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/

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.

Panorama Consulting Group Helps Maxon Select a New ERP Software System With Their PERFECT Fit Software Selection Methodology

Denver, Colorado – Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced the successful completion of an ERP selection project for Maxon Lift Corporation, a leading manufacturer of lift gates, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California.

Maxon Lift Corporation engages in the research, development, design, manufacture, and sale of lift gates for trailer, truck, pick up, and bus and van applications. The company’s products include Tuk-A-Way, Railifts, COLUMNLIFT, slider, conventional, light duty, wheelchair lift, and special purpose lift gates. It also provides parts and technical services. The company offers its products through its distributor network, including leasing companies, private fleets, OEMs, and distributors in the Americas.

“Maxon had had very poor experiences with consultants in the past. I believe that Panorama went a long way to improving the image of consultants everywhere. The big difference that I saw was the usefulness of the team’s deliverables. The Board saw that the deliverables were actionable, which is something they were missing from other consultants,” states Bill Moore, Vice President of Enterprise Improvement at Maxon Lift Corporation. “I appreciate the integrity that Panorama showed. Panorama stayed impartial throughout the process and made sure we were looking at the right data and in the right way.”

Khalid Morris, Senior ERP Consultant at Panorama Consulting Group led Maxon’s ERP selection project. Mr. Morris is a senior member of Panorama’s software selection team and has expertise in a variety of ERP software packages. The ERP selection project was executed using Panorama’s proprietary, multi-step ERP software selection process, which helps each companies find the ERP solution that best fits their budget, timeframe, industry, technological infrastructure and operational needs.

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/services/erp-software-selection/.

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. More information is available at http://www.panorama-consulting.com.

Panorama Consulting Group Promotes Natalie Gray to Director of Software Selection

Denver, Colorado – Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced the promotion of Natalie Gray to Director of Software Selection. Ms. Gray will lead Panorama’s expanding software selection team.

Natalie Gray’s expertise includes fifteen years experience in information technology, management consulting, and enterprise software solutions. Her prior positions have included assignments at J.D. Edwards, now owned by Oracle, and Mincom. She attended Regis University and holds a degree in computer science with a minor in finance. She has experience with a host of ERP software packages and is well versed in business processes and operational subject matter with an emphasis on financial management, financial reporting and distribution.

“Since joining Panorama, Natalie has consistently demonstrated ERP industry leadership by adding tremendous value to our clients,” states Eric Kimberling, Panorama’s founder and president. “We are pleased to leverage Natalie’s expertise to lead our fast growth software selection team.”

Panorama Consulting Group service offering includes independent ERP software selection, ERP implementation and execution, and organizational change management consulting. The software selection team helps clients throughout the world evaluate and select a variety of enterprise solutions that includes ERP systems, customer relationship management solutions, distribution software, manufacturing software, warehouse management systems, accounting and financial management software packages.

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

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. More information is available at http://www.panorama-consulting.com.

Panorama Consulting Group Announces 2010 Webinar Series

Denver, Colorado – Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today released the schedule for their 2010 webinar series on the selection, implementation, and usage of enterprise software solutions.

The multipart webinar series will feature topics that span across software solutions, software vendors, industries, functional areas, and geographical locations. Future topics will be added and announced accordingly.

2010 Enterprise Software Webinar Series

• Lessons Learned From Best-in-Class ERP Implementations on January 14, 2010
• Three Ways to Increase your Utilization and Results from JD Edwards on January 21, 2010
• Leveraging Government, Nonprofit, or Public Sector ERP Software to Transform Your Organization on January 28, 2010
• Tips For Selecting the Right ERP Software For Your Organization on February 4, 2010
• Tips to Leverage Manufacturing Software to Improve Your Operations on February 18, 2010
• Leveraging ERP To Transform Your Energy and Utilities Organization on March 4, 2010
• Tips to Leverage Distribution Software to Improve Your Operations on March 18, 2010

Webinar registration is currently open and is available on Panorama’s website in the resource center at http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/erp-webinars/. As an additional courtesy to registrations, webinar podcast recordings, videos, and presentations are posted to the resource center.

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. More information is available at http://www.panorama-consulting.com.

Michael Kalkman Joins Panorama to Augment ERP Implementation Team

Denver, Colorado – Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced the addition of Michael Kalkman as Senior Project Manager. Mr. Kalkman will join Panorama’s growing ERP implementation team.

Michael Kalkman is an ERP implementation project manager with over 20 years experience in project management, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and operations management. He has led and delivered enterprise level ERP software projects across financial, distribution, construction, printing, mining, and manufacturing companies and not for profit organizations.

Prior to joining Panorama, Michael has led a number of ERP projects at a variety of companies including Stolle Machinery Company, The Summit Group, Sunrise Medical, Denver Management Group, JD Edwards, Stanley Aviation Corporation, and ADVO. This experience has given him a great deal of expertise within a number of industries and an in-depth knowledge in a host of ERP software packages.

“Michael brings a wealth of ERP software experience to complement our talented and fast-growing implementation team,” states Ross Patterson, Panorama’s Director of Implementation Services.

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 implementation services, please visit Panorama’s website at http://panorama-consulting.com/services/erp-software-implementation/.

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. More information is available at http://www.panorama-consulting.com.

Panorama Releases a 2009 ERP Report Focused on the Use of ERP Software Within the Hospitality and Entertainment Industry

Denver, Colorado – Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today released a new ERP report focused on ERP software usage within the hospitality and entertainment industry.

