Digital transformation is no longer optional, it’s a strategic imperative. For organisations investing in enterprise applications such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), or Human Capital Management (HCM) systems, the challenge lies not only in choosing the right technology but in ensuring it delivers long-term value. This article explores how independent digital advisory partners, like RSM Malta, play a critical role in guiding businesses through the complexity of selection, procurement, and implementation.

  1. Market-wide, vendor-neutral insight - focused on fit, not hype

Enterprise application markets evolve rapidly. Independent advisors offer a panoramic, vendor-neutral view, matching business needs to current capabilities and shortlisting solutions based on evidence, not sales narratives. This reduces the risk of investing in tools that fail to deliver against the original business case.

  1. Total cost and value clarity - Beyond licence fees

The true cost of an enterprise system includes configuration, integrations, data migration, testing, change management, and ongoing support. Independent advisors model Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and achievable value, providing a financial roadmap that withstands CFO scrutiny and aligns investments with strategic goals.

  1. Built-in governance, risk management, and lock-in mitigation

Vendor lock-in can result from proprietary integrations or closed data models. Neutral advisors advocate for exit-ready architectures, data portability, and objective scoring in RFI/RFP processes. By embedding governance and testing non-functional requirements early, they reduce risk and strengthen contractual clarity.

  1. Adoption, project management, and organisational change enablement

Technology alone doesn’t deliver value; people do. Independent advisors integrate project management and change enablement to ensure systems are adopted and embedded into daily operations. This dual focus drives sustainable transformation and measurable business outcomes.

  1. Speed with control - Using templates, benchmarks, and pragmatic sequencing

Independent advisors accelerate decision-making using proven tools, capability models, scoring matrices, and vendor benchmarks, without sacrificing rigour. They help sequence projects to secure early wins while protecting critical systems, ensuring momentum and risk management throughout long-term implementations.

What this means in practice

An independent digital advisory engagement typically delivers:

  • Capability-led requirements tied to measurable business outcomes
  • Market scans and shortlists aligned with vendor roadmaps and local realities
  • Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and value models that stand up to financial scrutiny
  • Implementation governance that keeps scope, risk, and benefits transparent

The RSM Malta perspective

Our Digital Advisory teams combine deep expertise in technology, finance, and industry to de-risk enterprise application investments. From discovery and vendor selection to contracting and programme assurance, we help clients implement platforms that align with their processes, controls, and growth ambitions.

Our mission is clear: to ensure that enterprise systems deliver on their promise; on time, within budget, and with measurable impact.

Article written by Karen Theuma, Lead Consultant - Digital Advisory