Professional Services Firms Choose SAP for More Successful Client Engagements

AEPEX Business Consultants, CAC Corporation, Esprit Consulting, Global Enterprise Management Solutions (GEMS) and Sumisei Computer Service are among the global professional services companies using the CRM solutions industry-specific capabilities -- such as opportunity management, project resource planning, project management, audit management and interaction center Web client -- to enhance operational efficiency, sharpen focus on the customer and improve the delivery of services. Professional services companies face growing challenges from increased global competition, pricing pressures from a new buyers market, longer bidding cycles and increasing customer demand for substantial cost savings. Additionally, companies providing legal, audit and tax services are battling intensified government scrutiny and grappling with new regulations that require increased risk assessment and reporting processes. A core part of the SAP for Professional Services solution portfolio, mySAP CRM addresses these unique business challenges by providing tailored functionality to more effectively manage professional services firms core business processes, including managing new and existing opportunities, project execution and resource planning and utilization. Tools for Full-Circle Management of Client Engagements mySAP CRM helps ensure a complete view of the entire services process from lead to cash. This level of transparency helps professional services companies such as Esprit Consulting make efficient use of resources, saving the organization time and money and helping it battle the extended bidding cycles and competitive price constraints of todays marketplace. The company is using the SAP CRM solution to create transparency in its time and expense reporting and invoicing and improve efficiency in contact, project and opportunity management. Opportunity and Audit Management Opportunity management functionality in mySAP CRM enables transparency across the customer pipeline and allows for better tracking of each bid being pursued. Coupled with the solutions audit management tools, opportunity management allows professional services providers to cross-check for conflicts of interest and control risk. The solution also helps companies plan, structure and schedule projects. Project management features confirm each task before the project phase is approved, noting interdependencies and other constraints to help create reasonable milestones and fulfill project goals. Project Resource Planning Project resource planning tools in mySAP CRM enable professional services firms to manage the full roster of consultants operating across various regions. This software feature searches for, selects and allocates staff to projects automatically by matching skills required with skills available. Professional service providers can now make the most effective use of human resources and knowledge assets to better manage sophisticated account requirements and achieve lasting, profitable customer relationships while obtaining a tangible, immediate return on their existing IT investment.