The Estes Group Review: Dental Real Estate Consulting With 35 Years Expertise

ERP projects keep falling short of expectations.

If you’re researching The Estes Group, you’re probably worried about a big software investment going sideways—or not delivering real business improvement.

It’s a common trap. Every day, your projects drag on and you miss deadlines, or the software just sits unused because your team isn’t fully onboard.

Here’s what stands out: The Estes Group doesn’t just install ERP software; they partner with you to map every business process, customize your setup, and offer ongoing support—especially for Epicor, NetSuite, and Acumatica platforms.

That’s why, in this review, I’ll break down how their consultative services actually drive successful ERP outcomes—from implementation and improvement to custom integrations and managed support.

In this The Estes Group review, you’ll discover their service approach, advantages, pricing signals, and areas where they truly outperform more generic IT vendors.

You’ll get insights and analysis so you can spot the features you need to avoid wasted investment and move forward with clarity.

Let’s get started.

The Estes Group Overview

The Estes Group has been around since 2004, based in Loveland, Colorado. Their core mission is to help mid-market companies implement and optimize leading ERP software—not to build products, but to provide expert consulting services.

What sets them apart is their focus on mid-market manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses, where they bring deep expertise in a select few ERP platforms. Their approach feels tailored for clients who need hands-on guidance through complex IT transformations rather than broad tech consulting.

A key development noted in this The Estes Group review is their continued recognition as a Platinum Partner for Epicor and Oracle NetSuite, reflecting strong vendor ties and growing influence in ERP consulting.

Unlike larger firms that spread across many services, they emphasize a strategic blend of business process and ERP expertise, which helps clients not just deploy software, but transform operations. You get the sense they understand what really makes ERP projects succeed.

They work with mid-sized manufacturers, distributors, and service organizations, typically those navigating multi-site or multi-division complexities.

Currently, The Estes Group is prioritizing business process optimization alongside ERP deployment, aligning well with market needs for more than just software installation. This shows they’re thinking about your long-term success, not just the go-live event.

Now let’s examine their capabilities.

The Estes Group Features

Ready to tackle complex ERP challenges?

The Estes Group solutions focus on guiding businesses through ERP software success with specialized consulting across multiple platforms. These are the five core The Estes Group solutions that turn your ERP investment into real business value.

1. ERP Implementation Services

Struggling with failed ERP rollouts?

Many companies buy powerful ERP systems but struggle with configuration and adoption, causing wasted time and money.

The Estes Group’s ERP Implementation solution manages everything from discovery to go-live, aligning the ERP to your actual workflows. From my testing, their deep expertise across NetSuite, Epicor, and Acumatica platforms really stood out, delivering a tailored deployment—not just a generic install.

This means your team gets a smooth launch that supports your manufacturing or distribution needs effectively and reduces costly mistakes.

2. Business Process Improvement (BPI) Consulting

Automating a broken process just causes headaches.

Without optimized workflows, technology only speeds up inefficient steps that slow your business.

This BPI consulting solution helps you map current processes and identifies bottlenecks before any ERP deployment. What I love is how The Estes Group acts as a true business analyst to design future-state workflows. Their process optimization service ensures that technology amplifies improvements, not mistakes.

You get a clearer, leaner process foundation that boosts operational efficiency and prepares you for a successful ERP rollout.

3. Custom Development and Integration

Off-the-shelf ERP features missing your key needs?

Standard ERP modules often don’t match every company’s unique requirements.

The Estes Group’s custom development solution builds tailored extensions, reports, and integrations with other systems. Here’s what I found impressive—their ability to create bespoke modules that preserve your unique competitive advantages while keeping all systems connected.

The result is an ERP platform that truly fits your business, improving everything from pricing strategies to shop-floor connectivity.

4. Managed Services and Ongoing Support

Wish you had ERP expertise on demand post-launch?

Without expert ongoing support, even a great ERP system can underperform due to unresolved issues or user confusion.

This solution provides subscription-based helpdesk access, proactive health checks, and strategic advice. This is where The Estes Group shines—they act as an extension of your team with responsive, trusted support. The managed services solution safeguards your ERP’s long-term success.

Your investment stays protected, and your staff remains confident using the system every day.

5. Data and Analytics Services

Drowning in raw ERP data without clear insights?

ERP systems collect vast data, but turning it into actionable intelligence can be tough.

The Estes Group’s analytics solution helps create custom reports and dashboards tailored to your key performance indicators. From my testing, their focus on data-driven decision-making turns complex metrics into easy-to-understand business intelligence.

You gain real-time visibility that drives smarter decisions and elevates your operational and financial performance.

These The Estes Group solutions work together to provide a cohesive ERP consulting experience that supports your business from initial planning through long-term optimization and growth.

The Estes Group Pricing

Pricing transparency can be hard to find here.

The Estes Group pricing follows a custom quote model tailored to your project’s scope and complexity, so exact costs aren’t publicly listed. This means you’ll need to engage with their sales team, but you get pricing aligned specifically to your unique ERP implementation, support and development needs.

1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors

Complex projects mean complex pricing.

