Among ERP trends, none seems to be more intriguing than the thought of a “self-driving” ERP. Like an autonomous vehicle or a self-driving car, an autonomous ERP would simply run itself. The vision is to have a system so smart it can handle supply chain needs automatically, monitor systems, control scheduling, run predictive maintenance, bill customers, and conduct quality control.

This trend came to the fore in 2018 when pundits predicted we’d see self-driving ERPs very soon. The reality is that this ERP trend is more limited than the original vision, but it’s still coming along with advancements worth exploring.

ERP Trends: Hybrid AI and Human Teams

AI remains a critical part of the autonomous ERP trend. However, AI must be partnered with humans for appropriate oversight. Case in point: a new trend of autonomous AI call center agents that can escalate tickets to teams of human agents who can then step in and handle the situation. Although this is touted as “autonomous” AI, critics question why the AI needs people if it is self-driving. 

The best AI models are hybrid ones in which AI handles the initial customer query and then escalates it to the appropriate response team. If such models are set up correctly and given the right level of input, they can increase efficiency dramatically by shortening hold and wait times, eliminating routine queries, and escalating irate customers faster. 

Call center AI is actually evolving the fastest, with new models emerging all the time that can interface with ERPs, connect to various databases, and produce nuanced responses by email or text. Such responses, however, still must be reviewed by human agents to ensure accuracy. AI is only as good as its programming, and it can make mistakes. Pairing AI with people is considered a best practice, so even though the system may seem self-driving, it needs an “emergency brake” in the form of an agent who recognizes accurate or inaccurate responses and fixes them accordingly. 

Future ERP Trends: AI for Efficiency

Among all ERP trends, incorporating AI for efficiency stands out as one with the most potential to help manufacturers. 

For example, SYSPRO ERP leverages AI to centralize all your organization's data, providing a single source of truth that eliminates data silos and ensures consistency and accuracy. This unified database allows for comprehensive analysis, providing meaningful insights that help businesses adapt and thrive in competitive markets. 

Its AI capabilities enable smart factories to reduce unplanned downtime, improve product design, increase efficiency, and enhance product quality and worker safety. By integrating advanced technologies, smart factories can optimize operations and respond quickly to market changes. 

Sage 300 ERP incorporates several AI-driven features to enhance business operations. Sage AI helps automate routine tasks like invoice processing, boosts productivity, and provides real-time insights into business performance with proactive suggestions. Sage Copilot, a generative AI-powered assistant, manages various business functions, including financials, inventory, operations, HR, and payroll, offering insights and recommendations. The system includes outlier detection for anomaly detection in financial transactions, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data. Additionally, Sage Intelligent Time automates time tracking, accurately mapping time spent on projects and tasks, while real-time reporting and analytics in the financial management module enable decision-makers to gain meaningful insights into their company's financial health. These features help businesses streamline operations, improve efficiency, and make data-driven decisions. 

These and other AI capabilities can turn an ERP system from an operational resource into a digital transformation powerhouse capable of leveraging AI/ML across manufacturing, operations, finance, service, and sales. 

Technology continues to advance rapidly. As the year progresses, additional ERP trends may come to light. AI-powered ERP is here to stay and is worth investing in. 

PositiveVision: SYSPRO and Sage 300 ERP Experts

PositiveVision provides comprehensive business management software solutions for small to mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies. Since 2002, we have been dedicated to helping businesses streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and grow revenue by leveraging advanced technologies such as SYSPRO ERP, Sage 300 ERP, and various business intelligence applications. Our team of experts offers tailored support and exceptional customer service, ensuring that clients achieve their operational goals and maintain a competitive edge in their industries. Contact us for more information.

Robert Baran

Robert Baran is the founder and President of PositiveVision. He has worked in a variety of positions including system analyst, computer consultant and programmer, project manager, and division manager.