Natural Power – ERP System Selection and Project Management Support

Guiding a renewable energy consultancy through ERP selection for sustainable growth.

The client

Natural Power, headquartered in Castle Douglas, Scotland, has been delivering consultancy, asset management, and technical services to the global renewable energy sector for over two decades.

Since its beginnings in the early 1990s with just eight staff, the business has expanded to over 280 employees with offices across the UK, France, and the USA. This growth highlighted the limitations of its existing systems, which could no longer meet the demands of a fast-growing, international consultancy.

Service: ERP Requirements & SOR, ERP Selection, Gaps & Opportunities Analysis

Industry: services

Location: UK, Europe, USA

Website: naturalpower.com

The challenge

As operations became more complex, Natural Power recognised the need for a modern ERP system to replace disparate legacy tools and support future expansion. However, the business also knew it lacked the internal expertise to define requirements and navigate a complex ERP market. Natural Power sought an experienced partner to:

  • Help structure and manage the internal project.
  • Define business and functional requirements.
  • Lead the evaluation, demonstration, and selection of the right ERP solution.

The solution

Gradient was engaged to guide Natural Power through the ERP selection process and establish the internal governance needed for success. Key objectives for the new ERP system included:

  • A platform to support continued growth in the renewable energy sector.
  • Simplification of processes across multiple sites and functions.
  • A unified, well-supported system to replace a patchwork of existing tools.
  • Flexibility to evolve as the business continues to expand.

“At the end of the selection process, we presented to the board. They asked me to pass on thanks to all involved for the thoroughness and professionalism with which the project was handled.”

Neil Douglas, Director, Natural Power

The approach

Working closely with project leader Callum McLean, Gradient established two dedicated internal teams:

  • Steering committee: Responsible for decision-making and resource sign-off.
  • Key user team: Tasked with specifying functional requirements.

Gradient conducted site visits and interviews to fully understand Natural Power’s processes. These were translated into a comprehensive requirements document, which was issued to a carefully researched vendor list. From this:

  • Responses were analysed, and three vendors were shortlisted.
  • Detailed demonstrations were conducted, supported by Gradient.
  • IFS was selected as the preferred vendor after a proof-of-concept workshop, leading to a successful contract signing.

The result

Natural Power now benefits from a carefully chosen ERP system that:

  • Provides a scalable platform for ongoing growth.
  • Simplifies the management of diverse operations and projects across multiple geographies.
  • Delivers significant efficiency gains by unifying processes and linking internal and external projects.
  • Replaces fragmented systems with a robust, future-ready solution aligned to the way Natural Power works.