Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 93 | Page 16

ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY
looking to modernise without losing what makes them unique. This is evidenced in the latest Epicor Agility Index which found that 64 % of UAE manufacturers have already adopted real-time data sharing and integration tools, and over half are leveraging cloud-based supply chain visibility.
What they now need are platforms that fit seamlessly into their workflows and enhance, not disrupt, the unique way they run their businesses. That’ s where Epicor stands apart. Our solutions don’ t ask businesses to reshape themselves around the software. Instead, we shape the software around how they operate, supporting their growth with tools that feel tailor-made for their industry and region.
Cloud adoption is accelerating globally – but are manufacturers in the Middle East ready to embrace full-scale ERP transformation?
There’ s absolutely appetite for cloud, but it’ s a considered, pragmatic kind of enthusiasm. Many manufacturers in the region are still relying on legacy systems that have been heavily customised over the years, so a wholesale shift to the cloud isn’ t something they take lightly.
What we’ re seeing instead is a thoughtful, phased approach. Our research highlights this trend, with 27 % of manufacturing organisations having already implemented AI, and 40 % actively evaluating it. This signals not hesitation, but a careful,
What’ s especially encouraging is the shift in leadership we’ re witnessing across many industrial firms. informed embrace of transformative tech that is fit-for-purpose. That might mean starting with a hybrid deployment or modernising specific functions like finance or supply chain visibility before committing to a broader transformation.
What’ s especially encouraging is the shift in leadership we’ re witnessing across many industrial firms. A younger generation of decision-makers is stepping in. These are tech-savvy, cloud-native, and eager to modernise. But they’ re also practical. Their first questions aren’ t about architecture. They’ re asking,‘ Will this reduce downtime?’ or‘ Can it improve forecast accuracy?’ And with our cloud-based ERP, which combines real-time data visibility with embedded AI, we’ re able to give them meaningful, measurable answers.
You’ ve mentioned embedded AI capabilities. How is Epicor using Artificial Intelligence to enhance decision-making without adding complexity for users?
That’ s exactly the challenge we’ ve tackled with Epicor Prism. Launched in the US earlier this year, and set to be rolled out in the Middle East in the near future, Prism reimagines how AI can support decisionmaking inside an ERP platform.
It’ s not an add-on or a bolt-on. It’ s embedded directly into the flow of work. As a result, it becomes a virtual subject-matter expert who is always on hand. Want to identify the highest-margin product lines? Just ask Prism. Need guidance on how to adjust inventory ahead of seasonal demand spikes during Ramadan? Prism can help.
In a region where many organisations don’ t have dedicated data science teams, this kind of accessibility is a game changer. While our research has found that data scientists, route-optimisation specialists, and automation engineers are among the most sought-after AI roles in the UAE, not every business has the bandwidth to build full inhouse capabilities.
That’ s why accessible, embedded AI, like Prism, makes such a difference. We’ ve made it conversational, intuitive and deeply practical. It’ s AI designed to make a real difference on the shop floor and in the boardroom, without adding complexity. Because ultimately, powerful technology should make people’ s jobs easier, not harder.
Channel partners in the Middle East often have deep local knowledge and industry expertise. What distinct advantages do they bring – and how is Epicor enabling their continued success?
The local channel ecosystem here is truly impressive. Many of our partners have built strong reputations in verticals like discrete manufacturing, automotive components, EPC and fabricated metals. They understand not just the technical requirements of their clients, but also the operational challenges and cultural nuances that shape business decisions in this region.
At Epicor, we see these partners not as resellers, but as co-creators of value. That’ s why we’ ve invested heavily in enablement, from Epicor University’ s guided learning paths to fully equipped sandbox environments that allow partners to experiment, demonstrate and innovate.
We also tailor our sales and marketing support to reflect the regional landscape, so whether a partner is based in Riyadh, Muscat or Doha, they’ re empowered with the tools and insights to connect with customers in meaningful, business-relevant ways.
For new partners exploring the Epicor ecosystem, what guidance would you offer on building long-term value in the Middle East market?
It really comes down to partnership in the truest sense. Bring your industry expertise and your relationships with customers, and we’ ll bring the technology, innovation and long-term commitment to help you
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