As businesses and their needs evolve and grow, so must modern ERP systems. Business management software solutions, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, need to evolve every year to incorporate emerging technologies, new functionality requirements and capitalise on the latest trends in business. In this blog, we take a look at seven ERP trends to look out for in 2022 and beyond.
ERP Trend 1: Cloud as a must-have rather than a nice-to-have
The demand for cloud-based ERP has been growing over the last decade and is continuing to develop. Businesses want to have access to real-time data insights, remote working has become an essential business requirement, and most businesses are looking for the high-end data security that cloud-based systems offer. Therefore, it is very clear that cloud-based, or at least cloud-enabled, ERPs will be a must-have rather than a nice-to-have this year and beyond.
Deploying a cloud-based ERP, such as Business Central, is also becoming an increasingly more attractive financial option for businesses as they do not require large, upfront capital investments. It also reduces the need for advanced technical infrastructure and resources.
ERP Trend 2: More personalisation
The days of “one size fits all” are long over. Today’s consumers are looking for more personalised user experiences and this is no different for modern ERP users. With this is mind, modern ERPs are continuing to equip users with the tools they need to create a personalised user experience.
Modern ERPs, such as Business Central, encourage users to optimise their user experiences with personalised themes and role centres. In addition, ERP providers continue to develop ways that businesses can integrate their ERPs with technologies such as AI, low-code, no-code and IoT, thus creating an ERP solution that is more tailored to their real business needs.
ERP Trend 3: Greater mobile capabilities
The predominance of remote and hybrid working patterns now seen in most businesses means that in 2022, an ERP will need to have greater mobile capabilities. Employees need to be able to perform back-end and front-end tasks no matter where they are. Users also want to be able to access the data stored in the ERP in real-time and on the go. Many ERPs, such as Business Central, are continually improving the mobile app versions of their solutions. This means that users will have the 24/7, anywhere any device access that they are looking for.
In addition, modern ERPs such as Business Central are also continually improving their integration with communications tools, such as Microsoft Teams. Business Central’s integration with Teams means that users can bring Business Central pages into the Teams channel, thus improving both internal and external communications and reducing response times.
ERP Trend 4: Intelligent ERP is key
AI (artificial intelligence) can only grow in importance within the ERP world. Using AI technologies, such as machine learning, robotic process automation (RPA), and natural language processing (NLP), will allow businesses to make optimal use of the vast amount of business data they gather every day, whether that be in mobilising greater depth business insights or enhancing operational processes.
ERP Trend 5: Greater integration with wider business technology
One of the key ERP trends, particularly in manufacturing and distribution companies, over the last few years has been IoT or direct machine integration and it is anticipated that this can only continue in the future. Manufacturing companies, for instance, are regularly looking for ways to increase efficiencies within their businesses and improving the integration between their ERP and the IoT enabled technology allows them to have greater insight on actual job costs amongst other things.
Meanwhile devices such as handheld scanners, sensors and IoT-enabled mobile phones, can be used in distribution warehouses to monitor both stock movements and storage conditions within the warehouse. These devices can then relay the data to the business’s ERP and give them real-time insights into stock levels, stock conditions and even consumer buying trends.
ERP Trend 6: Even greater focus on real-time data insights
With a modern ERP, such as Business Central, you can see up-to-the-minute information from across your business at any time and then use this to influence your decision-making processes.
Businesses have been placing greater importance on access to real-time data insights over the last few years and this looks set to continue.
Businesses are now looking for ERPs that will not only provide real-time data but will allow them to communicate it readily and easily throughout the business. This kind of transparent business intelligence will allow businesses to communicate and collaborate in real-time and therefore have the power to make quick and meaningful business decisions when the information is still “hot”.
ERP Trend 7: More low-code and no-code
Many ERPs these days come with low-code/no-code customisation abilities, such as Microsoft’s Power Apps. These enable the employees, regardless of their technical expertise or abilities, to build new apps or tweak existing ones so that they meet specific business requirements. This low-code/no-code ability looks to be even more important in 2022 as organisations try to find new ways, through these low-code/no-code capabilities, that will save them time and money as well as give them the opportunities to both innovate and stand out from the crowd.
How can TVision Technology help?
TVision Technology is one of the largest and most experienced providers of Business Central and NAV in the UK. Our team take real pleasure in working with our clients to develop, implement and support the best possible ERP implementation for their needs, and it’s this enthusiasm for our work which sees us keep our relationships with clients long after the initial implementation is complete.
If you want to know more about Microsoft Business Central and how TVision could help you keep up to date with emerging ERP trends, please feel free to contact us to arrange a demo to see how moving to a modern and evolving ERP such Business Central could be the right business move for you.
