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Part of SPARK® 2.0

ERP Analysis

Finding the right ERP system: informed, fast, independent, and AI-powered.

Within a few weeks, the ERP analysis provides a weighted list of criteria, a vendor-neutral ERP market analysis, and a well-reasoned recommendation of suitable ERP systems—giving you a solid foundation for your ERP selection. We also offer our SPARK® 2.0 ERP pre-project as a comprehensive three-phase package—you are currently in the first phase.

Vendor-neutralAI-powered analysisStreamlined processGDPR-compliant
EVALUATION MATRIX · ICB
EXAMPLE RESULT
Criteria MatchWeight 25%ABC
Process coverageWeight 20%ABC
Platform ArchitectureWeight 15%ABC
Suitability for the industryWeight 10%ABC
AI & InnovationWeight 15%ABC
Implementation riskWeight 15%ABC
System A
A leader in functionality, with integrated implementation partners
86
System B
Comprehensive process coverage, lower total cost of ownership (TCO)
79
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RESULTS

Three concrete findings from your ERP analysis.

At the conclusion of the ERP analysis, three coordinated deliverables are produced, which serve as a basis for decision-making and as a bridge to the ERP selection process.

List of criteria

A structured list of criteria covering functional, technical, and strategic selection criteria—weighted and prioritized according to your specific requirements.

FunctionalTechnicalStrategic

ERP Market Analysis

A vendor-neutral assessment of the relevant market segment based on your business model and a set of criteria—including an evaluation matrix and an AI maturity check.

Market ValuationEvaluation MatrixAI Check

Recommendation

2 to 4 ERP systems, each with a brief overview, a fit assessment, and a concrete recommendation for next steps—providing a solid foundation for your subsequent ERP selection.

Fit RatingProposed Procedure
All results are presented and discussed in a personalized results presentation.
PROCEDURE

Five steps to finding the right ERP solution.

From the initial contact to the system recommendation—structured, transparent, and with minimal effort on the customer’s part.

1
Kickoff
Getting to know each other, defining the scope, and jointly selecting the relevant end-to-end core processes to serve as a framework for the analysis.
Appointment
2
Information gathering
Structured questionnaires on organization, IT infrastructure, and core requirements for each process—which you can fill out flexibly on your end.
Questionnaire
using AI
3
Weighting & Prioritization
A facilitated workshop in which we will work together to weigh and prioritize the selection criteria—the foundation of the evaluation matrix for the ERP market analysis.
Workshop
using AI
4
ERP Market Analysis
AI-powered, vendor-neutral evaluation of the relevant market segment based on your weighted criteria—reviewed by experienced ERP consultants.
using AI
5
Recommendation
2 to 4 ERP systems: A solid foundation for your ERP selection, presented in a personalized results session with a well-reasoned recommendation.
CONSULTING PATH IN THE SPARK 2.0 ERP PRE-PROJECT

Finding the Right ERP System.

Stages 1 through 3 together form our ERP pre-project, SPARK 2.0—which is upwardly compatible and can be commissioned individually or as a package. If needed, ICB will support the entire cycle through to implementation, without any gaps.

1
NEWS
GET STARTED

ERP Analysis

Vendor-neutral market analysis featuring a weighted criteria set and a well-reasoned recommendation of 2–4 ERP systems — your basis for making an informed decision when selecting an ERP system.

1–2 weeks1 workshop
2
IN-DEPTH

ERP Selection

In-depth analysis of the preferred systems, including detailed functional and technical requirements, as well as structured discussions with vendors — to determine your target system.

3–4 weeksDeep-dive workshops
3
PROJECT PLANNING

ERP Project Planning

Development of the target architecture, implementation plan, and robust business case including TCO—ready for management approval.

1–2 weeksManagement template
Following SPARK 2.0: We’ll guide you through your ERP implementation—from implementation management and vendor management to contract negotiations and go-live—all under one roof.
WHY ERP ANALYSIS WITH ICB

Four reasons why an ERP analysis with ICB makes all the difference.

A clear methodology, vendor-neutral evaluation, AI-powered market research—and a seamless transition to the next phases of our SPARK 2.0 ERP pilot project.

Manufacturer-independent

We recommend what’s right for you—not what sells. No sales partnerships with ERP vendors, no hidden commissions.

AI-powered analysis

AI agents expand market research and significantly speed up the evaluation process. Every result is reviewed and categorized by experienced ERP consultants.

Streamlined Process

No months-long project: In just a few weeks, you’ll have a solid basis for making an ERP selection—with minimal effort on your part.

Seamless consultation process

Phase 1 of our SPARK 2.0 ERP pilot project: a seamless transition to ERP selection and ERP project planning. Upon request, we can also support you during the subsequent ERP implementation—all from a single source, with no loss of information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What prospective buyers often want to know.

What is the difference between ERP analysis and ERP selection?+
The ERP analysis is Phase 1—a streamlined market research phase that recommends 2 to 4 suitable systems, without an in-depth process analysis. The ERP selection is Phase 2—involving end-to-end process workshops, requirements definition, and target architecture, leading up to the final target system. Those with little preliminary work start with the analysis; those who already have clear requirements can move directly to the selection phase.
Which ERP systems are being evaluated?+
The entire market segment relevant to you—regardless of the manufacturer. A comprehensive AI-powered market analysis identifies the systems under consideration; our consultants then filter and evaluate them based on your list of criteria. The result is 2 to 4 well-reasoned recommendations, each accompanied by a brief profile and a fit assessment.
What role does AI play in analysis?+
AI agents speed up market research and the initial mapping of requirements—they aggregate public market data, product data sheets, and manufacturer comparisons. Our consultants filter, weigh, and contextualize the results. The recommendation remains under human oversight and is traceable step by step.
What is the rationale behind the recommendation?+
Each recommendation is based on an evaluation matrix that includes a weighted list of criteria (functional, technical, strategic) as well as qualitative criteria such as the implementation partner landscape, AI maturity, and risk profile. The rationale is transparently documented and can be verified at any time.
What data is collected—and how is it protected?+
We collect only process and requirement data—no personal or business-critical information. Processing is GDPR-compliant and takes place on servers in the EU (Germany available upon request) and is subject to an NDA. The AI models used are not trained using your data.
How much effort does an ERP analysis require on the customer's part?+
Very streamlined: 1–2 hours to complete the questionnaire, plus 1–2 hours in a joint kick-off workshop (no separate workshops for each department—that comes later in the ERP selection process, Phase 2). We handle the market research, assessment, and analysis internally. Total duration of the ERP analysis: 1–2 weeks from the kick-off.
Which industries are covered?+
Small and medium-sized businesses and upper-mid-sized companies: discrete manufacturing and mass production, mechanical and plant engineering, wholesale and distribution, services, and project-oriented companies. Our expertise is based on a wide range of ERP projects since 2003.
How much does the ERP analysis cost?+
The fixed price depends on the scope of the project (company size, number of departments, complexity). You will receive a binding quote following the free 30-minute initial consultation.
What happens after the market analysis?+
The results will be incorporated into the next phase of our SPARK 2.0 ERP pilot project—the ERP selection process, which includes end-to-end process workshops, requirements definition, and target architecture—without any duplication of effort. Alternatively, we can incorporate the recommendation into a separate request for proposals. There is no automatic obligation—you decide whether and how to proceed.
INITIAL CONSULTATION

Ready to take the first step?

A no-obligation initial consultation will help you determine whether an ERP analysis is the right choice—free of charge and with no obligation.