Kimberling, Founder and President of Panorama. “Strong growth in a weak economy is a testament to the value and objectivity we bring to our clients. More than ever, clients are turning to us to help them manage business risk, control costs, and optimize business benefits of their investments in ERP and enterprise software. In many cases, companies with challenged ERP implementations are turning to Panorama to get their initiatives back on track. ”

Panorama’s growth was facilitated by the addition of a number of new clients. These new client engagements included Champion Window, Maxon Lift Corporation, dpiX, Bioness, and Penworthy for ERP software selection and Nufarm and Focus on the Family for ERP implementation. In addition to the ERP selection and implementation projects, Panorama also led Focus on the Family through an organizational change management project and Alliance Laundry Systems through an organizational readiness assessment.

Panorama’s sales pipeline is strong, and Kimberling expects growth to continue throughout the 2010 fiscal year. It is estimated that 2010 will bring an additional year-to-year growth of 135%, and there is the potential for this figure to increase even further.

Panorama Consulting Group’s service offering includes independent ERP software selection, ERP implementation and execution, and organizational change management consulting.

For additional information on Panorama’s ERP selection services, please visit Panorama’s website at http://panorama-consulting.com.