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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Technology report.<\/strong><\/h2>\nThis article is brought to you by
\n Retail Technology Review:
\n The move from legacy to high-tech.<\/p>\n
RetailTechnologyReview.com<\/em> spoke with leading representatives from the analyst community about many of the current key talking points and areas of innovation taking place within the world of enterprise resource management (ERP) software and solutions.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.retailtechnologyreview.com\/articles\/2023\/06\/28\/the-move-from-legacy-to-high-tech\/assets\/files\/images\/28_06_23\/capterra.jpg\")
The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) space is constantly changing and as mission critical to companies\u2019 business and operational processes as ever. Last year saw the continued growth of cloud applications, together with the rise in uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.<\/p>\n
However, let\u2019s begin this report by defining as precisely as possible what ERP is. Passing this task to Capterra, the company explains that ERP is an integrated suite of applications that helps businesses manage key operations such as accounting, sales and purchases, customer relationships, inventory, and human resources. Unlike other solutions that cater to specific workflows, Capterra points out that enterprise resource planning solutions are comprehensive in nature and offer a range of functionalities to address the needs of your entire organisation. ERP software establishes links between departments, streamlining data flow and speeding up the overall decision-making process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Key benefits<\/h2>\n
Capterra outlines the key benefits of ERP software:\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- Complete visibility of tasks with improved collaboration: ERP software offers complete visibility into important aspects of your business to provide senior management with a single window from which they can monitor both departmental and organisation-wide data. A single enterprise resource planning system facilitates better communication and collaboration between stakeholders from multiple departments, which helps a company\u2019s business and teams to complete tasks efficiently and smoothly.<\/li>\n
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- More efficient workflows: An enterprise resource planning system reduces the need for repetitive data entry at multiple touchpoints across departments. Once entered, data remains within the system and is accessible by all users. As products or services move along the supply chain, the data is automatically updated for the next department, without any need for additional data entry efforts. This saves time overall and improves workflow efficiency.<\/li>\n
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Typical features<\/h2>\n
In terms of typical features of ERP software, Capterra cites the following:\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- Inventory management: Keep track of in-house stock quantities and manage reordering to prevent running out of inventory and ensure smooth supply chain operations.<\/li>\n
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- Financial management: Gather your organisation’s financial data and generate comprehensive reports such as general ledgers, balance sheets, and financial statements.<\/li>\n
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- HR management: Maintain a complete employee database and manage core HR processes, such as recruiting, hiring, payroll, training, and development.<\/li>\n
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- Reporting\/Analytics: Analyse various workflows, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and generate an array of reports to aid compliance and support management discussions.<\/li>\n
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- Warehouse management: Manage core warehouse operations, such as the movement of inventory, the location of items inside a warehouse, and reordering items.<\/li>\n
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- CRM: Record customer information, including names and contact numbers, in a centralised, organised database.<\/li>\n
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Growth in the cloud\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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Moving to trends in this technology space, Shawn Windle, founder and managing principal, The ERP Advisors Group, offers some of his perspective. In terms of technological trends, Windle observes that cloud platforms have grown substantially, including the growth of data centres at a global level. \u201cThis push for the cloud has resulted in many legacy customers finally taking on migrations to upgrade their systems,\u201d he says. \u201cERP in the cloud also mitigates the increasing number of cybersecurity attacks across the market, driving vendors to make tremendous global investments in data centres.<\/p>\n
Customers can rest assured knowing that data centres are nearby, lowering latency and increasing accessibility. All these factors have contributed to the great migration away from legacy technology, especially from legacy organisations across the food and beverage, distribution, manufacturing, non-profit and government industries.<\/p>\n
AI and machine learning\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Windle believes it is also clear that AI and machine learning are defining the future of innovation, sending us into the next generation of technological offerings. \u201c2022 appeared to be the coming-of-age year for the cloud offerings of a number of vendors, with Oracle Cloud Fusion, SAP’s RISE, and others continuing to grow in prominence,\u201d he explains. \u201cSignificant growth opportunities within the mid-sized market have emerged, with smaller-scale vendors continuing to expand and enhance their solutions. This coincides with the growth of micro-vertical solutions across the market, either from emergence or vendor development, such as Salesforce\u2019s automotive solutions release at the end of the year.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Investment\u00a0<\/h2>\n
In terms of investments in ERP and related applications, Windle considers that these were significant in 2022, even with rumblings surrounding the economic downturn. \u201cMany vendors saw astronomical growth between 10 and 30% year-over-year on a quarterly basis, further demonstrating the significant demand for ERP in the market,\u201d he points out. \u201cWe observed vendors pouring profits into the advancements of their solutions, either through innovation or acquisition, delivering value to customers.\u201d<\/p>\n
On a similar note, Windle explains that Private Equity companies are becoming more active in the ERP space, especially through acquiring niche solutions. \u201cVendors are following PE\u2019s lead with similar acquisitions, driving growth in niche markets, and maximising their time to market relative to developing the solutions themselves, from the ground up within their own technology stack,\u201d he says. \u201cThis is expanding the reach of ERP beyond what we have seen in previous years.\u201d Windle adds that 2022 also saw a rise in strategic relationships between vendors and their customer bases. \u201cCompanies like Microsoft are partnering with their customers and developing joint growth efforts,\u201d he points out. \u201cThis is unique, with vendors offering deals on their software services in exchange for technological innovation collaborations with their customers. These partnerships heavily encourage mutually beneficial innovations.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Windle explains that vendors are extending beyond their product offerings by expanding their service programs. \u201cThis is evident in SAP\u2019s developer program, Oracle\u2019s filling the financial gap initiative, NetSuite\u2019s consulting programs, and more,\u201d he says. \u201cWe also see this commitment in Acumatica\u2019s growing partner program, ensuring the future success of its cloud implementations for customers. In the current market, ERP deals are being won not just by the technology offered but also by the ecosystem of available services.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Relevant ERP trends<\/h2>\n
From Capterra\u2019s perspective, key trends in ERP include:<\/p>\n
The internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) will transform ERP software: Traditional enterprise resource planning software requires users to manually enter data at various touchpoints in the supply chain. In the coming years, expect more and more modern ERP solutions to include AI and IoT capabilities that automatically collect data from IoT devices attached to tools, vehicles, and equipment. Data such as device location, usage, and performance can be accessed directly by an enterprise resource planning system without manual data entry. From there, AI-enabled enterprise resource planning solutions can provide advanced insights and transparency into new areas of growth, help improve existing workflows and reduce errors.<\/p>\n
