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If you are a freelance consultant looking to consistently secure high-unit-price projects, ERP projects are an optimal choice. Large-scale system implementation projects such as SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Cloud ERP can offer high unit prices of 1.5 million yen or more per month, with the potential for long-term engagement. In this article, we thoroughly compare 5 carefully selected agents with extensive track records in ERP project referrals and provide a detailed explanation of points for former major consulting firm members to choose the best agent.

5 Selected Freelance Consultant Referral Agents with Abundant ERP Projects

When considering independence as a freelance consultant, whether you can consistently secure high-unit-price projects is a crucial decision factor. ERP projects, in particular, continue to see market expansion as of 2025 due to the rising demand for migration to SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Cloud ERP. Especially for those from major consulting firms, high-unit-price projects of 1.5 million yen or more per month are not uncommon.

In this article, we thoroughly compare 5 referral agents for freelance consultants with extensive track records in ERP projects. We will explain based on practical selection criteria such as the number of private projects held, the range of supported ERP packages, average unit price levels, and the ratio of upstream process projects. We will also introduce information on active projects centered in the 23 wards of Tokyo and agent utilization strategies for consistently acquiring projects as a freelancer.

How to Choose an Agent Strong in ERP Projects: 4 Comparison Points

When a freelance consultant chooses an ERP project referral agent, it is important to look beyond just the number of projects and discern the quality of projects and compatibility with one’s own career strategy. Here, we explain four comparison points to focus on when selecting an agent.

Number of Private Projects and the Ratio of ERP Projects

The ratio of private projects—those not publicly disclosed—among the projects held by a referral agent is an important indicator of the strength of that agent’s corporate network. Especially in ERP projects, such as system refresh projects for major companies, many highly confidential projects are handled as private listings.

Among agents specializing in freelance projects, the ratio of ERP projects handled varies greatly. An agent where ERP-related projects account for more than 20% of the total can be judged to have a specialized network for ERP consultant referrals. When registering, check if the environment allows for regular referrals of ERP projects that match your skill set.

It is also necessary to check the access conditions for private projects in advance. Some agents have systems in place to prioritize private project referrals to freelance consultants who meet specific criteria, such as years of experience or being an alumnus of a major firm.

Support Range for Major ERP Packages like SAP and Oracle

Even within “ERP projects,” the target ERP packages are diverse. Skill sets and project characteristics differ significantly depending on the system, such as SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or Workday.

When choosing a referral service, it is important to confirm that they have a system to continuously refer projects for the ERP package you specialize in. SAP-related projects, in particular, are seeing high demand due to S/4HANA migration projects ahead of the end of SAP ECC 6.0 support in 2025, leading to an increase in high-unit-price projects for consultants with SAP implementation and migration experience.

On the other hand, cloud ERPs like Oracle Cloud ERP and Workday center on new implementation projects, so there are many projects requiring an understanding of cloud architecture in addition to traditional on-premise ERP experience. The breadth of ERP packages an agent handles is a major factor influencing the scope of your activities as a freelance consultant.

Average Unit Price and Track Record of High-Price Projects over 1.5 Million Yen

The unit price level greatly affects a freelance consultant’s income. While the average monthly unit price for ERP projects varies by years of experience, skill level, and role, for freelancers with over 3 years of IT consulting experience, 1 million to 1.5 million yen per month is the general market rate.

Of particular note is how many high-unit-price projects over 1.5 million yen an agent holds. For consultants with over 5 years of experience at major firms, experience leading SAP S/4HANA migration projects, or skills in upstream processes starting from business requirement definition, projects exceeding 2 million yen per month are not rare.

When choosing an agent, it is important not just that the average is high, but whether they can actually refer you to high-unit-price projects suited to your skill level. We recommend specifically confirming past referral records and the unit price range of currently open positions during the preliminary interview stage.

Ratio of Upstream and Long-term Project Referrals

To maintain a stable utilization rate as a freelancer, participating in long-term projects is a key strategy. Among ERP projects, those involving upstream processes like requirement definition and business process design often become long-term engagements lasting over a year.

In contrast, projects focusing only on system design/development or short-term troubleshooting typically last about 3 to 6 months. While repeating short-term projects is an option, considering the risk of gaps between projects and the time cost of frequent searching, it is easier to stabilize utilization by focusing on long-term projects.

