As the year wraps up, we’ve all seen articles on coming technology trends for 2014.
As you might expect, the predictions usually relate to the cloud, mobile access, social engagement, big data and other trends we’ve witnessed for the last few years. Here at Procon, our focus is on ERP and how we can help our clients stay ahead of the curve. So when it comes to looking at hot trends ahead, we look at each topic specific to ERP in 2014.
The Cloud
With companies’ acceptance of the cloud at an all time high, we see Cloud ERP continuing to accelerate. Many companies we talk to are attracted to the idea of lowering the cost of ownership, reducing dependence on internal IT personnel and other specific benefits offered by Cloud ERP. As a result, SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics and others have all offered a version of a cloud solution as an alternative to on premise model.
We expect the Cloud trend continuing to grow and expand. In the year ahead, ERP vendors will continue to react and position their offerings in the technology market by delivering hosted cloud or true SaaS.
Mobile Computing
This past year, all of the major ERP vendors have made enhancements to their products to accommodate mobile access, due to the proliferation of BYOD, tablets and Smartphones. When we talk to our clients, we see a lot of CEOs driving ERP projects to improve access. The reasoning is that employees are expected to respond quickly to changing conditions in their operations. They are now challenged to obtain instant access to relevant production, shipping, quality, financial information and more – whether they are in the field, at a customer site, off-site assignment or anywhere away from the office.
We expect this mobile connectivity trend to continue, allowing for on-the-go responsiveness at all levels. As we talk to our clients, we see more interest in real-time mobile access to ERP system data. It’s our feeling that data integration, mobile access to business intelligence reporting, mobility-enhanced interfaces will continue to drive ERP vendors to innovations in this area.
Social Networking
2013 was the year where we heard a lot about collaboration and ERP-centric social networks. Major vendors like SAP, Oracle and Infor are now integrating social networking within their ERP solutions, via an enhanced “look and feel” that is much easier for the end user. We anticipate seeing these enhancements from other vendors.
By delivering enhanced social collaboration, there is a better chance for business process improvement and improved decision making. The entire enterprise (including the extended supply chain) can communicate and collaborate, tracking people, assets, and processes. This level of collaboration via integrated ERP and social networking will certainly continue in the year ahead.