The scope and sophistication of ERP solutions continues to advance uninterrupted. Vendors are already reporting a number of closed deals for the coming year, and there is a growing awareness in the business community of outdated ERP solutions, meaning that 2015 could prove to be a watershed year. Here are six forecasts of what’s coming down the pipeline:
Improved Interfaces and Streamlined Implementation
UX/UI in the ERP community has improved significantly in recent years, and that new focus on accessibility should continue in 2015. Many companies will be either adopting a solution for the first time or upgrading incapable older systems and will want to shorten the learning curve as much as possible.
Smarter ERP Consumers
Executives and managers are now acutely aware of the benefits and hazards of various ERP solutions. A more informed-consumer naturally leads to a more competitive marketplace. We expect vendors to respond by offering more customized offerings and stronger proof-of-value.
ERP for Small Business
Until very recently, ERP was neither a concern nor an option for the majority of small businesses, but that is quickly changing. Cloud-based ERP offerings are accessible to a larger swath of the market, and the number and quality of those offerings will likely improve in 2015.
Transition to Mobile and Cloud
Mobility and cross-platform functionality are requirements for just about any tech offering these days, and ERP is no different. As offices become increasingly distributed, the market will demand more flexibility and portability from ERP options. The first big wave should appear sometime in 2015.
Influence of Big Data
The promise of big data remains more of a hope than a reality, but forthcoming ERP solutions should be better equipped to seize the opportunity. Expect to find new tools and features that are able to identify underutilized data, give it form and function, and turn it into actionable insights.
ERP Workflow Management Automation
Efficiency is as important as ever, which is why businesses are increasingly relying on ERP workflow management automation to free up man hours and produce deeper analysis. This will likely be a theme in 2015 as businesses increasingly look for ERP solutions that can streamline workflows and eliminate as much human input as possible.
What is clear is that ERP is getting smarter, more accessible, easier to use, and more affordable at an unparalleled pace. The coming year could be marked by exciting leaps forward. Stay on the cutting edge by partnering with ERP consultants and specialists at Resolute Technologies.