The higher the ratio of upstream projects an agent refers, the better the environment for building a career with a long-term perspective. Agents with strengths in referrals for major firm alumni tend to handle many long-term projects involved from strategy formulation to execution support. It is important to check the average project duration and track record of upstream referrals upon registration.

5 Selected Referral Agents for Freelance ERP Projects: Thorough Comparison

ERP Project Types and Unit Price Market Rates: 2025 Latest Edition

The ERP project market remains vibrant as of 2025, driven by the acceleration of cloud migration and DX promotion. Here, we categorize ERP projects for freelance consultants and provide a detailed explanation of their respective unit price rates and required skills.

SAP S/4HANA Migration: Market Rates and Required Skills

SAP S/4HANA migration projects are one of the highest-demand areas in the 2025 ERP market. With the deadline for SAP ECC 6.0 support approaching, many companies are moving forward with migration, keeping demand for experienced freelance consultants high.

The monthly unit price for SAP S/4HANA migration projects varies by role and experience. For Project Managers and Architects, it is 1.5 million to 2 million yen or more; for Senior Consultants in business process design, 1.2 million to 1.8 million yen; and for consultants supporting system design/development, 1 million to 1.4 million yen is the general level.

Regarding required skills, in addition to SAP ERP business knowledge, an understanding of new S/4HANA features like Fiori UX and Embedded Analytics is highly valued. Additionally, projects for the cloud version, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, are increasing, making cloud architecture capability a key evaluation point. Those with SAP project experience from major firms tend to secure higher unit prices.

Market Trends for Oracle Cloud ERP Implementation Projects

Oracle Cloud ERP is seeing progress in implementation within finance and supply chain management, with new projects continuing to emerge in 2025. This area offers abundant projects for freelancers, including migrations from traditional Oracle E-Business Suite.

Monthly unit prices for Oracle Cloud ERP projects fluctuate by phase and domain. PMO positions overseeing the entire project range from 1.6 million to 2.2 million yen, functional design consultants from 1.3 million to 1.7 million yen, and technical system designers from 1.1 million to 1.5 million yen.

Since Oracle Cloud ERP projects require an understanding of cloud-native design philosophies, experience in business process design that leverages SaaS product characteristics is valued. Furthermore, integration projects with various Oracle Cloud services (HCM, SCM, etc.) are increasing, raising demand for consultants with knowledge across the Oracle Cloud ecosystem.

Characteristics and Reward Ranges of Business Consulting-type ERP Projects

Business consulting-type ERP projects go beyond technical implementation to support the overall business process reform of a company. These projects address management challenges by combining industry-specific knowledge (manufacturing, distribution, finance, etc.) with ERP system expertise.

Unit prices for this type of project tend to be set higher. Industry-specialized upstream consultants can expect 1.8 million to 2.5 million yen, while those focusing on business process design typically see 1.4 million to 1.9 million yen. Higher prices can be expected for projects requiring advanced business knowledge, such as supply chain reform in manufacturing or internal control strengthening in finance.

Required skills emphasize comprehensive consulting abilities—such as business analysis, process design, and stakeholder management—in addition to understanding ERP functions. Major firm alumni with experience in multiple projects within a specific industry can expect assignments to high-price projects.

Unit Price Trends for PMO and Project Management Projects

In large-scale ERP projects, it is common to assign dedicated PMO consultants. PMO projects handle overall project management tasks such as progress management, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

Monthly unit prices for PMO projects vary by scale and responsibility. PMO leaders for large projects range from 1.7 million to 2.3 million yen, while PMO members range from 1.3 million to 1.8 million yen. Higher prices tend to be set for global projects spanning multiple locations or projects involving investments of several billion yen.

Skills valued in PMO projects include practical project management experience, related certifications like PMP, stakeholder management experience in large projects, and a track record in risk management. Those from major firms who have led multiple large-scale ERP implementations can realistically participate in projects exceeding 2 million yen. Specializing in PMO projects as a freelancer allows for a balance between stable long-term engagement and high utilization.

