The nine points of the Unit4 forecast are:

1. ERP automation: ERP systems will become increasingly automated and role-based, with users delegating activities to digital assistants.
2. Pricing : Future ERP pricing will be based on throughput, volume, number of transactions and the added value for the company.
3. Standardized setup: Customers prefer standardized ERP setups for faster ROI, rather than cumbersome customization of systems to their processes.
4. Machine learning, data quality and data management: Effective machine learning in ERP requires first-class data management and high-quality data.
5. Dialog-oriented user interfaces: With technologies like ChatGPT, conversational user interfaces in enterprise software are becoming more popular and effective.
6. The role of the CIO : CIOs are evolving from managing software assets to strategic value creation, increasingly using low-code tools.
7. Security: Security in cloud software is becoming increasingly important, with a focus on integrated security measures and clear access rights.
8. Artificial intelligence: AI is often overrated; 80% of ERP automation can be done without AI, with a focus on the right data. It's not about big data, it's about the right data.
9. Integration-as-a-Service: This concept is still young and needs a change in mindset and better understanding of its value proposition among customers.

Jespen's forecast in detail:

ERP automation

"Enterprise resource planning (ERP) will become more automated and develop into so-called ubiquitous ERP, which is intuitive and role-based. Users will be asked to hand over activities to digital assistants. The comparison with databases is obvious: in the past, there were very specific ideas about the database to be used, the brand or the associated tools. Today, this no longer interests anyone. The same development was observed with the cloud and can now also be expected with ERP. ERP is becoming one of the technologies that everyone needs, with everyone using different parameters depending on their objectives. The solution that delivers the best hoped-for result will be selected. How this result is achieved is of secondary importance. An ERP system is basically a database with a predefined structure. It is therefore not surprising that the perceptions and views of ERP are along the same lines as those of databases."

Pricing

"Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) pricing in the future - although not necessarily in 2024 - will be based on throughput, volume and number of transactions, as well as the added value that the software offers to the company buying it."

Standardized setup

"Customers will rely on a standardized setup to achieve a faster ROI. They are now realizing that it is usually not a good idea to adapt the ERP to their processes by hook or by crook. What's important is what they offer their customers, not the way they have configured their software."

Machine learning, data quality and data management

"Machine learning is an interesting topic. However, many people forget that machine learning only works if data management has been configured correctly in advance. High-quality data, convincing data management and master data management are the prerequisites for automated ERP in combination with machine learning. Only then can optimal added value be achieved."

Dialog-oriented user interfaces

"We will see a breakthrough in conversational user interfaces. Until the advent of ChatGPT, many were reluctant to use conversational UI technology because they were either afraid of it, didn't really understand the technology or didn't have the necessary skills. However, it is now clear that there are many benefits to a conversational experience. ChatGPT is essentially the next generation of chatbots, but it also enables a smoother, more natural experience in enterprise software. A better engine makes it easier to determine what the user wants, paving the way for fluid conversations around business needs."

The role of the CIO

"The role of the CIO is changing, because before the cloud, the main task was to manage the software estate. While CIOs currently have an operational oversight role, in the future they will be more involved in value creation by creating departmental or company-wide technology packages. Low-code and no-code tools, as well as citizen developers, are growing in popularity and freeing up CIOs to have a more direct impact on strategy, growth, profitability, reporting and more."

Security

"In my opinion, the importance of security will continue to grow. If you buy software from a cloud provider, you should ask specific questions about many aspects: not only about product roadmaps and compliance, but also about how security is integrated and who has access to which data."

Artificial intelligence

"Everyone is currently talking about AI. However, AI is not even needed for many of the use cases. The 80/20 rule applies, where 80 percent of ERP automation is possible without artificial intelligence (AI). Instead of getting stuck on AI, you should therefore consider what you want to achieve and what questions you should ask the technology providers. It's not about big data, it's about the right data. You can't just run an algorithm on a computer and hope it will come up with something new for you. After all, computers aren't people and they just don't work like that."

Integration-as-a-Service

"Integration-as-a-Service is still in its infancy. To increase acceptance among customers, the mindset needs to change first. The value proposition must be understood."