Company Report: Deltek, ERP
Deltek
Deltek was co-founded in 1983 by father and son duo Donald and Kenneth E. deLaski. The company was established with the vision of providing software solutions tailored to the unique needs of project-based businesses. The deLaskis' entrepreneurial spirit and industry knowledge laid the foundation for Deltek's growth and success in the decades to come.
Deltek was founded in 1983 and has since grown into a global provider of enterprise software and information solutions. With its headquarters in Herndon, Virginia, Deltek has established a strong presence in the United States and expanded its operations internationally to serve customers in over 80 countries.
In 2005, New Mountain Capital, a private equity firm, acquired a significant 75% stake in Deltek. This investment provided Deltek with the financial resources and strategic guidance to expand its market reach and enhance its product offerings. New Mountain Capital's backing played a crucial role in positioning Deltek as a leader in the enterprise software space for project-based businesses.
Deltek's current leadership team is headed by Bob Hughes, who assumed the role of President and CEO in 2024. Hughes brings extensive experience in the software industry and a strong vision for Deltek's future growth. Prior to Hughes' appointment, Mike Corkery served as President and CEO, successfully steering the company through various milestones. Corkery transitioned to a role at Deltek's parent company, Roper Technologies, in 2024.
Title: Deltek
Target Customers
Deltek's solutions are purpose-built for project-based businesses across various industries. The company has a strong focus on serving government contractors, architecture and engineering firms, consulting companies, manufacturing organizations, and marketing agencies. Deltek's industry-specific approach allows it to address the unique challenges and requirements faced by businesses in these sectors.
Product Set
Deltek offers a comprehensive range of ERP and project management solutions designed to meet the needs of its target customers. Deltek Costpoint is a premier ERP solution for government contractors, helping them manage complex compliance requirements and streamline their operations. Deltek Vantagepoint caters to professional services firms, providing them with a centralized platform to manage projects, resources, and financials. Deltek Maconomy is tailored for global firms, offering multi-currency and multi-language capabilities. Deltek Ajera is specifically designed for architecture and engineering firms, addressing their project management and financial management needs.
Functional Score
Deltek's solutions receive a functional score of 8/10, reflecting their robust and industry-specific capabilities. Deltek's products provide comprehensive functionality to help firms manage the complete project lifecycle, from opportunity tracking and resource management to financial management and compliance. However, the total cost of ownership for Deltek's solutions can be higher compared to some competitors, which may be a consideration for certain businesses.
Industry Specialization
Deltek has a strong specialization in the government contracting industry, with purpose-built features and compliance tools. The company's deep understanding of the unique requirements of government contractors sets it apart from generic ERP providers. Additionally, Deltek has extensive expertise in serving architecture, engineering, consulting, and marketing agencies. The company's focus on these industries allows it to deliver tailored solutions that address their specific pain points and optimize their project-based operations. Manufacturing is an emerging area of focus for Deltek, as the company expands its offerings to serve this sector.
Strengths
Deltek's key strengths lie in its deep industry expertise and tailored solutions. The company's long-standing experience in serving project-based businesses allows it to develop software that aligns closely with their needs. Deltek's solutions offer strong project management and ERP capabilities, enabling firms to effectively manage projects, resources, and financials. The company's products also handle complex compliance requirements, particularly in the government contracting space. Deltek is continuously expanding its cloud and mobile capabilities to provide customers with flexibility and accessibility.
Weaknesses
One of the challenges with Deltek's solutions is the complexity of implementation. The company's products are feature-rich and highly configurable, which can lead to longer implementation timelines and require dedicated resources. Additionally, Deltek's solutions often come with a higher total cost of ownership compared to some competitors, which may be a barrier for certain businesses. While Deltek has a strong presence in its core industries, there are gaps in its offerings for certain industry segments and company sizes. Some of Deltek's products have been acquired through acquisitions, which can result in integration challenges and inconsistencies in user experience.
Bottom Line
Deltek earns high marks for its robust feature sets and industry knowledge, balanced against a sometimes higher total cost of ownership. For project-driven organizations in Deltek's key verticals, its solutions are often the go-to choice. But more generalist firms may find better value in all-purpose ERP systems. With its continued investments in technology and customer success, Deltek appears well-positioned to help project-based companies deliver profitable projects.