Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations often carry a reputation for being slow, expensive, and overwhelming. For many executives, the idea of migrating to a new system feels like opening Pandora’s box - necessary for growth but daunting in scope.
At Ekwani Consulting, we see things differently. Our approach is shaped by the lived experience of our Founder & CEO, Melanie Martens, who began her career not as a consultant, but as an ERP end-user and project manager on the client side. That perspective, combined with a global mindset and nearly a decade of focused NetSuite expertise, has transformed how we approach ERP projects: with transparency, collaboration, and a relentless focus on what’s best for the clients.
Before founding Ekwani Consulting, Melanie navigated ERP projects from the inside out, coaching users, managing configurations, and bridging the gaps between technology and operations. Those early years taught her the frustrations clients face when partners work in silos, pushing software instead of solutions.
“Partnering with each unique client is like moving to a new country,” she explains. “You have to understand their values, challenges, and way of doing business before you can help them evolve.”
That client-first mindset has become Ekwani’s hallmark.
The vision for Ekwani was sparked during a high-tech manufacturing project that had stalled. Multiple partners were working independently, with no cohesion or accountability. That’s when we rebuilt the project team from the ground up, aligned the right partners, and ultimately led the client to a successful go-live.
That experience reinforces our conviction: ERP firms shouldn’t just be implementers. They should be partners.
We define Ekwani through two leading principles:
By specializing, the team maintains deep expertise and delivers sharper results.
Each project involves trusted collaborators with industry-specific knowledge, selected for their willingness to be in the trenches alongside clients.
At Ekwani, ERP isn’t about selling the biggest package or locking clients into rigid processes. It’s about designing lean, scalable foundations that adapt to a brand’s growth trajectory.
For example, when tasked with implementing NetSuite for a celebrity-backed startup before the product or market strategy had even been revealed, our team configured core modules for financials, procurement, and order management while keeping the system flexible enough to evolve.
This is the ERP framework we use regularly to scale seamlessly, proving that agility is just as critical as stability.
Years of hands-on ERP work have sharpened Ekwani’s ability to anticipate challenges before they arise. Instead of simply reacting to problems, the team guides clients with a proactive strategy, asking the right questions early so businesses don’t have to backtrack later.
This foresight is particularly valuable for D2C brands in industries like:
Each industry carries unique compliance, distribution, and scaling challenges. Ekwani’s deep vertical knowledge ensures ERP systems are built to handle them from the start.
One myth we frequently address is the belief that ERP implementations must take 12–18 months. In reality, with the right roadmap, foundational NetSuite modules can go live in as little as 3–4 months.
The key is phasing. Instead of launching everything at once, Ekwani helps clients prioritize essentials, then expand. This approach reduces overwhelm, accelerates ROI, and builds confidence across teams.
“It’s not about headcount or revenue. It’s about complexity.”
Once you’re selling across multiple channels, Shopify, Faire, Amazon, Walmart, or big-box retailers like Target and Ulta, manual spreadsheets stop being viable. That’s when ERP becomes not just helpful, but essential.
One hidden complexity of ERP projects is banking integration. For brands operating across currencies, transfer types, and compliance layers, payments can become a major pain point.
That’s why Ekwani partners with FISPAN, a pre-built integration that connects seamlessly with NetSuite. This collaboration removes the heavy lift of custom banking integrations, ensuring payments are secure, compliant, and streamlined from day one.
Bank integrations are notoriously complex. With FISPAN, everything is already in compliance with the banks. That takes a huge weight off your clients and your team.
ERP implementations don’t have to be long, rigid, or overwhelming. With the right partner, they can be transparent, collaborative, and tailored to support long-term growth.
At Ekwani Consulting, we don’t just implement Oracle NetSuite - we build scalable foundations, curate collaborative ecosystems, and guide clients with the perspective of someone who has been in their shoes.
Ready to reimagine what ERP can look like for your business? Let’s talk!