5 Key takeaways from ERP 2021
Nearly 200 participants and exhibitors found their way to this year’s ERP Day 2021 hosted by the Norwegian Data Association and Bo Hjort Christensen – an arena where customers meet suppliers and get good advice on the EPR journey they are considering. We have summarized some “key takeaways” from this year’s event!
By Anders Kjersem
Sales Manager, Norway.
Cloud, Cloud, Cloud!
In 2019 – the last physical event – cloud solutions were not as widespread among ERP providers, and there was a long way to go. Now, on the other hand, most ERP providers have a cloud offering in one form or another (multi tennant, single tennant, etc.). The trend is that on-premise is being phased out, and cloud solution is the only offer. Some suppliers such as IFS have nevertheless chosen to keep On-premise as an option for customers who for various reasons need to operate on-premise.
Integration is important – an integration platform should be considered!
Integrations are important to have the right information available, as well as create efficient and seamless processes, also with the outside world. However, one-to-one integrations are often expensive to set up and maintain, which an integration platform can help simplify. Such a platform as Boomi gathers all integrations in one place, and gives you greater control over the integrations during operation and upgrading.
Choose a reputable industry solution tailored to your industry
In the breadth of ERP solutions, most suppliers focus on selected industries. This means that industrial solutions offer functionality that supports typical processes the industry needs, and makes it possible to utilize existing functionality instead of having to have adaptations or third-party solutions. IFS is one example, which focuses on production companies, service companies, project-oriented companies, and companies in need of maintenance of their own equipment.
The agreement structure is changing
Different variants of the SSA or ICT agreement are often used. SSA-O and SSA-T are often used, but they are not always suitable for all parts of an implementation project. SSA-Sky is a new agreement that can cover all parts of the procurement (pre-project, implementation project and management phase), and reduces the need for separate agreements for each part. Here one must assess the need against the work of making different agreements (SSA-O + SSA-Sky for example).
Set aside enough resources for implementation and management
Many underestimate the need to set aside enough time for the implementation and management of the ERP solution. This can mean that the project both extends in time, and that the costs are much greater as external help must be obtained. It is important that the Customer owns the solution and knows it himself, something the management must be involved in, and ensure that the project gets the right resources and capacity it needs.