Automation is becoming more important in ERP, especially with tools like robotic process automation (RPA) and low-code platforms. With these tools, businesses can automate processes more, cutting down on manual work and making tasks faster and more accurate. RPA handles tasks that repeat often, like entering data, processing invoices, and doing payroll, reducing errors. Low-code platforms let businesses make custom apps quickly for their needs. When RPA and low-code platforms are combined with ERP systems, they automate regular tasks and make custom solutions.
Trends and Preferences in ERP Solutions
AI and automation in ERP systems improve data analysis, making it simpler to collect and understand information from different parts of a business. This helps to uncover insights about performance, predicting demand, customer habits, areas of inefficiency, and financial risks. These advanced analytics, when built into ERP systems, assist users in making smart decisions and getting ready for future challenges.
The ERP market is moving towards cloud-based solutions, especially as remote work becomes more common. More businesses with operations in different places around the world are choosing cloud-based ERP systems because they offer flexibility. Studies found that 64% of companies looking for an ERP are interested in a SaaS system, with 21% preferring fully cloud-based options, while 15% are choosing on-premises systems. In fact, 89% of companies prioritize accounting as the top feature in an ERP system.
The world of ERP software has been around for about 40 years and keeps getting more competitive. In 2021, the global market worth of ERP software reached $50.57 billion. This growth happens because of changes in technology and how businesses work. Because of this, new companies are joining the ERP market and becoming leaders because of their ideas or how big they've become.
More companies are choosing cloud-based ERP systems, which are expected to become even more popular. The market for these systems is predicted to go from $50.57 billion to $140.14 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 15.9% each year. Plus, 80% of new implementations will be cloud-based.
Traditional ERP systems, which used to rely on a central cloud, are now changing. They're becoming more flexible and spread out, using multiple clouds and edge computing. When choosing an ERP system, companies need to find one that can work with various cloud platforms and use edge computing. This helps process data faster, which is crucial for making quick decisions, especially for operations in different places.
Embracing Customized ERP for Different Industries
Only a small percentage, about 3%, of companies use standard functions for their ERPs, showing that most prefer custom or industry-specific solutions. While specialized software can cost more, it's often worth it for industries needing specific features. For instance, chemical manufacturers require tools for safety data sheets, while automotive companies need features for warranties and recalls. Pharmaceutical ERPs handle compliance, while agriculture ERPs manage crop scheduling and weather predictions. Retail, construction, food and beverage, oil and gas, textiles, HR, and education are among the other industries that utilize customized ERPs.
Overcoming Roadblocks in Implementing Generic ERP Systems
Overcoming Resistance
Resistance to change in organizations mainly comes from how people interact. They might be scared of what they don't know, prefer sticking to what they're used to, or not getting enough information.
Even though new ideas could be great, employees might still hesitate because they're afraid their jobs will change, they don't fully get it, or they're just really attached to how things are now. This human side is super important for the success of any big project.
Understanding Why People Resist:
People are used to doing things a certain way and might struggle to switch to new ways without seeing clear benefits right away. Comments like "We've always done it this way" or "I don't think it'll work" show this resistance.
How to get past resistance?
Get everyone on board early: If you get different groups involved and excited about the project from the start, they're less likely to resist later on. Make sure they understand the good things before making changes.
Manage the change: Keep everyone updated on what's happening with the project, let them share their thoughts, and encourage them to come up with ideas. Giving training and celebrating progress can make people more open to the changes.
Even though the new ERP system might make perfect sense, how people feel about it and what they're used to still really matters. If you ignore this human side, your project could be in trouble.
Optimizing Data Accuracy and Consolidation
Data holds immense importance for any organization, and having incorrect or unreadable data is not acceptable. When organizations switch their old data to a new ERP system, they face the challenge of making sure the transition goes smoothly and that the data remains accurate. Sometimes, the old data might not fit well with the new system, leading to confusion and errors.
Here's Why It's a Big Deal:
Think of the ERP system as a giant library filled with crucial business information. If the data isn't organized properly, it's like trying to find a book in a messy library – it's frustrating and time-consuming. Bad data can mess up how the ERP system works, making it less reliable and efficient.
This affects decision-making, processes, and how smoothly the organization runs.
So, what's the fix?
Make sure to carefully plan and test everything: Spend time planning and executing the data transfer carefully. It's really important to manage the data well to keep it accurate in the ERP system.
Use technology and be prepared for problems: Use technology and good practices to make sure data is accurate, easy to get to, and useful for all parts of the organization. Keep an eye on things and fix any problems quickly.
Customization and Adaptability
Organizations aim to match their systems with how they work. Making too many changes can make things more complicated, cost more to maintain, and make it harder to update later.
Finding the right mix is key when adjusting the ERP system to fit their needs and keeping it flexible for the long run.
Companies should carefully look at what they need, sorting out what changes are crucial and what might make things too complex. The answer is picking an ERP system that's flexible but still has all the important features.
Boosting User Engagement and Training
Good training for everyone using a new computer system is really important during its setup. If people don't get enough training, it makes things harder, slows down work, and makes users annoyed.
When you get a new computer system, make sure the training is thorough. Use programs, tutorials, and good instructions.