Working with NetSuite professionals I’m constantly aware that my market is always growing; more and more businesses choose NetSuite when they reach the size where they need an ERP. This means I talk to a lot of project managers and other decision makers who know they need consultants, but couldn’t tell you the difference between functional and technical consultants.
I’ll always be happy to help a client who’s new to the market to break down the jargon, but I thought this one might be worth putting down on our blog where it’s easy to find.
The Job of the Functional Consultant
It’s very rare to find a NetSuite consultant who has no technical knowledge whatsoever, or one who couldn’t do some of the tasks expected of a functional consultant at a pinch. But while there are a few true hybrid consultants out there, if someone presents themselves as a functional consultant, I recommend you treat them that way.
As the name suggests, functional consultants spend less of their time working with the technical aspects of NetSuite (or other ERPs). Instead, they’ll handle planning for big projects, analysis, and other front-end or strategic questions.
You bring in a functional consultant to prepare for or oversee implementations and to solve issues arising from BAU (business as usual) operations.
Technical Consultant Skills
In total contrast, a technical consultant will usually focus less on the big picture and more on the problem in front of them, whether that be implementation, configuration, troubleshooting, or even coding. This kind of consultant is necessary to get everything in place for your project.
Depending on the size of your budget, your deadline, and project scope, anywhere between one hybrid consultant and teams of each may be needed. Whatever the case, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help you fill your requirement.
