5 Key takeaways from ERP Directions 2021

A few weeks ago, we attended ERP Directions, a conference where customers get to meet suppliers that set the tone for the development of ERP systems. The conference covered areas that are especially important for companies that are in the starting pit of their transition to ERP in the cloud! Here are five key takeaways from the conference.

1. Transitioning to Cloud ERP

The major ERP trend this decade would have to be moving ERP systems to the cloud. Multiple benefits such as quick and painless upgrades, lower operating and scaling costs, increased security and prevent of data loss, improved accessibility, collaboration and agility is just a few!

However, if you are unsure about Cloud ERP, or have to adhere to legislations or regulations and keep your ERP system on-premise, you should take a closer look at IFS Cloud. With IFS Cloud you can choose whether to run IFS Cloud in our cloud service or operate the application software in a different way, including on-premise. You can select from two deployment models, and thanks to a containerized architecture, receive the same IFS Cloud software in both. What’s more, the IFS platform lets customers move from one model to the other, should business requirements or legislation change.

2. Pre-packaged industry solutions

Gone are the days where an ERP system was a ‘one size fits all’ solution – the same for every industry. IFS Cloud offers pre-packed industry solutions, accelerating implementation time and reducing costs. With modern API’s, integration has become even easier, making automation and the exchange of data more beneficial. Also, integration platforms like Boomi and Microsoft Azure, cost of ownership of integrations can be reduced by more efficient handling and monitoring. The modern layered architecture in IFS Cloud, handles modifications and customizations in its own layer, enabling customers to upgrade without high maintenance costs.

3. Personalised User Experience

ERP developers are putting more and more effort into their user interface to provide the most user-friendly and flexible user experience.

IFS Cloud is built on a single technology platform that brings innovation and delightful experiences to life in your business. The platform combines an intuitive user experience that lets you connect and extend using 100% open APIs, with the benefits of machine learning and optimization, reporting, analytics, and process automation throughout IFS Cloud.

4. Integrations – fast time to value

Integration can be very valuable, but also costly, and hence it is increasingly important that customers select a tool that allows full flexibility and fast time to value. Customers also need the necessary expertise and tools at hand. If integrations are done wrong, it can lead to data mismanagement, security breaches, and deployment complications. 

We’d like to draw your attention to Boomi, who provides end-to-end capabilities including application integration, data quality governance, B2B/EDI network management, API management and workflow automation. It is an integration platform that reduces cost by maintaining all integrations in one place, and reduce costs when upgrading to newer versions of your ERP system and the integrated systems.

In fact, if you’d like to know more about Addovation, Boomi and Integrations, sign up for our upcoming webinar!

5. Use an advisor during an implementation project

With the complexity, an ERP implementation brings along with it, having a trusted advisor or partner is a big advantage.

A big thank you to Devoteam that organized the event and gave us valuable insights in the ERP systems of the future.