3 Strategies to Achieve 1.5 Million Yen or More per Month in ERP Projects

As a freelance consultant, it is entirely possible to secure high-unit-price ERP projects of 1.5 million yen or more per month. however, this requires a strategic approach. Here, we introduce three practical strategies used by freelancers who consistently secure high-price projects. By combining these, you can build a system to maintain stable high unit prices even in long-term projects.

Establish a Position as a Specialist in Specific ERP Packages

The highest unit prices in ERP projects are expected for specialists with deep expertise in major packages like SAP S/4HANA or Oracle Cloud ERP. Many freelancers earning 1.5 million to 2 million yen or more possess both a wealth of implementation records and technical expertise in a specific package.

When registering with an agent, specifying “5+ records in SAP S/4HANA migration” rather than “General ERP” increases the likelihood of receiving priority referrals for private, high-price projects. For those from major firms, it is crucial to specifically communicate the scale and roles of projects handled during their tenure.

Particularly in the 23 wards of Tokyo, there are abundant upstream projects for SAP and Oracle, providing an environment to achieve high unit prices while maintaining high utilization. Defining a specialized position is the first step to success.

Career Strategy to Increase Opportunities for Upstream Participation

ERP project unit prices fluctuate significantly based on the project phase. Upstream projects such as business requirement definition and system design typically offer rewards of 1.5 million yen or more, while project management and PMO roles can command even higher rates.

To consistently participate in upstream projects, you must specifically demonstrate your track record in these areas during preliminary interviews with agents. Referral services specialized for consultants prioritize private high-price projects for major firm alumni or freelancers with extensive upstream experience.

Furthermore, once you participate in an upstream project, it is effective to gain the client’s trust and aim for continued participation in the next phase or horizontal expansion to other projects. ERP projects lasting over 2 years are not uncommon, allowing for a balance of stable work and high pay.

Differentiate as an Industry-Specialized Consultant

Consultants who possess industry-specific business knowledge in addition to ERP package expertise hold even higher market value. Freelance consultants who can propose optimal combinations of industry-specific processes (manufacturing, finance, distribution, etc.) and ERP often receive referrals for projects exceeding 2 million yen per month.

When searching for projects, narrowing down your desired conditions to industries where you have deep expertise increases the chance of being referred to highly compatible projects. Services like TheConsul or STRATEGY CONSULTANT BANK offer industry-specific search functions, enabling efficient searching.

As cloud migration projects increase after 2025, the demand for talent combining industry knowledge and IT consulting skills is expected to rise further. Gaining experience in a specific industry before going freelance is a very effective long-term career strategy.

5 Steps for Freelancers to Acquire ERP Projects

To be active as a freelance consultant strong in ERP, it is important to understand and practice a proper acquisition process. Here, we explain the 5 specific steps to acquiring an ERP project using referral agents. Moving through each step carefully significantly increases the probability of finding a project that meets your desired conditions.

Step 1: Register with Multiple Agents to Expand Project Options

The basic strategy for efficiently finding ERP projects is to register with multiple referral agents. Each agent holds different projects, and private listings are only shown to registrants, so increasing your registrations significantly expands your choices.

Major freelance referral services for consultants include BTC Agent for Consultant, FREE CONSULTANT.jp, Professional Hub, and ForPro, each handling a wealth of ERP projects like SAP and Oracle. Upon registration, it is important to clearly communicate your project experience, supported ERP packages, desired unit price, location, and utilization rate.

Step 2: Communicate ERP Experience and Desired Conditions Specifically in Preliminary Interviews

After registering, a preliminary interview with the agent’s representative takes place. This interview greatly influences the quality of subsequent referrals, so you are required to clearly state your strengths and desired conditions as a freelancer.

For former major firm members, explaining specific achievements with numerical data—such as your title at the firm, the scale of ERP projects handled, and years of upstream experience—makes it easier to receive high-price referrals. It is also important to clearly present your desired monthly unit price based on market rates. To aim for 1.5 million yen or more, you must be able to logically explain the skills and experience that justify it.

Step 3: 4 Checkpoints When Comparing Referred Projects

When you receive multiple referrals from an agent, we recommend comparing them based on the following four points:

• Unit price and payment terms: Confirm not just the monthly reward but also the payment cycle and contract type.
• Project duration and extension possibility: Long-term projects offer stable work.
• Fit between required skills and your experience: Confirm if experience in a specific package like SAP or Oracle is mandatory.
• Work style and location: Confirm if it’s on-site in Tokyo or remote-friendly.

