The ERP system is the backbone of a company – it is the system that supports main processes such as finance, order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, inventory management and manufacturing.
Companies often have complex and old ERP systems with many customisations and complex integrations. This is the result of many years of enhancing the original ERP system due to new business requirements and acquisitions/divestments.
The ERP system is often seen as an old, inefficient system that no longer meets the business' requirements and even hampers the companies' ability to pursue new business opportunities.
At the same time, ERP projects are perceived as risky and costly projects that are often delayed and put significant strains on key business resources in the organisation. Hence many companies have been reluctant to invest in ERP and have instead focused on CRM, business intelligence and automation solutions that are typically less risky and are seen to have a better business case both short- and long-term.
As a response, the ERP suppliers have made significant investments over the last ten years to bring innovation into their solutions, for example, real-time analytics and reporting, intuitive user experience as well as cloud versions that promise simpler and more efficient implementation and operation. The focus is currently on making ERP systems 'intelligent' by using AI to help users and automate processes since this improves quality and reduces manual effort.
However, many companies have not yet taken advantage of these innovations and are stuck with an outdated ERP system.