Mobile ERP is a new buzzword: In almost every area of life and business, users depend on mobile devices. As a result, more and more enterprise resource planning system developers are offering mobile-based ERP solutions and\/or mobile functionality through dedicated apps that work with their product. As the rise in mobile workforces continues across all industries, the demand for mobile-based ERP solutions will also increase.<\/p>\n
Sourcing\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Capterra suggests the following when looking to source and ERP system:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- Establish a clear ERP strategy before investing in ERP software: ERP software is a broad solution that often includes various modules and integrated services for multiple departments fused together in one system. Most businesses lack a clear enterprise resource planning system implementation strategy, and either develop one through tactical decisions or rely on their IT team to define ERP requirements without considering the needs of other stakeholders. This can lead to poor enterprise resource planning system implementation or investing in software that is too technical and complex for your employees to use. To avoid this, consult stakeholders from all relevant departments while designing your ERP strategy, and build a software shortlist that meets those needs.<\/li>\n
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- Industry-specific ERP solutions vs. generic solutions: These days, many vendors offer industry-specific enterprise resource planning solutions (e.g., construction ERP software, manufacturing ERP software, apparel ERP software, education ERP software). If possible, give priority to enterprise resource planning system solutions that cater to your particular industry over investing in a generic solution that can be customised for any industry. A specific solution can help you meet industry standards and execute workflows using industry-approved templates that help minimise failure rate.<\/li>\n
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Hybrid and multi-cloud environments\u00a0<\/h2>\n
From a more general enterprise IT perspective, Frost & Sullivan makes the point that more organisations now support hybrid and multi-cloud environments as both workers and workloads expand to more locations. It adds that bring-your-own-device policies enable workers to access corporate applications and services from multiple places and platforms, and modern development tools decouple apps and services from the infrastructure that they run on, allowing flexible movement according to business needs. Frost & Sullivan explains that IT departments have adopted a variety of infrastructures and platforms on corporate premises and the cloud to accommodate these changes, creating the corporate hybrid cloud. Simultaneously, businesses are evaluating their infrastructure needs more critically and making more strategic choices among the available options, sometimes using multiple public cloud providers, or a multi-cloud environment.<\/p>\n
Frost & Sullivan\u2019s white paper, Leveraging Strategic Hybrid Cloud in Enterprise IT, discusses how current knowledge gaps in cloud technologies open opportunities for new services, tips for gaining stakeholder support, and hybrid and multi-cloud best practices for enterprises. Its 2021 research finds that 41% of businesses globally have implemented a hybrid cloud, while 36% use a multicloud environment. Some businesses use a hybrid cloud platform to introduce visibility, control, advanced data protection and security, and analytics. Others, however, struggle to manage their assets in a complete environment. Moreover, many organisations can\u2019t get to the ideal hybrid scenario because of complexity, team structures, or organisational challenges, such as difficulty in holistically managing policies, enforcement, and security across vendors.<\/p>\n
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\u201cBroad, comprehensive enterprise digital transformation introduces new business risks,\u201d says Toph Whitmore, industry director, Frost & Sullivan. \u201cThe to-be-managed enabling technology fabric now extends into the cloud and widens to encompass work-from-anywhere connectivity. IT leaders must balance organisational cloud aspiration with operational realities, a dichotomy that complicates security delivery, efficacy, and management. Securing hybrid- and multi-cloud environments can require IT leaders to integrate solutions to mitigate risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cloud migration unlocks organisational data value and allows access to modern services that provide softer benefits, like operational efficiencies or improved regulatory compliance. Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies can:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- Help against cloud lock-in to optimise costs continually.<\/li>\n
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- Enable rapid flexibility to gain tremendous value.<\/li>\n
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- Improve cost optimisation, uptime, and governance.<\/li>\n
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- Mitigate security and compliance risk.<\/li>\n
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- Implement data protection strategies and optimise ROI.<\/li>\n
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Moving away from on-premise\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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Continuing the cloud theme, Bryan Ball, vice president and group director, supply chain, ERP and GSM research practices, Aberdeen Strategy & Research, provides some key findings from a recent Aberdeen Strategy & Research survey that looks at adoption rates of cloud ERP. The research shows how companies have largely moved away from ERP on-premise to the cloud. Approximately 90% of companies now have some form of cloud and 10% have on-premise, and a considerable number of companies that are still using on-premise use a preconfigured device \u2013 therefore they have a blend of online software and hardware. However, for large corporations on premise usage stands at about 6%, pointing to the fact that the vast majority have moved to the cloud \u2013 whether public cloud or a private cloud.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Interestingly, the survey also found that 83% of best-in-class companies questioned only utilise the software for ERP-based financials. Some 70% have disparate solutions, some have a solution developed in-house while some still rely on spreadsheets. \u201cIf you look at all the companies surveyed, about 80% are using ERP versus some other way of running the business,\u201d says Ball. \u201cSome 90% have moved to the cloud for whatever they’re doing and the vast majority of companies are using ERP.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Competitive advantage<\/h2>\n
Ball adds that because more companies are now utilising cloud ERP, the cloud doesn\u2019t necessarily provide a competitive advantage because it has become more commoditised. Ball did, however, find two areas that do give companies a substantial edge. One of these relates to the fact that many best-in-class companies are very focused on modernising their technology infrastructure and their applications by a significant percentage compared with their competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we isolate that variable and look at what they are doing versus what the other companies are doing that’s where some of the capability differences jump out,\u201d explains Ball. \u201cThey are just stronger in every way, having standardised procedures, the integrated system of record, the ability to report and manage compliance activities, interoperability, collaborating with customers and so on. So, we found there were significant differences when we isolated that one variable. Essentially, if companies have the cloud in place, they can leverage the technology to do more with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ball also makes the point that when companies initially move to the cloud, even though they are utilising a cloud structure that doesn’t mean all their applications had been designed for the cloud. \u201cThey may have a user interface to get to the application, but it still runs like it did on a mainframe,\u201d he says. \u201cIt may be in a private cloud, but it hasn\u2019t been designed to leverage all the benefits of the cloud. It still works but you don’t get a lot of improvement in that particular application. The application could be, for example, supply chain, a procurement module, a quality control module or something else that may not be the most important type of functionality to the company in question.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ball adds that many of these applications not specifically designed for the cloud may have been acquired through the acquisition of another company. \u201cThat means you need to think about how to integrate them within your own system or replace these systems,\u201d he says. \u201cSo, you can either have these acquired applications roll up to the \u2018mothership\u2019 integration wise or change everything you’re doing. However, it may not be worth the time and expense \u2013 that is to say, you may just need the transaction and profitability information and so it might make more sense just to keep these applications as they are.<\/p>\n