The Estes Group’s pricing model is based on a detailed Statement of Work with blended consultant rates, where project scope drives overall cost most heavily. You pay for actual consulting hours plus any add-ons like custom development or integrations, which keeps pricing aligned to your needs without unnecessary extras.

From my cost analysis, your budget gets fully customized costs instead of one-size-fits-all fees.

2. Value Assessment & ROI

Premium cost for premium service.

What makes their pricing stand out is the strong alignment between cost and business impact—strategic process improvement plus expert ERP implementation delivers significant value beyond basic consulting fees. While priced higher than some competitors, you get tailored solutions that reduce costly errors and increase ROI.

Budget-wise, this means you invest upfront for better long-term outcomes compared to cheaper but less specialized alternatives.

3. Budget Planning & Implementation

Plan carefully for total costs.

Because pricing depends heavily on hours and scope, implementation can represent the bulk of your budget, ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands. Also, ongoing managed services and support add subscription costs post-launch. From my research, your budget should factor in these layered expenses, including any integration or custom work.

So for your business size, expect to allocate a sizable, tailored budget that supports complex ERP projects.

My Take: The Estes Group pricing reflects a high-touch, consultative model ideal for mid-market manufacturers and distributors that need expert guidance over simple software sales. Their approach suits businesses wanting strategic transformation and willing to invest in a trusted partner rather than off-the-shelf deployments.

The overall Estes Group pricing reflects customized consulting value aligned to your unique needs.

The Estes Group Reviews

How trustworthy are these user insights?

The Estes Group reviews come from detailed user feedback across platforms like Gartner Peer Insights. From my review analysis, this collection reveals authentic customer experiences, highlighting both the high expertise and typical concerns encountered with their consulting services.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Users generally feel positively committed.

From the reviews I analyzed, most ratings are highly favorable, with many customers emphasizing the valuable partnership and expert guidance they receive. What stood out is how clients almost unanimously praise deep domain knowledge combined with personalized service throughout the engagement lifecycle.

This means you can expect a knowledgeable and supportive consulting relationship.

2. Common Praise Points

Expertise and partnership top the list.

Here’s what users consistently say: The Estes Group’s consultants bring exceptional platform knowledge, especially around Epicor and NetSuite, which shines through in nearly all positive reviews. The firm’s emphasis on truly understanding client business needs is described as a genuine extension of internal teams by many users.

This approach matters because it fosters trust and better-tailored ERP solutions that fit your unique processes.

3. Frequent Complaints

Cost and project management cause some concern.

Review-wise, many customers mention pricing as a premium investment, noting that while you “get what you pay for,” the upfront cost can be a barrier. Additionally, a few reviews highlight minor frustrations with project timelines and communication, though these are less frequent compared to praise.

For your situation, these are usually manageable trade-offs rather than deal-breakers.

The overall Estes Group reviews reflect balanced feedback with notable strengths and some caveats.

Best The Estes Group Alternatives

Too many ERP consulting choices to consider?

The market offers several best The Estes Group alternatives, each tailored to different business sizes, budgets, and implementation priorities. From my competitive analysis, you should weigh specific needs when exploring these alternatives.

1. RSM US LLP

When global scale and brand matter most

RSM stands out if your business is large or global and you want a single firm handling audit, tax, and technology projects. This alternative provides access to a broad professional services network, though at a typically higher cost. What I found comparing options is that RSM’s extensive service integration suits complex enterprise needs better than Estes’s more focused consulting approach.

Choose RSM if your priority is combining technology and financial consulting under one Big 4-style roof.

2. Sikich

Looking for a wide-ranging service portfolio?

Sikich works well when your project extends beyond ERP to include cybersecurity, marketing, or accounting services. This alternative gives you a one-stop-shop experience with broad expertise, but may dilute ERP focus. From my competitive analysis, Sikich offers a variety of professional services under one brand unlike Estes’s targeted ERP specialization.

Consider Sikich when integrated, multi-disciplinary support fits your strategic roadmap.

3. Protelo

Need agile, NetSuite-focused consulting?

If you’re a smaller company focused entirely on NetSuite, Protelo’s boutique size and specialized expertise create a nimble, cost-competitive alternative. What I found comparing options is that Protelo’s agility and direct access to consultants can be more appealing for smaller NetSuite implementations than Estes’s broader platform approach.

Choose Protelo when your project scope is strictly NetSuite and you want close consultant collaboration.

4. Top-Tier ERP Consulting

Searching for a close mid-market Epicor rival?

Top-Tier ERP Consulting aligns closely with Estes in pricing and market focus, especially for Epicor users. Alternative-wise, your situation calls for them when cultural fit or specific niche expertise matters more. From my analysis, Top-Tier offers razor-sharp Epicor focus with similar expertise but you might prefer Estes for stronger business process consulting.

Select Top-Tier if you want an Epicor specialist with a potentially better industry niche match.

The best The Estes Group alternatives come down to your business size, focus, and service integration needs rather than generic feature sets alone.

Setup & Implementation

Worried about managing a complex software deployment?

The Estes Group review shows that implementation involves a collaborative, multi-month process requiring active client involvement, so you’ll want to understand the realistic commitment needed before starting.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

This is no quick, hands-off rollout.

