Why ERP modernization could yield the ESG and Industry 4.0 synergies that you need
Manufacturers have a lot to think about as we write this paper in the first half of 2022. The disruptive influences keep coming, from major geopolitical shifts, through acute supply chain and labor availability issues, to profound changes in customer behavior. Overarching all this is the ongoing march of automation and an imperative to respond to growing pressures – from investors, customers and governments alike – to prioritize the environment and the future of our planet.
Against this background, does anyone really have time to think about modernizing their ERP environment? It’s an understandable question given that previous upgrades and migrations have often consumed significant time and effort, only to deliver questionable levels of business advantage.
We’d argue though that now is absolutely the time to consider updating your core business systems. In this document we’ll explain why, but briefly, it’s so they will help rather than hinder you in dealing with major change.
This isn’t just about the challenges and opportunities facing you now, but also those we don’t yet know about that are coming down the line. If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that world-changing events and big shifts happen very quickly, and you often have no choice but to respond.
With all this in mind, the real question is therefore how ready you are from a systems perspective to move forward confidently in an increasingly fast-moving and uncertain environment.
As we consider this question, we’ll be framing our discussion around two key strategic imperatives for all manufacturers – namely Industry 4.0 and the very hot topic of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). In particular we’ll be exploring how the right investments in core business systems, such as ERP, can simultaneously help to address evolving needs across these areas, especially if you work with the right partners.
With this mission in mind, we hope you find this paper interesting and useful as you continue to review your systems-related priorities and plans.
Download the Executive Insight paper to read more…
Bryan Betts is sadly no longer with us. He worked as an analyst at Freeform Dynamics between July 2016 and February 2024, when he tragically passed away following an unexpected illness. We are proud to continue to host Bryan’s work as a tribute to his great contribution to the IT industry.
Dale is a co-founder of Freeform Dynamics, and today runs the company. As part of this, he oversees the organisation’s industry coverage and research agenda, which tracks technology trends and developments, along with IT-related buying behaviour among mainstream enterprises, SMBs and public sector organisations.
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