We could be talking about software used in a sales office or small distribution point. In other words, it may not be a manufacturing plant or distribution facility on a large scale. Even if we\u2019re talking about something like an insurance company there may be multiple offices and branches in different locations, and in those types of cases a system like QuickBooks works fine for its purpose. Why change it? So, although many companies, particularly the best-in-class companies, are looking to modernise their systems and processes, it might not be necessary in all cases. You might instead want to buy a best-of-breed supply chain solution and use that in lieu of the one that your ERP currently has if supply chain wasn\u2019t such a key focus when you sourced the ERP. Now, supply chain is everything.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Graham Upton, technology & innovation director & chief architect, intelligent industry, Capgemini, considers that AI is definitely one of the key talking points within the world of ERP and wider afield. \u201cIt could also be referred to as machine learning, which is really part of AI manufacturing and we’ve been using this for several years now,\u201d he says. \u201cHowever, we are now getting much more data, and this data can be used to better inform the business about what is happening \u2013 whether it’s the water industry doing predictive flood control, or in aerospace and automotive you can use it to predict whether your machines are about to fail and so on. All of this is really positive because it helps to improve business processes.\u201d<\/p>\n
AI and design\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Another side of AI that Upton is seeing is how AI could be used in a design process. \u201cFor example, if a company is designing something today it will likely be reliant on the knowledge of its engineers or architects,\u201d he explains. \u201cHowever, I think AI will increasingly have a big impact here \u2013 someone will try something out, and if it doesn’t quite work do a stress calculation and go back recalculate it. In fact, that is already automated in some of the ERP systems today, but AI is going to accelerate the speed of this process, especially around lifecycle.<\/p>\n
So, if the initial requirements are set to design a particular product maybe in a certain material to satisfy a customer\u2019s requirements, whereas before you would have tools to iterate this it would take longer. It will be so much quicker with AI because it will keep iterating and it will do it in a fraction of the time. So, the worry is companies won\u2019t need as many engineers, although the engineers could maybe do more designs in a shorter timeframe.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Upton is also seeing two main specific ERP trends. \u201cOne is we are seeing that ERP systems are rapidly growing and expanding in their influence these days,\u201d he says. \u201cIf you take SAP, we are seeing its tentacles already spreading. ERP modules are being added that do things that it couldn’t do before in terms of the link to the supply chain, the link to manufacturing etc. SAP can now also be more rapidly updated because those types of modules are already part of the system.\u201d Upton is also witnessing more integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to automatically determine what’s happening and then auto update the ERP systems. \u201cThat’s one of the biggest changes,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Integration challenges\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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On the topic of integration, Bill Baumann, director of expert witness services, Panorama Consulting Solutions, considers that when a company invests in enterprise software, it wants to ensure its employees can easily access and use the software from anywhere. This, he says, expands beyond the company\u2019s in-office workforce and includes remote or on-site personnel. \u201cDecades ago, this issue alone would have presented its fair share of challenges,\u201d adds Baumann. \u201cToday, however, most employees are equipped with at least some type of mobile device, whether a company-issued phone or one of their own. Yet, enterprise software mobile integration challenges still exist, though the challenges are manageable.\u201d Baumann shares some of the issues companies may encounter when seeking to achieve seamless adoption of mobile integration and what to prioritise.<\/p>\n
1. Develop a mobile strategy<\/strong>
There are stages of mobile maturity. Before you begin the software integration stage, you may want to research software experts and hire one to help you understand where your organisation lies. Otherwise, you could proceed without a concrete goal in place.<\/p>\nAt the very basic level, companies can adapt their current, on-premise strategies to a smaller screen. This is where most organisations start, but the goal shouldn\u2019t be to stay here. As they progress, companies will enter the second stage. This is when a company takes a \u2018mobile-first\u2019 approach, looking at how its business can leverage the unique features of mobility to its advantage. At the third stage, business leaders begin to look at how mobile can help them improve the customer experience and attract future buyers. When a business reaches the fourth stage, it has reached full maturity. Here, it is looking for ways to use mobile to develop new products, services, business models and revenue streams.<\/p>\n
A company\u2019s current position on this spectrum will determine how its business should approach its mobile strategy. \u201cThere\u2019s no right or wrong place to start, but you do need some kind of plan in place before you proceed,\u201d says Baumann. \u201cOften, companies try to approach mobility as a piecemeal process, which can lead to more complications down the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
2. Ensure data security<\/strong>
Any time a company\u2019s enterprise software data leaves the organisation, it\u2019s at risk. This is especially the case if it is being accessed, shared and stored on a mobile device. \u201cWhile you could task your in-house IT team with building custom code, this can be an incredibly time-consuming process,\u201d stresses Baumann. \u201cDepending on the extent of your data, it could take weeks and monopolise their time.\u201d<\/p>\nOne alternative he cites is to outsource the task, hiring a software development expert to take the reins. \u201cYou can also use an application programming interface (API) management platform. These solutions are designed to facilitate secure mobile integration in a short timeframe, without the need for additional coding. APIs enable mobile apps to access data and communicate with one another, so they can share services. An API management platform helps organisations centralise their approach to API control, ensuring each one is secure, consumable and aligned with required standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. Plan for scalability<\/strong>
Baumann considers that it is an achievement for a company to integrate its existing business systems with the mobile apps that its employees are using today. \u201cYet, have you given much thought to the approach you\u2019ll take in the future?\u201d he asks. \u201cWhen planning for mobile integration, it helps to think about your strategy five or even ten years into the future. The only issue? It\u2019s nearly impossible to plan for all the new types of systems, devices and platforms that will exist at that time.\u201d<\/p>\nBaumann adds that as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to evolve, the industry is constantly expanding and adding new tech solutions. \u201cAs such, companies need the ability to quickly and easily change their app database or add new ones,\u201d he says. \u201cThis is the only way they\u2019ll be able to stay competitive and take advantage of new technologies as they emerge. In short, when researching potential API management solutions with your software expert, ask about future scalability.<\/p>\n
