- Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud computing are making customization and data security more critical for businesses.
- Cloud-based ERP solutions offer scalability, flexibility, and real-time data access.
- The demand for customized ERP systems is growing, with businesses seeking tailored solutions that align with their long-term strategic goals.
- ERP consultants play a key role in helping organizations navigate data security regulations, like GDPR and CCPA, while ensuring system compliance.
- The top ERP consultants prioritize continuous learning to stay ahead of new trends like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are evolving rapidly. ERP consulting is entering a transformative phase with technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.
These innovations in digital technology present exciting opportunities but also demand new approaches to consulting, including heightened attention to customization, data security, and sustainability. This is driving a new era in ERP consulting, where cloud solutions, customization, and data security are more critical than ever.
The 2025 Top 10 ERP Systems Report
What vendors are considering for your ERP implementation? This list is a helpful starting point.
ERP Consulting Trends to Consider When Evaluating Consulting Firms
The Digital Revolution in ERP Consulting
Emerging technologies, like AI, IoT, and cloud computing, are reshaping ERP systems. Traditionally designed to streamline business operations, modern ERP systems now leverage advanced technologies to provide data-driven insights, enhance operational efficiency, and improve agility.
For example, AI-driven analytics offer real-time predictive insights that allow businesses to make proactive decisions. In manufacturing, AI can predict machine failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Meanwhile, IoT sensors in supply chain management offer real-time inventory tracking, enabling businesses to optimize orders and reduce waste.
The role of ERP consultants has evolved with these advancements. Instead of implementing generic ERP systems, consultants must now guide organizations in selecting platforms that incorporate these advanced technologies.
At the same time, they must remain unbiased. Vendor-neutral guidance is crucial to ensure organizations choose solutions based on their unique needs rather than vendor preferences—a key component of Panorama’s impartial approach to consulting.
The Need for Continuous Learning
As technology evolves, ERP consultants must continuously expand their knowledge. New tools, platforms, and methodologies are emerging by the day, making it essential for consultants to stay ahead of the curve. This means going beyond traditional ERP expertise to include knowledge of AI, IoT, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Panorama ensures its consultants stay current through ongoing training and certifications, enabling them to offer relevant and informed recommendations.
The Shift Toward Cloud-Based ERP Solutions
Cloud computing is transforming the ERP landscape. While on-premise ERP systems remain largely necessary in highly regulated industries, cloud-based ERP solutions are becoming the standard in most industries due to their scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
More specifically, the benefits include:
- Cloud-based ERP systems provide real-time access to data, which is critical for organizations with distributed teams or remote workforces.
- The cloud enables businesses to scale quickly without investing in additional hardware.
- Built-in security features and automated updates reduce the burden on IT teams.
For ERP consultants, this shift requires expertise in ERP migration strategies. The top ERP consultants have experience in hybrid environments, where both on-premise and cloud systems coexist.
In these environments, ensuring seamless data flow and compliance with security regulations is essential.
For example, when helping a government client transition to a cloud-based ERP system, consultants must ensure the platform meets stringent data security requirements, like FedRAMP. Consultants also must guide the organization through data migration strategies to enable the full use of cloud tools, like real-time analytics.
Vendor-neutral evaluation is essential in this process. Our ERP consulting team at Panorama always advises organizations to assess ERP platforms based on their company’s long-term needs rather than short-term convenience. This ensures alignment with strategic goals and minimizes the risk of vendor lock-in.
The Demand for Customized ERP Systems
Organizations increasingly seek ERP solutions tailored to their specific needs rather than relying on one-size-fits-all platforms. This demand is driven by industry-specific requirements, competitive pressures, and the need for more personalized customer experiences.
A retail company, for example, may require an ERP system that integrates seamlessly with its ecommerce platform, while a healthcare provider needs one that ensures regulatory compliance and secure patient data management.
Customization is now about aligning ERP systems with long-term strategic goals, not just adding new features.
The best ERP consultants work closely with clients to optimize business processes and configure ERP systems to support organizational objectives. This process begins with understanding current business requirements and pain points. Panorama emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders from across functional areas in requirements gathering to ensure the requirements sent to vendors reflect the full spectrum of business needs.
Data Security and Compliance in a Digital Era
As ERP systems manage increasing amounts of sensitive data, data security and compliance have become critical concerns. ERP systems are prime targets for cyberattacks, and the regulatory landscape is growing more complex, with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.
ERP consultants must ensure that the systems companies implement include robust security features, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous threat monitoring. Consultants must keep up with evolving regulations to effectively advise clients on compliance.
Ongoing audits are also essential to ensure long-term compliance and data protection.
For example, a consultant might help a manufacturing company identify potential ERP security vulnerabilities and work with IT teams to establish security protocols. This would enable the company to prevent unauthorized access to proprietary design files, safeguard confidential supplier and production data, and protect intellectual property from cyber threats.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices in ERP Systems
Sustainability practices are playing an increasingly important role in ERP consulting. Companies are being held accountable for their environmental impact, and ERP systems can help companies achieve sustainability goals by monitoring energy use, tracking carbon emissions, and optimizing resource allocation.
ERP consultants must advise clients on using ERP systems to promote sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint while improving efficiency.
Aside from sustainability, ethical concerns are also on the rise, including:
- Ensuring supply chains are free from exploitative labor
- Respecting data privacy
- Managing AI bias
The best ERP consultants help organizations configure systems to enhance transparency, improve supply chain management, and achieve sustainability.
Navigating the Future: What’s Next for ERP Consultants?
The future of ERP consulting in the digital age presents both challenges and opportunities. The rise of cloud computing, AI, IoT, and increased customization means consultants must continually adapt and embrace new skills. Data security, compliance, and continuous learning will be crucial to navigating this landscape.
As organizations focus on sustainability and ethical practices, ERP consultants will play a pivotal role in guiding them toward systems that enhance operational efficiency and promote long-term social responsibility.
By staying ahead of these trends, our ERP implementation consultants are helping businesses succeed in an increasingly competitive market. Contact us to learn more.
