Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions have matured and grown to help most business functions, from back-end processes like HR, accounting, procurement, and manufacturing to front-office functions like SFA (sales force automation), marketing automation, and eCommerce. ERP is used by businesses to cut costs by eliminating duplicate processes and automating tedious tasks, and giving employees access to critical information that helps them make better decisions faster.
As more and more companies use ERP to run their businesses, these systems keep changing to include new technologies and support a broader range of functions. This article discusses eight vital trends to watch in 2022 and beyond.
- AI and machine learning will be the most important things.
AI is a big part of how organizations change how ERP works digitally. AI can help you fix inefficiencies and boost productivity in your business, whether by automating tasks that you often do or solving problems before they happen. By using predictive analytics and hyper-automation, AI raises the bar for ERP integration. This leads to better decisions and a better customer experience. Using machine learning, natural language processing, and chatbots, AI-enabled ERP systems can help you reach your ultimate business goals, such as lowering costs, increasing productivity, and improving operations.
- Cloud-based ERP will grow the most.
SaaS ERP software, which is another name for a cloud ERP system, has been used for a long time. But since the pandemic started, businesses have begun to put more emphasis on cloud technology because it is easy to set up, doesn’t cost much to deploy, and makes it easier for people to work together. Cloud-based ERP is becoming more popular because it can give more people access to real-time information, make it easier to work from home and keep data safe simultaneously. Also, cloud-based ERP software doesn’t require a significant investment upfront, advanced technical infrastructure, or a lot of resources. This makes it a good choice for both small and medium-sized businesses.
- The need for healthcare ERP is growing
Hospitals and other healthcare organizations need an integrated system to keep support services, back-office operations, and core services all working together for a better patient experience, lower operating costs, and lower overheads. ERP has enabled healthcare organizations and hospitals with multiple specialties to improve patient care by keeping doctors, patients, and clinical staff connected in real time. ERP is also used as a database to keep track of safety protocols that help healthcare organizations follow government and industry rules and policies.
- Things on the Internet (IoT) Enabled ERP to Rule
IoT-enabled ERP systems are used a lot in factories and other businesses that need to collect data fully automatically. Many things, like assets, raw material shipments, warehouses, etc., must be watched and tracked 24/7, depending on the type of business. IoT devices put in place and on parts that need to be followed around the clock send information to ERP systems. The school ERP software then put the information together and make real-time reports so that people can see more clearly and make better decisions.
- A simple approach with a “headless architecture.”
One way that has always been in demand is to be able to do more than one thing from a single interface. Headless architecture in ERP makes it easier to do complicated tasks and the user’s experience much more straightforward. The headless architecture that powers ERP separates business logic from data, making it easy to run task-specific interfaces that give each end user a unique experience. For example, a warehouse manager would use different interfaces to access ERP. Still, they would only be able to use specific modules based on their tasks and needs, unlike a sales executive in the same company.
- Mobility will continue to change the way things are done.
In this competitive time, ERP mobility is what changes the game for every company. For example, your salespeople need to meet with clients outside the office. Giving them the ability to see real-time sales numbers and stock information on their mobile device is very important for closing deals. An ERP system that works on multiple platforms and devices keeps your employees, suppliers, and other important people in the loop, even when they’re on the go.
Take Away
The move to cloud ERP is likely to speed up as companies understand it’s much easier to get the speed and flexibility they need to strive in today’s market if they move ERP and its related modules to the cloud. Companies that have already put money into cloud ERP will look for ways to use the cloud’s power even more.
Shortly, companies will also keep putting a lot of effort into ensuring their ERP software is set up for remote work. This includes making ERP more mobile, providing safe remote access, allowing for remote training, and automating workflows more.
Another trend to keep an eye on is the continued growth of ERP supply chain management competencies, which can help protect an organization from disruptions in the supply chain or other sudden changes in the global economy.