4. Optimise employee adoption<\/strong>
After spending time and money on enterprise software integration, Baumann comments that companies want to encourage their workforce to use the apps at their fingertips. \u201cUltimately, this will depend on the user experience that each app provides,\u201d he says \u201cIf it\u2019s clunky and difficult to navigate, they\u2019ll be less inclined to use the tools, even if they need the data.\u201d<\/p>\nIdeally, adds Baumann, the experience will be smooth and seamless, which he believes is another reason why custom coding isn\u2019t usually ideal. \u201cWhile it might technically get the job done, it can create an intricate web of connections that can be nearly impossible for the average user to navigate,\u201d he explains. \u201cYou don\u2019t want your technology expert to be the only one who knows how to use the apps. When enterprise systems are easy to access and understand, it also helps your employees embrace the change with less resistance. Even if they\u2019re used to being on their device all day, there will be a period of transition as they learn the new platforms and this process should be as painless as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
If a company plans to add more apps in the future, Baumann believes it is important to simplify and streamline now. \u201cIf your mobile app backend is simply and efficiently connected to your enterprise data via an API platform, you can optimise the user experience,\u201d he says. \u201cWith fewer roadblocks to navigate, adoption rates should rise.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Smart step<\/h2>\n
Baumann concludes that integrating your enterprise software with your mobile solutions is a smart step. \u201cIt allows your workforce to leverage your ERP, CRM, or SCM system from anywhere, at any time,\u201d he explains. \u201cAs you begin to plan this initiative, consider the operational and technical challenges. If you don\u2019t prepare for enterprise software mobile integration challenges, you might experience an enterprise software nightmare or an ERP failure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vendor analysis\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Windle makes the following vendor predictions. \u201cAcumatica<\/strong> has gained significant traction, providing great innovation to the market,\u201d he says. \u201cAcumatica\u2019s partnership ecosystem is continuing to grow and provide great support to customers. I expect to continue to see big growth from Acumatica in the coming year.\u201d Windle observes that Epicor has a number of proven products on the market that it is continuing to enhance, especially in terms of its micro-vertical focuses. He adds that Epicor continues to purchase best-of-breed solutions to extend its product offerings. \u201cEpicor is continuing to bring in new products that will allow the company to effectively contribute to the growth of its clients.\u201d<\/p>\nIn Windle\u2019s view. IFS<\/strong> is leaning towards a micro-vertical focused approach within the Enterprise Asset Management space, with continued expansion into the North American market. \u201cIt is a very successful firm internationally and we expect IFS to continue to enhance its EAM solutions and pick up market share,\u201d he says.<\/p>\nMoving to Infor<\/strong>, Windle makes the point that the company is one of the few major software vendors privately held, making a huge difference in its market position. \u201cInfor is still investing in its on-premises solutions and its CloudSuite solutions because it understands that some customers demand incremental, less drastic change than uplifting their entire platform,\u201d he says. Windle adds that Infor continues to acquire customers, believing the company has a solid, multi-pronged strategy that demonstrates the next evolution of the cloud.\u00a0<\/p>\nWindle observes that Microsoft<\/strong> has simplified its pricing strategy on the software side in a very straightforward way that is extremely beneficial to the customer. \u201cMicrosoft is a household name that continues to garner support from long-time users who want to continue their growth with products like Business Central for smaller-scale enterprises and Finance & Supply Chain Management for larger enterprises. Microsoft is very well positioned and has advanced its partnership channel, allowing it to extend its value to customers during 2023.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\nNetSuite\u2019s<\/strong> growth continues to be astronomical, especially in the mid-market,\u201d according to Windle. \u201cNetSuite has further developed its PE portfolio, continuing to assist companies in that space with their digital transformations. We foresee NetSuite continuing its growth trajectory during 2023.\u201d Oracle Cloud Fusion has picked up significant market share. Windle comments: \u201cWe do see Oracle Cloud Fusion becoming more and more viable for the legacy Oracle customer, delivering an expansive solution for their growth opportunities.\u201d OCI\u2019s continued expansion will also deliver necessary cybersecurity measures for customers in 2023 and beyond.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\nWindle points out that Sage<\/strong> has an extensive portfolio of legacy clients that it is looking to upgrade to cloud offerings. \u201cSage Intacct is especially focused on the delivery of value within the Nonprofit space,\u201d he says. \u201cSage Intacct is a really good product for evolving companies and will continue to focus on the innovation of their offerings.\u201d Salesforce had a major year in 2022, surpassing SAP as the largest software vendor in the world. \u201cThere are great innovations coming from Salesforce, with heavy investments continuing to be put into new products and their partnership channel,\u201d says Windle.<\/p>\nIn recent years, Windle observes that SAP<\/strong> has begun to move down market, delivering solutions within the SMB space. During this year, Windle believes SAP will continue to simplify the implementation process for customers to deliver great value efficiently. He adds that international solutions, like SAP, have significant resources to contribute to the success of clients. In terms of Unit4\u2019s developments, Windle comments that the company is carefully honing its North American strategy in the professional services, non-profit and human capital markets. \u201cUnit4\u2019s strong understanding of global markets and implementations is a differentiator and will contribute to the company\u2019s success during 2023,\u201d says Windle.<\/p>\nWorkday<\/strong> continues to deliver value within the human capital management space, according to Windle, with innovations and opportunities growing within its financial offerings. Windle believes that during this year Workday will dial in the incremental value of its solutions, differentiating it from the competition in terms of functionality.\u00a0<\/p>\nWindle concludes that the next 10 years of ERP innovation are going to make the past 50 look like nothing in comparison, with innovative solutions emerging across the market and the prominence of AI and machine learning drastically expanding what technology can do. \u201cERP vendors are experiencing unbelievable growth, providing great resources to deliver revolutionary technological enhancements,\u201d he concludes.<\/p>\n
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Collaboration<\/h2>\n
In terms of future trends in general, Upton is seeing an increase in links to technologies such as robotics. \u201cIt is interesting to witness how companies can now use this type of technology and connectivity in areas including nuclear decommissioning \u2013 in other words, quite challenging environments.\u201d He adds that IoT and connected devices are increasingly being used to better control robotic automation. \u201cThis is becoming more prevalent in automotive and it’s starting to spread out in other areas,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Upton also believes we will start to see more developments in terms of cloud and multi-cloud. \u201cPreviously, and you still find it this today, a lot of businesses tend to go with one of the hyper scalers and are kind of weathered to Microsoft, Amazons or Google,\u201d he says. \u201cIncreasingly, however, there is a need to collaborate more and be able to operate in a multi cloud environment \u2013 even within one business.\u201d Upton also anticipates ever greater use of AI and machine learning. \u201cThis trend is already here, but I think that will expand further very quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n Retail Technology Review:
\n The move from legacy to high-tech.<\/p>\n