Step 4: Preparation to Showcase Achievements in Client Interviews

After being referred, an interview with the client company is set. Here, you must specifically demonstrate your professional expertise and potential contribution to the project.

In ERP client interviews, instead of just listing project experience, it is effective to quantitatively explain specific challenges, solutions, and achieved results. For example, “I led the business requirement definition phase in an SAP S/4HANA migration project and completed the phase 2 months earlier than planned.”

Step 5: Confirmation of Contract Terms and Follow-up System After Joining

After the project is decided, it is important to confirm the details of the contract terms. Key items include the monthly reward amount, payment cycle, contract period, extension conditions, definition of utilization rate, and work style.

Using a referral agent is beneficial as they support contract review and negotiations with the client. Furthermore, more services now offer regular follow-ups after you join a project to discuss your status or future projects.

Why Former Major Consulting Firm Members Are Advantaged in ERP Projects

Freelance consultants from major consulting firms are overwhelmingly advantaged in the ERP project market. Many agents explicitly state “Preference for firm alumni,” and in practice, they are often prioritized for high-unit-price and private project referrals. Here, we explain the reasons from three perspectives.

Trust in Project Execution Capabilities Cultivated at Firms

Major consulting firms have established rigorous project management methodologies and quality standards. Consultants who have gained experience there tend to gain high trust from client companies. Since ERP projects involve large-scale investments of several hundred million to billions of yen, talent with proven execution capabilities is in high demand.

The systematic approaches, documentation skills, and risk management skills acquired during firm tenure are highly valued. Agents tend to prioritize firm alumni for upstream and PMO projects, making it easier for them to secure projects ranging from 1.5 million to 2 million yen or more.

Advanced Communication Skills with Clients

ERP projects require coordination with a wide range of stakeholders, from management to on-site staff. The communication skills cultivated at major firms are a major strength in these complex adjustments. The ability to understand management challenges and propose solutions via ERP systems is highly regarded.

Experience and Track Record in Large-Scale ERP Projects

Major firms offer opportunities to work on billion-yen ERP projects, and such records significantly increase one’s market value. Experience in large-scale implementations of SAP or Oracle is often a mandatory requirement for high-price projects held by agents, and firm alumni naturally meet these criteria.

3 Precautions When Utilizing ERP Project Referral Agents

While agents are very effective tools, there are several precautions to keep in mind. Without understanding these, you may not earn the expected income or may run into trouble. Here, we explain three important precautions for safely utilizing agents.

Transparency of Agent Fees and Confirmation of Actual Take-home Pay

When using an agent, there is a difference between the amount the client pays and the amount the freelancer receives. This margin is the agent’s fee, and the rate varies significantly by service. Generally, the fee rate is between 10% and 30%. It is crucial to clearly confirm what your take-home pay will be when receiving a referral.

Access Conditions for Private Projects and Priority Referral Systems

The best high-price projects are often “private” and only shown to limited registrants. Understanding the access conditions is key to efficient acquisition. Conditions often include being a firm alumnus, having rich experience in specific packages, or having received high evaluations in previous projects via the agent.

Prior Confirmation of Contract Type and Payment Cycle

ERP projects have multiple contract types (Quasi-mandate, outsourcing, etc.). Each affects how hours are managed and how deliverables are defined. The payment cycle is also vital; while “End of month / End of next month” is standard, some pay two months later. Confirming this in advance helps manage your cash flow after going freelance.

How to Efficiently Find ERP Projects to Increase Utilization

To maintain a stable income, it is important to minimize “bench time” between projects. While ERP projects are relatively long-term, there is still a risk of not finding the next project immediately. Here is how to maintain utilization while continuously acquiring projects.

Start Searching for the Next Project 2-3 Months Before the Current One Ends

Starting your search 2-3 months before the project ends significantly increases the chance of moving to the next project without any gap. Since high-quality private projects often take 1-2 months from recruitment to start, a proactive schedule is necessary.

