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What makes a great ERP partner – FAQs

Your business has identified the need to upgrade its current ERP system and you’re at the stage of engaging with partners, we understand there can be lots of noise at this point, that’s why we have put together this helpful FAQs.

How many ERP options can Frontline provide?

Frontline believe that one size doesn’t fit all! That’s why we provide a choice of three ERP systems. Business Central, Sage X3 and SAP Business One. We pride ourselves in giving expert advice, we want to understand your business needs so we can explore the right system with you, even if we think it’s not a system we offer we will still guide you in the right direction.

Should I choose ERP software first or the partner first?

In most cases, it’s better to choose the ERP partner first, not the software.

Your ERP software is only as effective as the guidance, implementation and support behind it. A good ERP partner will help you understand your business needs and requirements and compare different systems. A professional ERP partner should help you select the software that fits your needs rather than just pushing a single product.

Choosing software first can limit your options and increase the risk of misalignment, whereas choosing the right partner first gives you clarity, context, and confidence before any technical decisions are made.

Afterall, it is all about the people. The relationship you have with your ERP partner should be built on trust, as these will be people you are working with long term.

Why does local ERP support matter?

Local ERP support matters because ERP systems underpin critical business processes and issues often need fast, clear, and contextual responses.

UK‑based ERP support typically means:

  • Faster response times during critical issues.
  • Site visits are always available.
  • Better alignment with UK regulations, working practices, and expectations.

When ERP support is local, businesses benefit from stronger relationships, clearer accountability, and more effective long‑term support especially after go‑live.

How important is industry experience in an ERP partner?

Industry experience is extremely important.

An ERP partner with sector experience understands:

  • Common operational challenges.
  • Industry‑specific processes and reporting needs.
  • Practical workflows, not just system functionality.

This allows them to configure ERP systems in a way that supports how your business operates, rather than forcing generic templates onto complex real‑world processes. Industry experience often leads to faster implementations, better adoption, and fewer costly changes later.


What happens after ERP go‑live?

Go‑live isn’t the finish line, it’s the start of the next phase of your ERP journey.

After go‑live, a good ERP partner should focus on stability, support and optimisation. This typically includes a structured handover from the project team to support, close monitoring of the system, and fast access to help if issues arise. Early post‑go‑live support is critical to ensure users feel confident, processes are running smoothly, and any teething problems are resolved quickly.

Beyond initial support, ongoing ERP success comes from continuous improvement. As your business evolves, your ERP should evolve with it. This means regular system health checks, performance reviews, user training, and advice on how to get more value from your ERP over time, not just fixing problems when something breaks.

At Frontline, go‑live is treated as the beginning of a long‑term partnership, not the end of a project.


What questions should I ask before choosing an ERP partner?

Choosing the right ERP partner is just as important as choosing the right ERP software. Before deciding, it’s worth asking questions such as:

  • Do you help me choose the right ERP, or just sell one system?
    An experienced partner should help you compare options and guide you towards the best fit for your business, even if that means recommending more than one solution.
  • What support do you provide after implementation?
    Ask what happens after go‑live, what support packages are available, and how issues are handled.
  • Are you experienced in my industry?
    Industry knowledge can make a significant difference to how well your ERP supports real‑world processes.
  • Where is your support team based?
    Local, UK‑based support can be crucial for response times, communication, and understanding regulatory requirements.
  • Will I have a long‑term point of contact?
    ERP is not a short‑term investment, so it’s important to know who you’ll be working with long after implementation.

Frontline encourages these conversations early, helping businesses make informed decisions without pressure.  


What experience should an ERP partner have?

An ERP partner should offer more than technical knowledge. The best partners combine system expertise with real business experience.

Look for an ERP partner that:

  • Has proven experience implementing and supporting ERP systems for businesses of a similar size and complexity.
  • Understands industry‑specific challenges, not just the software itself.
  • Offers certified consultants, developers and support specialists.
  • Has experience supporting ERP systems long after implementation, not just delivering projects.

Frontline’s consultants bring experience from finance, operations, manufacturing, distribution and professional services, allowing them to design ERP solutions that work in practice, not just on paper.


Overall, why should you choose Frontline for ERP?

Frontline is built around one simple principle: one size does not fit all.

Rather than pushing a single product, Frontline offers a choice of ERP systems, SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Sage X3. This allows businesses to select the solution that genuinely fits their needs. This independent, advisory‑led approach helps reduce risk and ensures ERP decisions are made for the right reasons.

With over 25 years of ERP experience, a UK‑based support team, and end‑to‑end services covering implementation, support, optimisation and long‑term strategy, Frontline focuses on building lasting partnerships rather than short‑term projects.

Ultimately, businesses choose Frontline because they want clarity, expertise and a partner they can trust before go‑live, after go‑live, and for every stage in between.

Start your journey with us today – Book a call – Frontline Consultancy and Business Services Ltd

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