The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) space is constantly changing and as mission critical to companies\u2019 business and operational processes as ever. Last year saw the continued growth of cloud applications, together with the rise in uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.<\/p>\n
However, let\u2019s begin this report by defining as precisely as possible what ERP is. Passing this task to Capterra, the company explains that ERP is an integrated suite of applications that helps businesses manage key operations such as accounting, sales and purchases, customer relationships, inventory, and human resources. Unlike other solutions that cater to specific workflows, Capterra points out that enterprise resource planning solutions are comprehensive in nature and offer a range of functionalities to address the needs of your entire organisation. ERP software establishes links between departments, streamlining data flow and speeding up the overall decision-making process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Key benefits<\/h2>\n
Capterra outlines the key benefits of ERP software:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
- Complete visibility of tasks with improved collaboration: ERP software offers complete visibility into important aspects of your business to provide senior management with a single window from which they can monitor both departmental and organisation-wide data. A single enterprise resource planning system facilitates better communication and collaboration between stakeholders from multiple departments, which helps a company\u2019s business and teams to complete tasks efficiently and smoothly.<\/li>\n
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- More efficient workflows: An enterprise resource planning system reduces the need for repetitive data entry at multiple touchpoints across departments. Once entered, data remains within the system and is accessible by all users. As products or services move along the supply chain, the data is automatically updated for the next department, without any need for additional data entry efforts. This saves time overall and improves workflow efficiency.<\/li>\n
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Typical features<\/h2>\n
In terms of typical features of ERP software, Capterra cites the following:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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- Inventory management: Keep track of in-house stock quantities and manage reordering to prevent running out of inventory and ensure smooth supply chain operations.<\/li>\n
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- Financial management: Gather your organisation’s financial data and generate comprehensive reports such as general ledgers, balance sheets, and financial statements.<\/li>\n
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- HR management: Maintain a complete employee database and manage core HR processes, such as recruiting, hiring, payroll, training, and development.<\/li>\n
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- Reporting\/Analytics: Analyse various workflows, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and generate an array of reports to aid compliance and support management discussions.<\/li>\n
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- Warehouse management: Manage core warehouse operations, such as the movement of inventory, the location of items inside a warehouse, and reordering items.<\/li>\n
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- CRM: Record customer information, including names and contact numbers, in a centralised, organised database.<\/li>\n
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Growth in the cloud\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Moving to trends in this technology space, Shawn Windle, founder and managing principal, The ERP Advisors Group, offers some of his perspective. In terms of technological trends, Windle observes that cloud platforms have grown substantially, including the growth of data centres at a global level. \u201cThis push for the cloud has resulted in many legacy customers finally taking on migrations to upgrade their systems,\u201d he says. \u201cERP in the cloud also mitigates the increasing number of cybersecurity attacks across the market, driving vendors to make tremendous global investments in data centres.<\/p>\nCustomers can rest assured knowing that data centres are nearby, lowering latency and increasing accessibility. All these factors have contributed to the great migration away from legacy technology, especially from legacy organisations across the food and beverage, distribution, manufacturing, non-profit and government industries.<\/p>\n
AI and machine learning\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Windle believes it is also clear that AI and machine learning are defining the future of innovation, sending us into the next generation of technological offerings. \u201c2022 appeared to be the coming-of-age year for the cloud offerings of a number of vendors, with Oracle Cloud Fusion, SAP’s RISE, and others continuing to grow in prominence,\u201d he explains. \u201cSignificant growth opportunities within the mid-sized market have emerged, with smaller-scale vendors continuing to expand and enhance their solutions. This coincides with the growth of micro-vertical solutions across the market, either from emergence or vendor development, such as Salesforce\u2019s automotive solutions release at the end of the year.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Investment\u00a0<\/h2>\n
In terms of investments in ERP and related applications, Windle considers that these were significant in 2022, even with rumblings surrounding the economic downturn. \u201cMany vendors saw astronomical growth between 10 and 30% year-over-year on a quarterly basis, further demonstrating the significant demand for ERP in the market,\u201d he points out. \u201cWe observed vendors pouring profits into the advancements of their solutions, either through innovation or acquisition, delivering value to customers.\u201d<\/p>\n
On a similar note, Windle explains that Private Equity companies are becoming more active in the ERP space, especially through acquiring niche solutions. \u201cVendors are following PE\u2019s lead with similar acquisitions, driving growth in niche markets, and maximising their time to market relative to developing the solutions themselves, from the ground up within their own technology stack,\u201d he says. \u201cThis is expanding the reach of ERP beyond what we have seen in previous years.\u201d Windle adds that 2022 also saw a rise in strategic relationships between vendors and their customer bases. \u201cCompanies like Microsoft are partnering with their customers and developing joint growth efforts,\u201d he points out. \u201cThis is unique, with vendors offering deals on their software services in exchange for technological innovation collaborations with their customers. These partnerships heavily encourage mutually beneficial innovations.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Windle explains that vendors are extending beyond their product offerings by expanding their service programs. \u201cThis is evident in SAP\u2019s developer program, Oracle\u2019s filling the financial gap initiative, NetSuite\u2019s consulting programs, and more,\u201d he says. \u201cWe also see this commitment in Acumatica\u2019s growing partner program, ensuring the future success of its cloud implementations for customers. In the current market, ERP deals are being won not just by the technology offered but also by the ecosystem of available services.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Relevant ERP trends<\/h2>\n
From Capterra\u2019s perspective, key trends in ERP include:<\/p>\n
The internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) will transform ERP software: Traditional enterprise resource planning software requires users to manually enter data at various touchpoints in the supply chain. In the coming years, expect more and more modern ERP solutions to include AI and IoT capabilities that automatically collect data from IoT devices attached to tools, vehicles, and equipment. Data such as device location, usage, and performance can be accessed directly by an enterprise resource planning system without manual data entry. From there, AI-enabled enterprise resource planning solutions can provide advanced insights and transparency into new areas of growth, help improve existing workflows and reduce errors.<\/p>\n
Mobile ERP is a new buzzword: In almost every area of life and business, users depend on mobile devices. As a result, more and more enterprise resource planning system developers are offering mobile-based ERP solutions and\/or mobile functionality through dedicated apps that work with their product. As the rise in mobile workforces continues across all industries, the demand for mobile-based ERP solutions will also increase.<\/p>\n