Regularly Check New Project Information Across Multiple Agents

Checking new information from multiple agents regularly increases the opportunities to encounter an ERP project that fits your skills and career goals. This allows you to efficiently find projects by leveraging the strengths of different agents—for example, those strong in SAP or those handling manufacturing-specific ERP.

Build Long-term Relationships with Agents for Priority Referrals

By regularly communicating with agent representatives and sharing your skill-up status, you can build a relationship where optimal private projects are prioritized for you. Reporting your achievements and new certifications makes you a more valuable registrant to the agent, leading to better referrals.

Future Outlook for the ERP Project Market: Trends After 2025

The ERP market is expected to grow through 2025 due to technical innovation and DX promotion. Understanding trends and pre-emptively acquiring required skills is an important strategy for high unit prices.

Continued Increase in Cloud ERP Migration Projects

Migration projects from on-premise to cloud ERP (like SAP S/4HANA or Oracle Cloud ERP) are predicted to increase further after 2025. Demand is rising for consultants who understand cloud technology and SaaS characteristics in addition to traditional package knowledge.

Expansion of AI/RPA and ERP Integration Projects

Projects integrating AI and RPA with ERP systems are expected to expand. These allow for predictive analysis and automation of routine tasks. Consultants with knowledge in both ERP and data analysis/automation will command even higher unit prices.

Increasing Trend of Remote/Hybrid Workable ERP Projects

Flexible work styles have become common. While ERP projects previously required presence in Tokyo’s 23 wards, 2025 sees an increase in remote-centric or hybrid models, especially for upstream and PMO roles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I go freelance without ERP experience?

In reality, it is difficult. Most freelance ERP projects require immediate contributors with at least 2-3 years of implementation or package-specific experience. We recommend gaining experience at a firm or SIer first.

Will projects overlap if I register with multiple agents?

Yes, the same client project may appear through different agents. This is not a problem and can even allow for better negotiation. However, do not apply to the same project via multiple agents simultaneously.

Is SAP Certification mandatory for acquiring projects?

It is advantageous but not mandatory. Practical problem-solving and project execution abilities are valued more, though certifications help if your experience is shallow or if you want to emphasize a specific module.

What is the average project duration for ERP projects?

Generally, they are long-term, ranging from 6 months to 1 year. Large migrations can last over a year, helping freelancers stabilize their utilization.

What is the typical take-home income for a freelance consultant?

For a project at 1.5 million yen/month, the annual take-home pay is generally around 12 to 14 million yen, though this varies based on expenses, taxes, and gaps between projects.

Are there ERP projects outside of Tokyo’s 23 wards?

Most are in Tokyo, but projects exist in major cities like Osaka and Nagoya, and some manufacturing projects are located near factories. Remote and hybrid options are also expanding the choice of location.

How long does it take to find the next project after one ends?

Averagely 1-2 months, but by starting your search before the project ends, you can reduce this gap to almost zero.

Which is more advantageous: Agent referrals or direct contracts?

Agents save time on searching and provide support for contracts and trouble, but they take a fee. Direct contracts offer higher pay but require you to handle all sales and administrative work yourself. Starting with agents is more realistic for most.

What are the main service forms of ERP project referral agents?

Characteristics differ by the operator—such as major firms or specialized services run by firm alumni. Major services offer volume and stability, while specialist services offer high-quality matching based on consultant experience. As of October 2025, both types exist with unique strengths.

What is the typical unit price for ERP projects?

Generally between 1 million and 2 million yen per month. Those with SAP experience or upstream capabilities can secure 1.5 million or more. Former major firm members with PM experience can exceed 2 million.

What is the recommended registration method for first-time agent users?

We recommend registering with 2-3 of the largest agents simultaneously to expand your choices. Be specific about your ERP skills and consultant experience in your profile.

Can I acquire ERP projects with little consultant experience?

Yes, if you have specific ERP practical experience or IT knowledge even with 1-2 years of consulting. A realistic strategy is starting with downstream or support tasks and stepping up to upstream roles.

What is the market trend for ERP projects as of October 2025?

As of October 2025, the market is growing due to cloud migration and DX. Demand for system refreshes is high, and major agents see over 100 new ERP projects monthly. However, the requirement for management skills in high-price projects is intensifying.