What is Deltek and is it the right ERP platform for your organisation?

Deltek is a specialised ERP platform designed for project-based businesses.

With a strong footprint in architecture, engineering, consulting, government contracting, and other professional services, Deltek combines project planning, resource management, financials, and compliance in one cloud-based system.

Unlike traditional ERP systems focused on manufacturing or supply chain, Deltek is purpose-built for organisations where people, time, and project outcomes drive revenue. Its integrated functionality helps streamline project lifecycle management—from opportunity to delivery—while ensuring visibility, accountability, and margin control.

This page outlines Deltek’s key capabilities, ideal fit, and how to determine whether it aligns with your project and performance goals.

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Key features of Deltek ERP

  • Project accounting and resource planning
  • Time and expense tracking with real-time project cost visibility
  • Proposal, contract, and pipeline management
  • Budgeting, forecasting, and project profitability analytics
  • HR, talent, and workforce management
  • Financials including billing, revenue recognition, and compliance
  • Built-in dashboards, KPI tracking, and audit readiness
  • Cloud-based or on-premise deployment options

Which organisations is Deltek best suited for?

Deltek is typically a strong fit for:

  • Professional services firms managing billable hours, contracts, or grants
  • Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms with complex project lifecycles
  • Management consultancies, creative agencies, and legal practices
  • Government contractors and grant-funded entities needing compliance and audit control

Mid-sized to large organisations seeking project-centric ERP with finance and resourcing built in

Pros and cons of Deltek

Where Deltek delivers value:

  • Purpose-built for project-based, people-centric organisations
  • Strong control over margins, resource utilisation, and project performance
  • Deep functionality in time, billing, and project accounting
  • Compliance and audit capabilities aligned with public sector or grant reporting
  • Industry-specific modules for AEC, consulting, and government contracting

Where it may fall short:

  • Not suited to manufacturing or inventory-driven businesses
  • Smaller partner ecosystem in ANZ may require overseas support
  • Interface and user experience may feel more functional than intuitive

Can be complex to configure without experienced delivery partners

Alternatives to Deltek

Depending on your organisation’s size, complexity, and industry, other ERP options to consider include:

  • Unit4 – for project-based organisations in education, public services, and NFP
  • Oracle NetSuite – cloud ERP with project and services capabilities
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365 – flexible ERP with integrated project accounting
  • Workday – strong for workforce planning and finance in professional services
  • SAP S/4HANA – scalable ERP for large enterprises with complex project and compliance needs

Compare these in our Cloud ERP Software Solutions Guide or Professional Services ERP Guide.

Planning your Deltek ERP journey

Whether you’re considering Deltek for the first time or comparing it against other project-focused ERP platforms, SMC can help you evaluate your options with confidence.

Expert insights from SMC

At Solution Minds Consulting, we’ve helped consulting firms, engineering practices, creative agencies, and grant-funded organisations evaluate and implement platforms like Deltek.

Deltek often stands out when project visibility, time control, and margin protection are top priorities. But success depends on ensuring the platform aligns with your service model, reporting needs, and growth strategy. We guide you through the process with a structured, independent approach that puts business value first.

Explore our support for ERP Selection, Implementation Planning, and Digital Strategy.