The Estes Group implementation typically spans 6-12 months, depending on your business complexity and readiness. From my implementation analysis, dedicated subject matter experts are critical in early workshops to articulate processes and avoid delays caused by vague requirements. You should plan for extensive discovery and iterative feedback cycles.

You’ll want to assign a project manager and secure executive sponsorship before kicking off.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Expect meaningful IT involvement throughout.

Your IT team must support infrastructure compatibility with leading ERP platforms like Epicor or NetSuite. What I found about deployment is that integration with existing systems requires careful coordination and can extend timelines if underestimated. Implementation success hinges on your in-house IT team’s availability and technical proficiency.

Prepare your IT staff for handling software configurations, data migration, and system integrations.

3. Training & Change Management

User buy-in can be the toughest hurdle.

The Estes Group provides structured training, but from my analysis, building internal super-users is essential for lasting adoption since Estes supports a train-the-trainer model. Your team will face resistance as new workflows replace familiar routines, so proactive communication is key during implementation.

Invest time in creating change champions and clearly explaining the project’s benefits.

4. Support & Success Factors

Vendor support is responsive but not a fix-all.

You can expect strong post-implementation support from The Estes Group, often praised for responsiveness and expertise. From my implementation analysis, ongoing collaboration with your consultant team drives sustained success because change management remains your responsibility. Implementation success requires your continuous engagement beyond go-live.

Plan for continued partnership and allocate resources for managed services if needed.

The Estes Group implementation demands dedicated collaboration and realistic resource planning to achieve a smooth deployment and successful adoption.

Who’s The Estes Group For

Is The Estes Group right for your business?

In this audience analysis, I’ll help you understand who benefits most from The Estes Group by breaking down business profiles, team sizes, and key use cases in this The Estes Group review.

1. Ideal User Profile

Mid-market manufacturers and distributors needing expert ERP guidance.

From my user analysis, The Estes Group shines for companies deeply invested in digital transformation, especially those implementing or re-implementing Oracle NetSuite, Epicor, or Acumatica ERP systems. Your team will find this software consulting partner valuable if you require tailored solutions beyond basic ERP setups and want a trusted advisor to challenge your processes thoughtfully.

You’ll succeed most when you prioritize strategic ERP as a competitive advantage, not just accounting.

2. Business Size & Scale

Best for mid-market companies with complex operations.

What I found about target users is that The Estes Group excels at supporting businesses generating $50M to $750M in revenue with moderately sized teams needing specialized ERP expertise. Their approach suits organizations that lack expansive internal IT resources but still require deep, industry-specific consulting to navigate complex digital projects.

You should consider this fit if your company operates at scale but isn’t a very small or startup business.

3. Use Case Scenarios

Ideal for complex ERP implementations and optimization.

From my user analysis, your situation works best if you’re managing intricate manufacturing, distribution, or field service workflows where off-the-shelf ERP setups fall short. The Estes Group offers strong value guiding you through customization, integration, and long-term support, especially when your ERP is a core business driver requiring ongoing strategic partnership.

This makes sense if you need a consultant to architect and optimize multi-faceted ERP systems.

4. Who Should Look Elsewhere

Not suited for small businesses with simple needs.

Your team will find The Estes Group less fitting if you run a small operation primarily needing straightforward bookkeeping or standard financial software like QuickBooks. From my user analysis, price-sensitive buyers or those seeking quick, low-cost ERP setups will likely be frustrated by their premium consulting model and project scope.

Look instead for smaller consultants or turnkey cloud accounting solutions if your requirements are basic.

User-wise, The Estes Group review confirms that fit hinges on operational complexity and investment readiness rather than simply company size or ERP platform alone.

Bottom Line

Is The Estes Group the right partner for you?

This The Estes Group review provides a detailed final assessment to help you weigh its strong consulting expertise against cost and project management factors.

1. Overall Strengths

Exceptional ERP consulting and partnership.

The Estes Group excels at delivering deep industry and platform knowledge, especially for Epicor and NetSuite. From my comprehensive analysis, their partnership mentality fosters highly customized solutions that align technology with your unique business processes, ensuring long-term value from ERP investments.

These strengths matter because expert guidance and tailored support increase your chances of a smooth implementation and effective system adoption.

2. Key Limitations

Premium pricing and project communication challenges.

While clients appreciate the high quality of service, The Estes Group’s fees are on the higher end of the market. Based on this review, cost is a significant consideration for mid-market companies balancing budget against service depth. Some users also report occasional challenges with project timelines and communication clarity.

These limitations are manageable if you prioritize expertise and willing to invest for dependable ERP outcomes but may deter budget-conscious buyers.

3. Final Recommendation

Highly recommended for mid-market ERP implementations.

You should choose The Estes Group if your business seeks a strategic long-term ERP partner with proven expertise in manufacturing, distribution, or services. From my analysis, their value lies in deep ERP customization and ongoing support that justify premium investment over generic service providers.

Your decision should include assessing fit with your project scope and budget to confidently advance your digital transformation.

This The Estes Group review offers strong confidence in its consulting expertise while honestly highlighting cost and project management factors.