When deciding to mandate consulting firms, you need to have a plan. The first step in the planning phase is therefore to define the intended solution and the scope of the project. To obtain such a general project plan as well as summary estimates that will help choose which components of the project to entrust to a consulting firm, it is recommended to use a firm different from the one that will carry out the work. In this way, it is ensured that the work is carried out according to the established plan. So here are the guidelines for optimizing the potential of your collaboration with a consulting firm.

How do I work with a consulting firm?

It is important to supervise the work of consulting firms by determining the deliverables they will have to produce. You must also communicate to them as precisely as possible the parameters of your project. Among them, we can think of the participating business units, the targeted business process, the data to be converted, the interfaces to be built, the deployment approach to adopt, the methodology selected and the versions of the software packages to be implemented. These companies want to obtain the most comprehensive mandate possible, but it is up to you to choose which ones you will entrust part of the project to, according to their field of expertise.

It is important to properly establish the guidelines for a project, both for you and for the consulting firm commissioned. The more clearly you define mandates, the more likely you are to negotiate a fixed-price contract. This approach reduces your financial risk.

It is advisable to be familiar with the expertise of consulting firms before inviting them to submit a proposal. By clearly communicating your needs, you will be more likely to get relevant proposals. So take the time to discuss your needs with them and understand how they work.

How do you target consulting firms with whom to consider potential collaboration?

The fees paid to consulting companies must correspond to the added value of the products delivered. You have every interest in retaining the services of a company that has expertise in the type of project you want to undertake. Why? Because the most valuable company is the one that is in a position to use its experience and intellectual capital to increase the speed of your project.

Maintain healthy competition between the companies whose services you require. Invite at least three different companies to respond to your call for proposals. Allow plenty of time to write a quality call for proposals. The more complete and accurate the document is, the less assumptions companies will rely on when writing their bids, and the better able you will be to compare the proposals you receive.

Also, keep in mind that it's not always the lowest price that represents the greatest value for you. A bit like when recruiting, take the time to prepare a proposal evaluation grid. In this grid, assess the understanding of the mandate, the coverage of the scope, the experience of the field of intervention, the knowledge of your industry, the quality of the proposed team, the price, the approach, etc.

Also, use your organization's procurement department during the selection process. His expertise will allow you to obtain more advantageous conditions as well as to maximize your purchasing power.

How do you choose the consulting firm you will work with?

Once you have the proposals in hand, do not hesitate to conduct interviews. You will thus be able to assess the level of competence of the resources offered by the various companies. You will therefore be in a position to ensure that they have the experience required to carry out the mandate. Do not hesitate to get references from their customers.

Before the company finishes its mandate, ensure that knowledge transfer takes place between consultants and your permanent employees. This phase, called post-implantation support, aims to promote the acquisition of skills within your team while maximizing your investment.