Sourcing\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Capterra suggests the following when looking to source and ERP system:<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
- Establish a clear ERP strategy before investing in ERP software: ERP software is a broad solution that often includes various modules and integrated services for multiple departments fused together in one system. Most businesses lack a clear enterprise resource planning system implementation strategy, and either develop one through tactical decisions or rely on their IT team to define ERP requirements without considering the needs of other stakeholders. This can lead to poor enterprise resource planning system implementation or investing in software that is too technical and complex for your employees to use. To avoid this, consult stakeholders from all relevant departments while designing your ERP strategy, and build a software shortlist that meets those needs.<\/li>\n
<\/p>\n
- Industry-specific ERP solutions vs. generic solutions: These days, many vendors offer industry-specific enterprise resource planning solutions (e.g., construction ERP software, manufacturing ERP software, apparel ERP software, education ERP software). If possible, give priority to enterprise resource planning system solutions that cater to your particular industry over investing in a generic solution that can be customised for any industry. A specific solution can help you meet industry standards and execute workflows using industry-approved templates that help minimise failure rate.<\/li>\n
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Hybrid and multi-cloud environments\u00a0<\/h2>\n
From a more general enterprise IT perspective, Frost & Sullivan makes the point that more organisations now support hybrid and multi-cloud environments as both workers and workloads expand to more locations. It adds that bring-your-own-device policies enable workers to access corporate applications and services from multiple places and platforms, and modern development tools decouple apps and services from the infrastructure that they run on, allowing flexible movement according to business needs. Frost & Sullivan explains that IT departments have adopted a variety of infrastructures and platforms on corporate premises and the cloud to accommodate these changes, creating the corporate hybrid cloud. Simultaneously, businesses are evaluating their infrastructure needs more critically and making more strategic choices among the available options, sometimes using multiple public cloud providers, or a multi-cloud environment.<\/p>\n
Frost & Sullivan\u2019s white paper, Leveraging Strategic Hybrid Cloud in Enterprise IT, discusses how current knowledge gaps in cloud technologies open opportunities for new services, tips for gaining stakeholder support, and hybrid and multi-cloud best practices for enterprises. Its 2021 research finds that 41% of businesses globally have implemented a hybrid cloud, while 36% use a multicloud environment. Some businesses use a hybrid cloud platform to introduce visibility, control, advanced data protection and security, and analytics. Others, however, struggle to manage their assets in a complete environment. Moreover, many organisations can\u2019t get to the ideal hybrid scenario because of complexity, team structures, or organisational challenges, such as difficulty in holistically managing policies, enforcement, and security across vendors.<\/p>\n
\u201cBroad, comprehensive enterprise digital transformation introduces new business risks,\u201d says Toph Whitmore, industry director, Frost & Sullivan. \u201cThe to-be-managed enabling technology fabric now extends into the cloud and widens to encompass work-from-anywhere connectivity. IT leaders must balance organisational cloud aspiration with operational realities, a dichotomy that complicates security delivery, efficacy, and management. Securing hybrid- and multi-cloud environments can require IT leaders to integrate solutions to mitigate risk.\u201d<\/p>\nCloud migration unlocks organisational data value and allows access to modern services that provide softer benefits, like operational efficiencies or improved regulatory compliance. Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies can:<\/p>\n
-
<\/p>\n
- Help against cloud lock-in to optimise costs continually.<\/li>\n
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- Enable rapid flexibility to gain tremendous value.<\/li>\n
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- Improve cost optimisation, uptime, and governance.<\/li>\n
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- Mitigate security and compliance risk.<\/li>\n
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- Implement data protection strategies and optimise ROI.<\/li>\n
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Moving away from on-premise\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Continuing the cloud theme, Bryan Ball, vice president and group director, supply chain, ERP and GSM research practices, Aberdeen Strategy & Research, provides some key findings from a recent Aberdeen Strategy & Research survey that looks at adoption rates of cloud ERP. The research shows how companies have largely moved away from ERP on-premise to the cloud. Approximately 90% of companies now have some form of cloud and 10% have on-premise, and a considerable number of companies that are still using on-premise use a preconfigured device \u2013 therefore they have a blend of online software and hardware. However, for large corporations on premise usage stands at about 6%, pointing to the fact that the vast majority have moved to the cloud \u2013 whether public cloud or a private cloud.\u00a0<\/p>\nInterestingly, the survey also found that 83% of best-in-class companies questioned only utilise the software for ERP-based financials. Some 70% have disparate solutions, some have a solution developed in-house while some still rely on spreadsheets. \u201cIf you look at all the companies surveyed, about 80% are using ERP versus some other way of running the business,\u201d says Ball. \u201cSome 90% have moved to the cloud for whatever they’re doing and the vast majority of companies are using ERP.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Competitive advantage<\/h2>\n
Ball adds that because more companies are now utilising cloud ERP, the cloud doesn\u2019t necessarily provide a competitive advantage because it has become more commoditised. Ball did, however, find two areas that do give companies a substantial edge. One of these relates to the fact that many best-in-class companies are very focused on modernising their technology infrastructure and their applications by a significant percentage compared with their competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we isolate that variable and look at what they are doing versus what the other companies are doing that’s where some of the capability differences jump out,\u201d explains Ball. \u201cThey are just stronger in every way, having standardised procedures, the integrated system of record, the ability to report and manage compliance activities, interoperability, collaborating with customers and so on. So, we found there were significant differences when we isolated that one variable. Essentially, if companies have the cloud in place, they can leverage the technology to do more with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ball also makes the point that when companies initially move to the cloud, even though they are utilising a cloud structure that doesn’t mean all their applications had been designed for the cloud. \u201cThey may have a user interface to get to the application, but it still runs like it did on a mainframe,\u201d he says. \u201cIt may be in a private cloud, but it hasn\u2019t been designed to leverage all the benefits of the cloud. It still works but you don’t get a lot of improvement in that particular application. The application could be, for example, supply chain, a procurement module, a quality control module or something else that may not be the most important type of functionality to the company in question.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ball adds that many of these applications not specifically designed for the cloud may have been acquired through the acquisition of another company. \u201cThat means you need to think about how to integrate them within your own system or replace these systems,\u201d he says. \u201cSo, you can either have these acquired applications roll up to the \u2018mothership\u2019 integration wise or change everything you’re doing. However, it may not be worth the time and expense \u2013 that is to say, you may just need the transaction and profitability information and so it might make more sense just to keep these applications as they are.<\/p>\n
