PARTNERS ’ PERSPECTIVE
Cloud ERP solution providers that are able to deliver industry-specific , data-driven analytics will be best positioned to succeed in this business . Another differentiating factor will be the services packages offered by the cloud ERP solution providers .
Already , the market has seen finance and supply chain lines of business start to not only see the immediate value that the cloud provides , but it ’ s also seen as a secure business environment with e-commerce gaining grounds by connecting vendors with suppliers ( B2B ) and customers ( B2C ).
The biggest opportunity is for channel partners to serve as trusted advisors in integrating ERP software with breakthrough technologies such as AI , Machine Learning , Blockchain and the Internet of Things .
Given that Oracle , SAP , Microsoft , Infor , Epicor , Sage and Focus Softnet all offer on-premise , cloud and hybrid ERP software , it ’ s critical that channel partners evaluate ERP systems based on business functionality , features and most importantly , understanding their end-user customers ’ IT infrastructure environment . Implementing an ERP solution just for the sake of it is a recipe for failure .
For enterprises that require it , ERP is the lifeblood that courses through business operations , from sales , marketing , finance and HR through purchasing , production , inventory management and service . The solutions must integrate with nearly every system and business process . And because of this , it ’ s important for resellers to grasp that ERP integration and implementation can be lengthy , and a major considerations for any channel partner trying to implement the system on behalf of the client is to ensure return on investment ( ROI ) is achieved .
That said , the biggest opportunity is for channel partners to serve as trusted advisors in integrating ERP software with breakthrough technologies such as AI , Machine Learning , Blockchain and the Internet of Things ( IoT ).
Going forward , I have no doubt that demand for cloud-based ERP solutions is already rising in the MEA market especially in the areas of HCM , payroll and accounting and procurement management . ERP vendors on the other hand , will continue to push cloud-based applications with embedded analytics and AI functionality in the market . All of these I believe will help cloud-based EAS solutions to grow at a much faster rate than traditional onpremise solutions thereby opening up more opportunities for solution providers serving the MEA channel . •
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 40
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