Creating a clear ERP strategy and roadmap for Western Australia’s largest general cargo port.
Led by SMC’s Perth team, the engagement provided Fremantle Ports with independent ERP and enterprise systems advisory to establish a clear strategy for future transformation.
The Enterprise Systems Challenge
Before
Before engaging SMC, Fremantle Ports relied on a combination of legacy enterprise applications, bespoke systems and disconnected technologies to support finance, operations, asset management, human resources and reporting. Over time, these systems became increasingly difficult to maintain, limiting visibility across the organisation with excessive manual processes, fragmented data and governance challenges.
After
As independent ERP and Enterprise Systems consultants, SMC partnered with PwC to develop a comprehensive ERP Strategy & Roadmap, including a business case for change. The engagement provided a structured pathway that aligned all stakeholders on scope and approach towards a modern enterprise environment, supporting optimised business processes and improved reporting.
The Difference
Rather than replacing systems individually, the roadmap established a whole-of-business approach to transformation. It gave Fremantle Ports greater clarity and confidence to plan future technology investments, including governance guardrails, reduced risk, improved operational efficiency and a plan to best support long-term business objectives.
About Fremantle Ports
Fremantle Ports manages the Port of Fremantle, WA’s largest general cargo port and one of Australia’s most significant trade gateways. The organisation oversees critical maritime infrastructure and supports the movement of goods that underpin the WA economy. As a Government trading enterprise, Fremantle Ports operates in a complex environment that demands strong governance, operational excellence and long-term strategic planning.
SMC's ERP Strategy & Roadmap Approach
Working collaboratively with Fremantle Ports and PwC, SMC developed an enterprise-wide ERP Strategy & Roadmap to provide a structured pathway for transformation.
As an independent, client-side advisor, SMC assessed the existing environment, identified leading practices and evaluated technology options without vendor bias. This enabled Fremantle Ports to make strategic decisions based on desired business outcomes.
- ERP and Enterprise Systems Consulting
- Independent Digital Transformation Consulting
- Enterprise systems assessment
- Future-state technology landscape development
- Executive stakeholder workshops
- Governance and transformation planning
- Technology options analysis
- Order-of-magnitude cost modelling
- Roadmap development and prioritisation
- ERP Strategy & Roadmap development
The outcome was a practical and achievable roadmap that provided a structured pathway for Fremantle Ports’ next phase of transformation, from future technology decisions through to ERP selection and implementation planning.
Once a clear strategy, roadmap and technology direction are established, organisations can move into selection and delivery with greater confidence. SMC’s Plan & Implement service provides independent, client-side oversight through the implementation phase.
Planning an Enterprise Systems Transformation?
Whether you’re defining your ERP strategy, evaluating future technology options or preparing for system selection, SMC provides independent, client-side advice to help you make informed transformation decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ERP Strategy defines how enterprise systems will support an organisation’s business objectives. It provides a roadmap for future investment, helping reduce risk, improve governance and ensure technology decisions align with long-term operational goals.
An ERP Roadmap helps organisations understand their current environment, define future requirements and prioritise transformation initiatives before evaluating vendors. This creates a more structured, lower-risk approach to enterprise system selection and implementation.
An independent ERP advisor provides objective, vendor-neutral advice focused on business outcomes. This helps organisations make informed technology decisions, strengthen governance and select solutions that best meet their strategic and operational needs.
An ERP Strategy aligns people, processes and technology around a shared vision. It establishes governance, identifies implementation priorities and creates a clear pathway for successful enterprise transformation.
An ERP Strategy helps organisations overcome disconnected systems, manual processes, fragmented data, limited reporting and ageing technology by providing a structured approach to modernising enterprise systems.
SMC partnered with Fremantle Ports and PwC to develop an independent ERP Strategy and Roadmap that aligned stakeholders, assessed future technology options, established governance foundations and created a practical roadmap to guide future transformation.
Planning your next ERP move?
Choosing the right ERP is a strategic business decision. Our Cloud ERP Guide explores what to consider when evaluating your options, selecting the right solution and preparing for a successful transformation.
About the Author
Jamon Johnston is the Founder and CEO of SMC, with more than 30 years of experience advising organisations on enterprise software and digital transformation. After leading consulting engagements at Andersen and Deloitte, he founded SMC in 2006 to provide truly independent, specialist advisory services that help organisations confidently navigate complex technology and business transformation initiatives.