Functional Consultant
Understand business processes, map requirements to ERP, configure modules, conduct training, and act as a bridge between end users and the ERP system.
Career Guide
How to Become an Odoo ERP Consultant: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Being an Odoo ERP Consultant is rewarding both financially and career wise. Learn the path to success.
Most organizations have an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation in place. These companies need regular Application & Production Support, Maintenance, Upgrades, Migrations, and enhancements to their systems.
This clearly indicates that a career in ERP Consulting is only going to get bigger and better. Whether you're from finance, HR, sales, or engineering background, there's a path for you in ERP consulting.
ERP Consultant Career Paths
- Functional Consultant
- Technical Consultant
- Techno-Functional Consultant
What is an ERP? (Enterprise Resource Planning)
ERP systems are a set of integrated business applications or modules which are mapped to common business functions like finance, payroll, sales & distribution, etc. in real time with a common database.
The basic utility of an ERP system is to track & maintain transactional records, generate business critical reports and maintain overall visibility & transparency across the organization.
It is now widely used across industries - production, manufacturing, logistics, airline, shipping, retail, medical, education, media, tourism, hospitality, transportation and banking services.
No wonder the opportunities for professionals trained in ERP is witnessing rapid growth and most often it doesn't require complex technical or computer knowledge to be certified as an ERP professional.
Build a Career in ERP As A Consultant
Technical Consultant
Handle programming aspects, customize ERP systems, develop modules, support forms and reports, design database structures, and manage integrations.
Techno-Functional Consultant
Combine both technical and functional expertise. Understand business processes while also having programming skills to implement technical solutions.
Odoo ERP Functional Consultant
Functional consultants are a key link in the ERP chain — they understand business processes, suggest improvements, and map requirements onto the ERP system.
Key Skills
Domain knowledge, understanding of business processes, strong configuration skills, teamwork, and good communication.
Career Path
Trainee → Associate Consultant → Consultant → Senior Consultant → Team Leader → Project Manager.
Education & Certification
MBA, BBA, MCom, BCom along with ERP certification. These programs help students gain certification by graduation.
Role & Responsibilities
Provide As-Is and To-Be state of business processes, project blueprints, workflows, global project settings, and end user trainings.
Odoo ERP Technical Consultant
Technical consultants handle the programming and technical aspects of ERP implementation. They provide technical solutions by customizing ERP systems.
Background
Typically from an engineering or technical programming background.
Key Responsibilities
Take functional specifications, support forms and reports, design database structures, create SQL packages, handle integrations.
ERP System Layers
Presentation Layer (GUI), Application Layer (programming & customizations), and Database Layer (data storage).
Programming Skills
ERP programming is done in Object Oriented Programming language. Programming skills are limited to specific areas.
Odoo Techno-Functional Consultant
There is a third category of professionals who are called techno-functional consultants in ERP who perform both technical and functional roles in an organization.
Technical consultants working on various modules such as HRM, Sales, CRM, FRM, SCM, PRM, etc., gradually understand the business processes involved and this helps them map the scenarios apart from doing the programming part which they are already skilled at.
With changing technologies including different types of ERP implementation processes, consultants in those specific skills both in techno-functional areas are in huge demand, according to analysts.
How Can You Become an ERP Consultant?
Here are the key steps to start your journey as an ERP consultant.
- 1
Learn the Basics of ERP
Understand how and why companies need ERP. Get an overview of different ERP modules and what business functions they map onto.
- 2
Get Assignment/Live Project Experience
Hands-on experience is crucial from the early stages. Programs like Train and Deploy help candidates get employed directly after completing courses.
- 3
Choose Your Specialization
Decide whether you want to be a Functional, Technical, or Techno-Functional consultant based on your skills and interests.
- 4
Get Certified
ERP certification alongside regular degrees like MBA, BBA, MCom, or BCom helps build credibility and marketability.
- 5
Keep Updating Your Skills
Stay on top with refresher courses. As an ERP Consultant, you need to adapt to technology advancements.
- 6
Build Your Career
Start as a Trainee, then progress to Associate Consultant, Consultant, Senior Consultant, Team Leader, and Project Manager.
Conclusion
ERP is about understanding business processes and how they integrate with various solutions developed by vendors. Understanding the business processes and its requirements are paramount to success of ERP implementation and hence the demand for good quality functional consultants.
On the other hand, much of the technology side work is done by Technical people who handle a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Programming skills required in ERP is limited to Object Oriented programming and hence engineering graduates may have great opportunities when they combine functional skills as well.
The world of ERP Consulting is vast and still evolving with new solutions and platforms. Hence, professionals need to keep updating their skills frequently to stay on top. With technology advancements, ERP systems will keep evolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Becoming an Odoo ERP Consultant
It depends on the path you choose. Functional consultants don't need programming skills — they focus on business processes and configuration. Technical consultants need programming skills, while techno-functional consultants need both.
Ready to Supercharge Your Career as an Odoo ERP Consultant?
Jump-start your implementation and drive ROI by collaborating with industry experts, consultants, and support engineers throughout your journey. Our highly trained representatives are standing by, ready to help with Installation & Configuration, Training, Customization, and Support.