7 Custom ERP Trends in 2017

Jan 12, 2019

The global business landscape continues to evolve and change, as does technology. This year’s custom ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) development trends offer some exciting opportunities for advancement and innovation in order to keep pace with the changing business landscape. Here’s what’s in store for us this year regarding bespoke software solutions.

1. Cloud-based SaaS Solutions

Traditionally, having ERP software meant that it would be stored on your own servers. This meant that you would incur considerable hardware costs, as well as additional maintenance and data backup and recovery expenses. Nowadays, you no longer need to handle those extra charges thanks to cloud-based ERP solutions. These solutions allow for SaaS (Software-as-a-service) options, which are much more affordable, quicker to scale and update, and do not take up any office space. No wonder, then, that according to a recent Forrester report, the shift to SaaS ERP solutions is set to accelerate even faster in the coming couple of years. The advantages of SaaS add up to substantial savings for your business.

2. IoT

IoT (Internet of Things) is doing its part to shift the trends in the ERP world. The “things” are basically interconnected smart sensors attached to various devices, which generate large amounts of data pertaining to everyday company operations. With IoT, businesses will be able to gain even deeper insight into their business processes. This will make it a lot easier to diagnose malfunctions or give ideas for future improvement. In fact, industry analysts predict that about 50% of global enterprises will adopt some kind of IoT-enabled ERP by 2022.

3. Gamification

One of the most intriguing trends, which is still in its infancy, is the move towards “gamification” of custom ERP software. This means that software users will basically assume the role of “game players,” with incentives to reach the next level by hitting certain targets or getting points through certain activities in order to gain a reward. The idea is that users will have a more engaging and interactive stimulus to hit their KPIs and get rewarded.

4. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

As AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology continues to grow and develop, as does its application with custom ERP development. AI and Machine Learning are set to revolutionize many complex tasks and streamline business operations. As such, savvy custom ERP developers are integrating machine learning features into their software. With the rise of IoT, businesses have increasing amounts of data to digest. AI bots in ERP software are designed for this very task. They mimic repeated human activities and cognition to take over and perform certain tasks and create value for companies. In other words, it’s all about gaining that competitive edge. Hence, the role of machine learning will continue to gain prominence in business functions.

5. Security Concerns

Ever since the controversial U.S. election, hacking and security concerns are more than ever at the top of everyone’s list of concerns. As technology evolves, keeping data secure becomes even more critical. Granted, hackers are using increasingly sophisticated techniques in their attack tactics, but cloud vendors especially are countering this by offering first-rate security features. In fact, one of the most compelling selling points of custom ERP software, is that it is much more difficult to hack than off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all solutions. Moreover, the availability of live support and company access to admin panels allow for quick resolution of any issues that may arise.

6. “Consumer First” Mentality

Ultimately, what it all comes down to in the realm of custom ERP development, is customer experience. Businesses are starting to realize that when employees are frustrated with the complicated features of company software, the overall performance takes a hit and the substantial investment in that very software starts to look less and less justified. When software isn’t user-friendly, it fails to deliver the desired results. Moreover, millennials in the workforce keep demanding a more sophisticated UX (User Experience) from their employers. Hence, 2017 will see ERP developers striving to close the usability gap.

7. Agile Development

Custom ERP and agile development practices go hand in hand. In simple terms, agile methodology is very pragmatic in its approach and it prioritizes the need for flexibility. Agile software development focuses on delivering parts of the application as soon as they are ready and wait for client approval. The goal is to build upon those client-approved parts. More and more companies are coming to the conclusion that by opting for agile development not only do they get a more dynamic and swift completion of a project, but that it also boosts the quality of the team work. Therefore, agile development is on our radars as one of this year’s leading trends in custom ERP.

Wrapping up

The future looks bright for custom ERP development. Savvy business owners should keep an eye on bespoke development advantages, as the trends listed above clearly herald positive changes and more profitability for businesses.

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