ERP Trends to Watch in 2024

Since their inception, ERP systems have revolutionized the way businesses operate. In just the past five years, a remarkable 57% of companies across various industries have adopted these powerful tools. Clearly, ERP systems are hitting the mark, streamlining operations and integrating processes like never before. However, their journey is far from over—these dynamic systems are just beginning to unlock their full potential.

Many ERP trends are emerging in 2024 that spell out a powerful direction for the future— Today we will explore these trends.

Sustainability meets ERP:

With great power comes even greater responsibility. This applies quite fittingly to the rich features of ERP systems. With the many functionalities that ERP systems provide, sustainability is more attainable than ever.

ERP systems have integrative capabilities that promote visibility and forecasting. This helps counter wastefulness, promote more efficient resource planning, and keep an environmental track-record of business activities. Organizations are now opting for a blend of life-cycle assessment for their products and resource planning. The goal is to create sustainable outcomes.

More than 53% of companies are now integrating environmental indicators with their ERP systems. This clearly spells out that this is an ERP trend for 2024 that all forward-thinking ERP users are hopping on! Consumer goods giant, Unilever, is front lining this eco-friendly movement. In fact, this has been a trend in the making by the company for the last 10 years.

Collaboration over everything.

ERP systems promise integration and better connected businesses processes. Taking this up a notch, an ERP trend for 2024 has been aiming for collaboration. Businesses that have reaped countless benefits from ERP systems know that it also holds the future of team-work. ERP systems are promoting collaboration through information-sharing across departments and better communication between cross-functional teams.

ERP systems are also breaking down the walls of geographical distance. This has made it easier to take a variety of important stakeholders in the loop. This ultimately leads to better decision-making, a more tightly-knit organizational culture, and better stakeholder management.

Online retailer, Zappos, has quickly taken on this trend by putting emphasis on employee empowerment. This has rippled to improve their brand reputation and customer service along the line as well!

ERP and AI mix well.

An undeniable ERP trend for 2024 is intelligent ERP systems, powered by artificial intelligence. AI is sneaking in to enhance every module of ERP systems. Finance, reporting, human resource, and beyond. AI-powered ERP systems are capable of analyzing market trends, automatic strategy generation, and powerful decision-making.

More than 32% of businesses across industries have started dipping their toes into the ERP trend of AI. Aircraft manufacturing titan, Boeing, uses AI in their ERP systems for predictive maintenance, risk management, and supply chain management. This has resulted in reductions in errors and costs by up to 20%.

Rise of cloud-based solutions.

Another ERP trend for 2024 is that on-premises ERP solutions are becoming a thing of the past. Cloud alternatives are becoming no-brainer choices because of the cost efficiency, flexibility, and quicker implementation that they promise. They also bring accessibility, stability, and a potential for scalability to the table.

More than 30% of well-known market names are well on their way to transitioning to cloud-based ERP solutions. E-commerce giant, Amazon, is one notable name that has been quick to make the switch, with others also on way to follow suit.

ERP and mobility.

The need for freedom and accessibility is quickly ripping on to the world of ERP systems. An ERP trend for 2024 that is coming to the surface is that of mobile ERP solutions. The aim of this to create a seamless and consistent experience that transcends the limitations of distance and accessibility.

ERP mobile applications have also created convenience and more productivity. Wood-article manufacturing company, Norbord, has been among the first in its industry to implement a mobile ERP system. This has resulted in greater efficiency, more transparency, and better quality of data concerning their business operations.

The ERP trend of mobile solutions has also proven especially valuable in enhancing collaboration and improving customer satisfaction. It's no wonder that 58% of organizations have opted for mobile-access for their ERP systems. Also, 37% plan to do so in the near future.

User-friendly interfaces.

Among the ERP trends to watch for in 2024, is the matter of user-friendliness. User experience is more important now than ever. Since the power and potential of ERP systems is out in the open, the demand now is move beyond that. Businesses want modern ERP systems that are easy to use and adopt.

Organizations now realize that better usability means unlocking the full potential of an ERP system. A user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, and well-integrated dimensions are a requirement now. Personalization, preferences, and ease-of-use are aspects ERP systems must deliver.

Noted food delivery provider, Uber Eats, has prioritized user-friendliness in its choice of ERP system. This relates to the need to create better collaboration across functions, and quick responses to customer support needs. Businesses know that user-friendly interfaces equal a more hands-on approach.

Here's the takeaway:

ERP systems are evolving and so are the trends surrounding them. In 2024, ERP trends orbit around collaboration, artificial intelligence, user-experience, mobile-access, and cloud-based solutions. But this doesn't end here. More innovative and cutting-edge ERP trends will be making rounds in no time.