The market for IT consulting services consists of eight disciplines: IT strategy, IT architecture, IT implementation, ERP services, system integration, data analytics, IT security and software management.
IT strategy encompasses business performance and IT management consulting, often the first phase of IT projects, which usually lasts between six and ten months – and on average between two and three months – depending on their complexity. Examples of projects are defining a corporate IT strategy, preparing a business case for an ERP system or designing a vision on cybersecurity – projects that form the basis for further IT work.
IT architecture looks at the IT processes and systems, and defines the technological blueprint on which the business processes run. Projects typically last between six and twelve months, and architectural services precede IT implementation or system integration efforts. Consulting services include defining an enterprise landscape, implementing a service-oriented architecture (SOA), or guiding the outsourcing of architecture processes to an external party.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) services are activities that support customers in designing, implementing and/or managing ERP systems and modules. The most important services are choosing ERP packages and implementations of, for example, SAP or Oracle products. The field of system integrations focuses on linking different computer systems and software applications to operate as a whole. It is often necessary to ensure that ERP systems/modules can link with other applications within the IT segment. IT security focuses on risk, security and compliance responsibilities within the IT landscape, while the IT implementation discipline encompasses all services for the design and implementation of technology-driven projects.
