The Future of ERP Independence
The enterprise software landscape is shifting. Senior ERP professionals who once thrived in Big-4 environments are increasingly seeking alternatives that respect their expertise while providing the infrastructure they need to succeed.
The Traditional Model Is Broken
For decades, the consulting industry has operated on a simple premise: leverage junior resources against senior relationships. Partners bring in work, associates deliver it, and margins come from the spread.
This model served its purpose, but it created two fundamental problems:
- For clients: They pay for senior expertise but receive junior execution
- For senior operators: They sacrifice autonomy for access to deals
A Different Approach
What if senior professionals could maintain their independence while accessing the infrastructure, credibility, and vendor relationships typically reserved for large firms?
This is the question that drives cooperative models in professional services. The answer lies in shared leverage without shared control.
Key Principles
- You set your rates: No rate cards, no utilization targets
- You choose your clients: No mandatory assignments
- You control delivery: Your methodology, your standards
The Economics of Independence
The math is straightforward. A 15% revenue share funds:
- Legal and commercial infrastructure
- Vendor and VAR relationships
- Shared services and tooling
- Enterprise credibility
What it doesn't fund is bureaucracy, middle management, or partner profits built on your labor.
Who This Works For
This model isn't for everyone. It works for professionals who:
- Have established expertise and track records
- Value autonomy over security
- Want infrastructure without employment
- Seek collaboration without hierarchy
If you're still building your career, traditional paths offer valuable structure. But if you've already proven yourself and want something different, alternatives exist.
The future of enterprise consulting isn't bigger firms—it's better models.