We could be talking about software used in a sales office or small distribution point. In other words, it may not be a manufacturing plant or distribution facility on a large scale. Even if we\u2019re talking about something like an insurance company there may be multiple offices and branches in different locations, and in those types of cases a system like QuickBooks works fine for its purpose. Why change it? So, although many companies, particularly the best-in-class companies, are looking to modernise their systems and processes, it might not be necessary in all cases. You might instead want to buy a best-of-breed supply chain solution and use that in lieu of the one that your ERP currently has if supply chain wasn\u2019t such a key focus when you sourced the ERP. Now, supply chain is everything.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Graham Upton, technology & innovation director & chief architect, intelligent industry, Capgemini, considers that AI is definitely one of the key talking points within the world of ERP and wider afield. \u201cIt could also be referred to as machine learning, which is really part of AI manufacturing and we’ve been using this for several years now,\u201d he says. \u201cHowever, we are now getting much more data, and this data can be used to better inform the business about what is happening \u2013 whether it’s the water industry doing predictive flood control, or in aerospace and automotive you can use it to predict whether your machines are about to fail and so on. All of this is really positive because it helps to improve business processes.\u201d<\/p>\nAI and design\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Another side of AI that Upton is seeing is how AI could be used in a design process. \u201cFor example, if a company is designing something today it will likely be reliant on the knowledge of its engineers or architects,\u201d he explains. \u201cHowever, I think AI will increasingly have a big impact here \u2013 someone will try something out, and if it doesn’t quite work do a stress calculation and go back recalculate it. In fact, that is already automated in some of the ERP systems today, but AI is going to accelerate the speed of this process, especially around lifecycle.<\/p>\n
So, if the initial requirements are set to design a particular product maybe in a certain material to satisfy a customer\u2019s requirements, whereas before you would have tools to iterate this it would take longer. It will be so much quicker with AI because it will keep iterating and it will do it in a fraction of the time. So, the worry is companies won\u2019t need as many engineers, although the engineers could maybe do more designs in a shorter timeframe.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Upton is also seeing two main specific ERP trends. \u201cOne is we are seeing that ERP systems are rapidly growing and expanding in their influence these days,\u201d he says. \u201cIf you take SAP, we are seeing its tentacles already spreading. ERP modules are being added that do things that it couldn’t do before in terms of the link to the supply chain, the link to manufacturing etc. SAP can now also be more rapidly updated because those types of modules are already part of the system.\u201d Upton is also witnessing more integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to automatically determine what’s happening and then auto update the ERP systems. \u201cThat’s one of the biggest changes,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Integration challenges\u00a0<\/h2>\n
On the topic of integration, Bill Baumann, director of expert witness services, Panorama Consulting Solutions, considers that when a company invests in enterprise software, it wants to ensure its employees can easily access and use the software from anywhere. This, he says, expands beyond the company\u2019s in-office workforce and includes remote or on-site personnel. \u201cDecades ago, this issue alone would have presented its fair share of challenges,\u201d adds Baumann. \u201cToday, however, most employees are equipped with at least some type of mobile device, whether a company-issued phone or one of their own. Yet, enterprise software mobile integration challenges still exist, though the challenges are manageable.\u201d Baumann shares some of the issues companies may encounter when seeking to achieve seamless adoption of mobile integration and what to prioritise.<\/p>\n1. Develop a mobile strategy<\/strong>
There are stages of mobile maturity. Before you begin the software integration stage, you may want to research software experts and hire one to help you understand where your organisation lies. Otherwise, you could proceed without a concrete goal in place.<\/p>\nAt the very basic level, companies can adapt their current, on-premise strategies to a smaller screen. This is where most organisations start, but the goal shouldn\u2019t be to stay here. As they progress, companies will enter the second stage. This is when a company takes a \u2018mobile-first\u2019 approach, looking at how its business can leverage the unique features of mobility to its advantage. At the third stage, business leaders begin to look at how mobile can help them improve the customer experience and attract future buyers. When a business reaches the fourth stage, it has reached full maturity. Here, it is looking for ways to use mobile to develop new products, services, business models and revenue streams.<\/p>\n
A company\u2019s current position on this spectrum will determine how its business should approach its mobile strategy. \u201cThere\u2019s no right or wrong place to start, but you do need some kind of plan in place before you proceed,\u201d says Baumann. \u201cOften, companies try to approach mobility as a piecemeal process, which can lead to more complications down the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
2. Ensure data security<\/strong>
Any time a company\u2019s enterprise software data leaves the organisation, it\u2019s at risk. This is especially the case if it is being accessed, shared and stored on a mobile device. \u201cWhile you could task your in-house IT team with building custom code, this can be an incredibly time-consuming process,\u201d stresses Baumann. \u201cDepending on the extent of your data, it could take weeks and monopolise their time.\u201d<\/p>\nOne alternative he cites is to outsource the task, hiring a software development expert to take the reins. \u201cYou can also use an application programming interface (API) management platform. These solutions are designed to facilitate secure mobile integration in a short timeframe, without the need for additional coding. APIs enable mobile apps to access data and communicate with one another, so they can share services. An API management platform helps organisations centralise their approach to API control, ensuring each one is secure, consumable and aligned with required standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. Plan for scalability<\/strong>
Baumann considers that it is an achievement for a company to integrate its existing business systems with the mobile apps that its employees are using today. \u201cYet, have you given much thought to the approach you\u2019ll take in the future?\u201d he asks. \u201cWhen planning for mobile integration, it helps to think about your strategy five or even ten years into the future. The only issue? It\u2019s nearly impossible to plan for all the new types of systems, devices and platforms that will exist at that time.\u201d<\/p>\nBaumann adds that as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to evolve, the industry is constantly expanding and adding new tech solutions. \u201cAs such, companies need the ability to quickly and easily change their app database or add new ones,\u201d he says. \u201cThis is the only way they\u2019ll be able to stay competitive and take advantage of new technologies as they emerge. In short, when researching potential API management solutions with your software expert, ask about future scalability.<\/p>\n
4. Optimise employee adoption<\/strong>
After spending time and money on enterprise software integration, Baumann comments that companies want to encourage their workforce to use the apps at their fingertips. \u201cUltimately, this will depend on the user experience that each app provides,\u201d he says \u201cIf it\u2019s clunky and difficult to navigate, they\u2019ll be less inclined to use the tools, even if they need the data.\u201d<\/p>\nIdeally, adds Baumann, the experience will be smooth and seamless, which he believes is another reason why custom coding isn\u2019t usually ideal. \u201cWhile it might technically get the job done, it can create an intricate web of connections that can be nearly impossible for the average user to navigate,\u201d he explains. \u201cYou don\u2019t want your technology expert to be the only one who knows how to use the apps. When enterprise systems are easy to access and understand, it also helps your employees embrace the change with less resistance. Even if they\u2019re used to being on their device all day, there will be a period of transition as they learn the new platforms and this process should be as painless as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
