Interview questions for ERP Consultants

An Overview

ERP consultants help businesses to create and implement ERP solutions, which optimize services, business processes as well as human resource management. When it comes to hiring an ERP consultant, an employer should ensure to pick the most qualified candidate in order to get the best performance. These top 20 ERP consultant interview questions and answers feature the main areas you should test to identify the right candidate.
When interviewing ERP consultants, look for candidates who exhibit extensive knowledge of business processes and the ability to develop customized ERP solutions that align with clients’ needs. Be wary of candidates who lack communication skills and industry experience.

1. Which sounds more like you: “take-charge” leader or team player?

The right answer depends on what you think would work best in the role. For example, if your project is an ERP upgrade or implementation, you’ll likely want someone more vocal and leadership-oriented who can guide your team. Alternatively, if you’re looking for someone to fill in for a team member who is on maternity leave, you may be looking for someone to simply fill the role and not ruffle any feathers. Asking this question helps you understand how the consultant works.

2. What is your availability?

Asking a consultant’s availability on an initial interview may seem like jumping the gun, but it’s important to know before getting too far into the weeds. It’s also appropriate to inquire if they are currently engaged in another project, when it is scheduled to wrap up, and how they manage multiple projects at once.

3. What Do You Understand by SAP?

SAP is a multinational software firm that develops enterprise software for managing business operations and processes. It was founded in Germany in 1972 under the name: Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing.

4. What piqued your interest in this project?

The consultant should exhibit genuine interest in the project and be able to provide meaningful feedback to this question. A consultant worth hiring will be interested based on similar past projects, industry expertise, or shared connections. Be wary of those who don’t provide thoughtful answers.

5. What is IDES in SAP?

IDES is an acronym for the Internet Demonstration and Evaluation System. In SAP, it represents a model global company with subsidiaries in various countries. It has application data regarding several business scenarios, which can run on SAP systems. The model reflects a real-life business. IDES depicts the possibility of integrating SAP in your business.

6. How would past managers or clients describe you and your work?

It’s not every day we spout off reasons why we’re awesome, but asking how past managers or clients would describe the consultant offers valuable insight. Listen for anecdotes that highlight their work ethic, professionalism, past performance reviews, and technical skills. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to ask for their professional references’ contact information.

7. What is a data dictionary?

In ERP, the data dictionary is used to compile the internal structure of databases in its different iterations. This is the primary component that guides all the users after ERP is declared in a company. We have to develop good data dictionaries as it is helpful to everyone in the enterprise.

8. What Do You Understand by Datasets?

Datasets are a collection of related sets of data. Although they have separate elements, one can manipulate them as a unit using a computer. In the case of tabular data, a dataset is one or multiple database tables with every table representing a certain variable.

9. Tell me about your experience working on-site/remote?

Consulting on-site and remotely require different skill sets and strengths so you’ll want to make sure the consultant is comfortable working in the determined location. Asking which they prefer and why will give you insight as to how they work and if they will jive with your team. When bringing on a remote ERP consultant, you’ll want to make sure they are available, responsive, and honest. If coming on-site, you’ll want to confirm they are OK with potential travel and are able to adhere to company dress codes, policies, etc.

10. Describe Internal Tables and Transparent Table?

Internal tables are standard data type object that only exists during the runtime of a program. Transparent Tables, on the other hand, appear in the same structure in a database as fields and data.

11. Why are ERP Systems Important?

ERPs help to integrate all functions and departments across the entire organization into a unified system. These systems serve all the needs of each function and department. For instance, an ERP integrates the HR, finance, marketing, and manufacturing departments. The importance of this integration is that all departments can communicate and share information easily and promptly. Besides, an ERP streamlines workflows and processes, reduces redundant data entry processes, improves information access, reduces expenses, and improves customer satisfaction.
How do you manage to keep abreast of ERP developments and upgrades?
Tests the candidate’s knowledge of available ERP resources, as well as their ability to provide clients with the latest ERP solutions.

12. Can you tell me about a challenging ERP integration issue that you resolved?

Assesses the candidate’s knowledge and experience in ERP integration, and their ability to ensure optimal performance.

13. What type of ERP systems are you familiar with?

Today, many organizations have designed a complex system that contains multiple ERPs. Some companies develop their own system along with the available open system software. Thus, a candidate can answer this question according to the requirement of the company’s system requirement.

14. Tell about the possible steps in implementation?

Firstly, we must analyze the problem and define the objectives required. The infrastructure required for this should be checked too. Then we must clearly define its scope for the future. According to the present condition, we must evaluate the options in ERP for future improvement. This will identify the required ERP solution, so it can be updated with important and necessary data. The users should check on the system now and then; they can also customize it when required. Employees must be capable of using the right technology, knowledge of ERP and training should be conducted for them. In the end, the implementation process ends with project management and testing.