Microsoft Dynamics 365 has been ranked the top enterprise resource planning system for 2019 in a report published by Third Stage Consulting Group, a consulting firm focused on ERP implementations.
To succeed in an information economy, companies need to classify their talent as a resource (at least in part). Just as the process of transforming raw materials to finished items has a finite lifespan, creative talent has a limited time budget in which to come up with and implement ideas.
As a result, there is an increasing crossover between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Human Capital Management (HCM), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) processes. However, the tools used to manage these areas are struggling to adapt.
New research suggests this lack of agility is setting the stage for a shakeup of ERP systems.
According to The 2019 Digital Transformation, HCM, and ERP Report, professionals want to manage their business, not their ERP platform. This has meant that systems traditionally used for CRM (such as Salesforce and Workday) are increasingly being used for ERP.
In order to match the flexibility of cloud-native CRM systems, ERP vendors are investing in cloud-based solutions. The report predicts this year will be the tipping point for these platforms.
According to the report, organisations need to break the status quo. Traditional ERP deployments no longer cut it and will gradually fall by the wayside. It states: “Implementing ERP like it’s 1999 didn't work then – and it’s definitely not working now.”
Digital transformation projects rely on a multi-platform, two-tier approach. Here are the top five ERP systems recommended within the report.
1. Microsoft Dynamics 365
The Dynamics product line-up has come a long way over the past few years. Microsoft has created a platform that is cohesive, provides a flexible and scalable solution, and integrates easily to third-party solutions. Companies of all sizes are quickly adapting the platform.
2. SAP S/4HANA
With a large market share, SAP S/4HANA is a de facto option for large organisations wanting to scale and standardise. However, the system can often be overkill for smaller and mid-sized businesses.
3. NetSuite
The Pioneer of cloud ERP, NetSuite focuses on addressing broader ERP functionality. Traditionally used by small and mid-sized companies, NetSuite is broadening and deepening its functionality appealing to upper-mid market and larger organisations too.
4. Workday
Workday has evolved from an HCM system to a full-fledged ERP system and is used for financial, accounting and other ERP functions. Its flexibility, ease of integrations and expanding ecosystem is giving the product real momentum.
5. Salesforce
Like Workday, Salesforce is evolving from a cloud-based CRM to full-ERP solution. While some vendors are moving legacy applications to the cloud, Salesforce is constantly upgrading its relatively mature cloud solution.
Third Stage Consulting Group assessed nearly 100 ERP systems on metrics including market share, ease of implementation, scalability of solutions, and ease of integration with third-party systems. The findings provide a clear blueprint for how businesses can learn from the failures of the past and enjoy a more successful digital, ERP, HCM or CRM transformation.
Hunter Charles is a Microsoft Dynamics recruitment specialist and can help you find the talent you need to make your digital transformation a success.