If a company plans to add more apps in the future, Baumann believes it is important to simplify and streamline now. \u201cIf your mobile app backend is simply and efficiently connected to your enterprise data via an API platform, you can optimise the user experience,\u201d he says. \u201cWith fewer roadblocks to navigate, adoption rates should rise.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nSmart step<\/h2>\n
Baumann concludes that integrating your enterprise software with your mobile solutions is a smart step. \u201cIt allows your workforce to leverage your ERP, CRM, or SCM system from anywhere, at any time,\u201d he explains. \u201cAs you begin to plan this initiative, consider the operational and technical challenges. If you don\u2019t prepare for enterprise software mobile integration challenges, you might experience an enterprise software nightmare or an ERP failure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vendor analysis\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Windle makes the following vendor predictions. \u201cAcumatica<\/strong> has gained significant traction, providing great innovation to the market,\u201d he says. \u201cAcumatica\u2019s partnership ecosystem is continuing to grow and provide great support to customers. I expect to continue to see big growth from Acumatica in the coming year.\u201d Windle observes that Epicor has a number of proven products on the market that it is continuing to enhance, especially in terms of its micro-vertical focuses. He adds that Epicor continues to purchase best-of-breed solutions to extend its product offerings. \u201cEpicor is continuing to bring in new products that will allow the company to effectively contribute to the growth of its clients.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Windle\u2019s view. IFS<\/strong> is leaning towards a micro-vertical focused approach within the Enterprise Asset Management space, with continued expansion into the North American market. \u201cIt is a very successful firm internationally and we expect IFS to continue to enhance its EAM solutions and pick up market share,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Moving to Infor<\/strong>, Windle makes the point that the company is one of the few major software vendors privately held, making a huge difference in its market position. \u201cInfor is still investing in its on-premises solutions and its CloudSuite solutions because it understands that some customers demand incremental, less drastic change than uplifting their entire platform,\u201d he says. Windle adds that Infor continues to acquire customers, believing the company has a solid, multi-pronged strategy that demonstrates the next evolution of the cloud.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Windle observes that Microsoft<\/strong> has simplified its pricing strategy on the software side in a very straightforward way that is extremely beneficial to the customer. \u201cMicrosoft is a household name that continues to garner support from long-time users who want to continue their growth with products like Business Central for smaller-scale enterprises and Finance & Supply Chain Management for larger enterprises. Microsoft is very well positioned and has advanced its partnership channel, allowing it to extend its value to customers during 2023.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
NetSuite\u2019s<\/strong> growth continues to be astronomical, especially in the mid-market,\u201d according to Windle. \u201cNetSuite has further developed its PE portfolio, continuing to assist companies in that space with their digital transformations. We foresee NetSuite continuing its growth trajectory during 2023.\u201d Oracle Cloud Fusion has picked up significant market share. Windle comments: \u201cWe do see Oracle Cloud Fusion becoming more and more viable for the legacy Oracle customer, delivering an expansive solution for their growth opportunities.\u201d OCI\u2019s continued expansion will also deliver necessary cybersecurity measures for customers in 2023 and beyond.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Windle points out that Sage<\/strong> has an extensive portfolio of legacy clients that it is looking to upgrade to cloud offerings. \u201cSage Intacct is especially focused on the delivery of value within the Nonprofit space,\u201d he says. \u201cSage Intacct is a really good product for evolving companies and will continue to focus on the innovation of their offerings.\u201d Salesforce had a major year in 2022, surpassing SAP as the largest software vendor in the world. \u201cThere are great innovations coming from Salesforce, with heavy investments continuing to be put into new products and their partnership channel,\u201d says Windle.<\/p>\n
In recent years, Windle observes that SAP<\/strong> has begun to move down market, delivering solutions within the SMB space. During this year, Windle believes SAP will continue to simplify the implementation process for customers to deliver great value efficiently. He adds that international solutions, like SAP, have significant resources to contribute to the success of clients. In terms of Unit4\u2019s developments, Windle comments that the company is carefully honing its North American strategy in the professional services, non-profit and human capital markets. \u201cUnit4\u2019s strong understanding of global markets and implementations is a differentiator and will contribute to the company\u2019s success during 2023,\u201d says Windle.<\/p>\n
Workday<\/strong> continues to deliver value within the human capital management space, according to Windle, with innovations and opportunities growing within its financial offerings. Windle believes that during this year Workday will dial in the incremental value of its solutions, differentiating it from the competition in terms of functionality.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Windle concludes that the next 10 years of ERP innovation are going to make the past 50 look like nothing in comparison, with innovative solutions emerging across the market and the prominence of AI and machine learning drastically expanding what technology can do. \u201cERP vendors are experiencing unbelievable growth, providing great resources to deliver revolutionary technological enhancements,\u201d he concludes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nCollaboration<\/h2>\n
In terms of future trends in general, Upton is seeing an increase in links to technologies such as robotics. \u201cIt is interesting to witness how companies can now use this type of technology and connectivity in areas including nuclear decommissioning \u2013 in other words, quite challenging environments.\u201d He adds that IoT and connected devices are increasingly being used to better control robotic automation. \u201cThis is becoming more prevalent in automotive and it’s starting to spread out in other areas,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Upton also believes we will start to see more developments in terms of cloud and multi-cloud. \u201cPreviously, and you still find it this today, a lot of businesses tend to go with one of the hyper scalers and are kind of weathered to Microsoft, Amazons or Google,\u201d he says. \u201cIncreasingly, however, there is a need to collaborate more and be able to operate in a multi cloud environment \u2013 even within one business.\u201d Upton also anticipates ever greater use of AI and machine learning. \u201cThis trend is already here, but I think that will expand further very quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
- Help against cloud lock-in to optimise costs continually.<\/li>\n
- Establish a clear ERP strategy before investing in ERP software: ERP software is a broad solution that often includes various modules and integrated services for multiple departments fused together in one system. Most businesses lack a clear enterprise resource planning system implementation strategy, and either develop one through tactical decisions or rely on their IT team to define ERP requirements without considering the needs of other stakeholders. This can lead to poor enterprise resource planning system implementation or investing in software that is too technical and complex for your employees to use. To avoid this, consult stakeholders from all relevant departments while designing your ERP strategy, and build a software shortlist that meets those needs.<\/li>\n
- Inventory management: Keep track of in-house stock quantities and manage reordering to prevent running out of inventory and ensure smooth supply chain operations.<\/li>\n