Implementing a new Corporate Performance Management (CPM) software is a significant milestone for any organization to transform their finance function. However, understanding how much ongoing consulting support you'll need post-implementation is critical for budgeting and planning. This realization will help you set expectations for the necessary financial investment and determine the best support model to purchase. Additionally, it will allow you to evaluate when it might be more beneficial to hire internal full-time employees (FTEs) instead of relying on external consultants.
No two companies are alike. Even businesses of the same size, in the same region, and operating within the same industry can have vastly different consulting requirements. Factors such as leadership expectations, system ecosystems, business processes, and company culture all play significant roles.
Some companies adopt a "move fast and break things" approach, while others prefer a more cautious and deliberate style. This cultural distinction affects how users interact with the system and how much they rely on external support to meet their goals.
Now that we’ve established that consulting needs vary, let’s explore the primary drivers that will determine your level of post-implementation support.
The most significant factor influencing your ongoing consulting needs is the level of dynamism in your business environment. How often does your corporate finance team receive new requests? How frequently do business requirements change?
Certain industries inherently require more ongoing support. For example, program-heavy industries may involve more program managers using the system, resulting in higher support demands. Conversely, in more traditional sectors, corporate finance teams will likely remain the primary users.
Not all CPM software solutions are created equal. Some platforms may demand more ongoing consulting support due to their complexity, while others are designed for easier maintenance. However, assumptions that higher-cost enterprise-grade software will always require more support than SMB-focused platforms aren’t necessarily accurate.
Consider the skills and experience of your internal finance and IT teams. Companies with strong in-house expertise can reduce external consulting reliance by managing routine system updates, report development, and minor enhancements. On the other hand, companies with limited internal resources will benefit from ongoing consulting support.
Leadership demands can significantly impact your need for consulting support. Some executives may frequently request new reports, dashboards, or scenario analyses. Others may be satisfied with more standardized, periodic reports. Understanding these expectations upfront can help you estimate your support needs.
Once you understand these drivers, you can better estimate your ongoing support costs. Factor consulting support into your total cost of ownership (TCO) when evaluating CPM software options. Many companies mistakenly account only for software subscriptions and implementation costs, underestimating the importance of post-implementation consulting.
To mitigate surprises, consider the following steps:
Determining your post-implementation consulting needs is not an exact science, but by evaluating your business dynamics, software choice, internal capabilities, and leadership expectations, you can make a more informed decision. Doing so will ensure you budget appropriately, optimize your support strategy, and maximize the value of your CPM software investment.
RVNA has implemented hundreds of CPM software projects. Our firm began with legacy CPM software like IBM TM1 (now called Planning Analytics) and Oracle Hyperion (now referred to as Oracle EPM) and has continuously evolved alongside the changing CPM market. This means we can help you maintain your legacy software if you need to keep it a while longer or assist you in transitioning to newer alternatives. Examples of modern CPM Software we support include Vena and OneStream.
We are a full-service consulting firm. Our expertise doesn’t end with CPM software support. We offer comprehensive solutions that extend to related areas such as:
Another reason to choose RVNA is our flexible support model. Unlike other firms that lock customers into costly pre-payments and minimum hours, we support your needs as they arise. Whether you require 200 hours per month or just a few hours every other month, we will be there for you.
Contact our team to learn if we are the right fit to help you implement a new CPM software or support an existing one.