ERP systems are continually evolving. For the next year, we have already identified some trends that redefine the framework for using ERP systems. If you do not yet use an ERP system then you should consider these trends and determine how they might address the needs of your company.
Increases adoption of ERP systems in small and medium businesses
As far as we are concerned, we have noted in the past two years an increase in interest in cloud ERP coming from small and medium-sized companies, and this trend will continue in the coming years as they understand the benefits of ERP solutions assume that they can not become competitive without investing in the necessary solutions (whether ERP, WMS, CRM or BI).
Cloud can make the difference
Even if we still struggle against cloud resistance, the interest is rising, as has been the case since a few years ago, and will continue to grow in the years to come. Moving cloud-based data and accessibility at anytime and anywhere can make a difference between a modern, ready-to-compete company and a more traditional one that does not have the courage to move and go on to keep all local data.Forrester Research announces that more and more companies will use cloud solutions and services so the global market will reach $ 236 billion in 2020.
Increased appetite for business intelligence solutions
Forrester also announces a growing international appeal for business intelligence solutions. Each company uses the data provided by the ERP solution to plan their business strategies accordingly. If reports from the ERP solution are not enough, and companies want more detailed reports and analysis, they focus on business intelligence solutions. This enables them to create real-time reports, making it possible to make decisions more quickly and giving the opportunity to develop a long-term strategy.
Ease of integration with other software and hardware solutions
We live at a time when the need for information exchange between ERP and the other information systems that the company uses is more prominent than ever. Information is power, and the speed at which it propagates and becomes accessible at the right time and place can make the difference between success and failure.Information and electronic documents exchange, integration with the CRM or WMS solution as well as integration with B2B platforms are all needed in a world where information is scattered in many places and it's hard to get an overview. From this point of view, ERP systems that already have integration and interfacing capabilities will benefit.
Whatever trends vary from year to year, the success of an implementation depends less on the technological performance of the solutions and more on the quality of the implementation teams, both on the part of the supplier and on the part of the client. Project management and effective communication often make a difference in the success or failure of an implementation.
