Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2020. Read them in this 12th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
By Pete Zimmerman, North American Software Sales
Manager, VAI
Top 4 Predictions For
The ERP Software Industry In 2020
In
2019, enterprises were challenged with operating in environments, both globally
and domestically, that were fast-paced, highly competitive, and unpredictable.
As businesses continue to provide unmatched service to consumers, they are
constantly looking for ways to streamline processes and control inventory
management - leading to significant developments in ERP systems.
What
then, will happen to ERP software going forward? The following predictions are
an assessment of the future for the ERP marketplace:
- Continued adoption and use of mobile apps as business tools: With the rapid expansion of
mobile devices, many manufacturers and distributors everywhere are being
dramatically impacted by the new wave of mobile technology. In 2020, we expect
to see companies integrate more mobile solutions with the end-goal of turning
ordinary smartphones into powerful business tools that can help our customers
improve efficiencies, enhance customer service, and increase sales.
These powerful mobile solutions also provide file
synchronization, and give users offline access to content when a
network/wireless connection in unavailable. For example, if a power outage
hits, these companies can stay up and running without experiencing any
downtime. When the power is restored and distributors are back online,
companies will have the ability to automatically synchronize data from the
application back to the company server.
- Analytics leveraging AI to predict future outcomes based upon
past history: Predictive analytics will continue to be a major trend in 2020. Companies
will continue to leverage AI to uncover historical data, reveal real-time
insights, and predict future events. By utilizing these advanced analytic
techniques, enterprises will have the ability to transform the way their
business operates while simultaneously increasing productivity.
With advancements in technology today, businesses in
highly competitive markets simply cannot depend on intuition or gut feeling to
make critical business decisions. Instead, they count on data-driven insights
to get more accurate results in the field, as well as customer buying trends
and market conditions. In 2020, we will see more businesses leaning on
predictive analytics to obtain relevant and important insights to maximize their
bottom-line.
- The Cloud will continue to evolve and we will see more
customers opt to deploy in the cloud: More companies further the cloud
evolution to manage and store their data in a secure way. By moving to the
cloud, employees can work seamlessly while harnessing the ability to access all
enterprise applications in a centralized database. A cloud-based solution can
equip companies with the advanced technology they require to reduce costs, make
smarter business decisions, and address real-time business imperatives.
In addition, as more consumers and businesses adopt
tools such as smartphones and tablets, the ability to host applications in the
cloud and access it from just about anywhere on the planet is quickly becoming
vital. By leveraging cloud technology, enterprises will be able to access their
data - provided they have an Internet
connection - no matter their location.
- Robotics Automation will continue to transform the warehouse,
creating a faster and more streamlined process: The complexity of warehouse
operations will continue to grow in 2020, which can be taxing on employees.
With automation however, Robotics in the warehouse can take the lift off of
workers and help manage tasks. For many companies, the coming year will be a
time where robotics continues to advance in the warehouse, controlling the
scale of work being completed.
Warehouse operations have detailed procedures such as
global supply chain shipments and compliance to heavy regulations, both in
which are expected to get more complicated in 2020. By adding robots to help
monitor and accomplish tasks such as packaging, sorting, and tracking,
companies can be assured that employees gain the proper amount of time to
finish other projects that require human surveillance.
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About the Author
Pete has worked in software implementation
for over 20 years, with a specific focus on providing technology solutions that
improve efficiencies in the manufacturing sector. In addition to his
wide-ranging knowledge of manufacturing, Zimmerman has significant expertise
selling solutions and services across broad IT portfolios and with virtually
all types of enterprise software. As an IBM Certified Specialist and
manufacturing industry expert, Zimmerman has spoken at numerous conferences and
trade shows.