This portion of Panorama’s 2009 ERP Report outlines the use of ERP software at companies within the hospitality and entertainment industry, including a comparison of ERP results to other industries. This study includes metrics on ERP implementations and includes average project budget, implementation timeframes, and actual project costs. The 2009 ERP Report also covers implementation variables such as the level of software customization and ERP modules deployed.

The report reveals that SAP is the leading ERP vendor for hospitality management and entertainment software usage. Oracle and Microsoft follow SAP, with the remaining market share divided among Tier II ERP vendors. These Tier II ERP software vendors retain a 24% market share, which is fairly comparable to Tier II ERP usage within other industries.

“As with past ERP studies, the 2009 ERP Report reveals that large Tier I ERP solutions are not the only viable software options,” says Eric Kimberling, President and Founder of Panorama Consulting Group. “There are plenty of Tier II and industry-focused ERP vendors that can meet the complex requirements of companies within the hospitality and entertainment industry.”

In addition to market share, the study also reviewed ERP implementations and ERP project variables such as implementation time-frames, cost, and module usage. “The average implementation time for hospitality and entertainment companies is two months greater than ERP implementation time-frames in other industries. This extended implementation helps support the report’s data that showed the hospitality and entertainment industry is much more likely to exceed budget estimates. Our survey data stated 67% of ERP implementations in this segment went over budget, which is 10 percentage points higher than in other industries,” says Kimberling.

“In today’s evolving business environment, the hospitality and entertainment industry is very concerned with maximizing profits and minimizing expenses. Their aggressiveness with reducing waste and controlling costs needs to transfer over to their ERP projects so they can truly obtain a rapid return on investment. If the right ERP solution is selected and implemented with experienced ERP consultants, the ERP solution will translate into more efficient and optimized day-to-day operations,” says Kimberling.

Companies such as Panorama Consulting Group offer independent ERP software selection and implementation expertise, as well as tools that help hospitality and entertainment companies reduce their total cost of ownership and optimize measurable business results.
For additional information on Panorama’s service offering or to download the entire report, please Panorama’s website at http://www.panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/.

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. More information is available at http://www.panorama-consulting.com.

Panorama Consulting Group Unveils New Corporate Website Dedicated to ERP Education and Resources

Denver, Colorado – Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm, today announced the debut of Panorama’s new corporate website at http://www.panorama-consulting.com. The website provides information on Panorama’s service offering and education on ERP software selection, implementation, and organizational change management.

“Given the breadth and scale of our ERP expertise, we wanted a better way to share this knowledge,” says Eric Kimberling, President and Founder of Panorama Consulting Group. “Our new site will help our clients, prospects and colleagues learn from our immense experience base.”

The new website includes a wide range of educational opportunities for companies who are contemplating an ERP software selection project and those organizations already engaged in an ERP implementation or organizational change management project. The website’s resource center offers ERP information and guidance through white papers, industry reports, podcasts, videos, ERP vendor lists, and an up to date list of upcoming webinars and ERP industry events. An interactive section provides further assistance via an ERP diagnostic study, an ERP readiness assessment, a mock ERP selection project, and a weekly ERP poll.

Included in the new website is Panorama’s corporate blog titled 360° ERP. The blog capitalizes on Eric Kimberling’s popular and highly respected IT Toolbox blog that has previously focused on the topics of ERP system selection, implementation, and organizational change management. Panorama’s new corporate blog will cover these topics, as well as cover industry specific requirements and functional-based software discussions. Fellow blog authors and members of Panorama’s leadership team, which includes Natalie Gray, Ross Patterson, and Cliff Simms, will accompany Eric in writing for the 360° ERP blog.

Panorama’s team of ERP consultants further extend their ERP consulting expertise to website visitors by offering free ERP selection and implementation advice through the “Ask the ERP Experts” option available in the resource center. These questions will receive a personal response from Panorama’s consulting team and will be used for future discussions in the 360° ERP blog.

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. More information is available at http://www.panorama-consulting.com.

Panorama Consulting Group Issues Call for Participants in 2009 ERP Benchmark Survey

Denver, Colorado -Panorama Consulting Group, an independent enterprise resource planning (ERP) consulting firm in Denver, has announced a new survey to collect qualitative and quantitative data regarding corporate experiences with ERP implementation. Survey questions address the scope, cost, project structure, project duration and overall satisfaction of ERP implementations using Tier I, Tier II, software as a service (SaaS) and open source providers.

“Our 2008 survey showed that corporations often rated ERP implementations with Tier I and Tier II software unsatisfactory for reasons such as extended time-frames, budget overages and problems with organizational changes,” says Eric Kimberling, president of Panorama Consulting Group. “Over the past year, however, the market has shifted. Not only are companies looking for better results for less money and with less staff but SaaS and open source software are being heavily promoted as cost-effective alternatives to traditional ERP packages. As third-party consultants who help companies evaluate the risks and rewards of various ERP options, we are very interested to see if this new climate and these new offerings actually bring about a higher percentage of successful ERP implementations.”

Participants will receive a free copy of the study’s results and analysis when it is released in early 2010. The 2008 survey results and analysis are available at http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/.

About 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 changes to assure that each of its clients realize the full business benefits of their ERP implementation. More information can be found on its website at www.panorama-consulting.com.