Where is Software Headed in the New Year?

Every day brings us new advances in technology and the enterprise marketplace—and this fast pace shows no sign of slackening. Businesses are ushering in the new year with increased investments in their enterprise software, and top ERP, CRM and eCommerce vendors are expanding their offerings to meet their clients’ needs. Manufacturers and distributors who ignore the updates coming down the pipeline can’t expect to become industry leaders, but those who stay on top of the latest and greatest changes in enterprise software are primed to take on competitors. To help you prepare for 2018, check out a few of the predictions for enterprise software this coming year:

More Businesses Head to the Cloud

In recent years, cloud hosting has increasingly revolutionized enterprise software. The cloud already supports companies of all sizes and in all industries around the world. With Forrester predicting that over 50% of global enterprises will rely on at least one public cloud platform in 2018, the cloud is officially crucial for businesses to remain competitive in their markets. We’ve often touted the increased storage space and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing, but this coming year will give us exciting advances in cloud technology that make it a requirement for innovation. For those businesses that have yet to deploy systems in the cloud, 2018 is the time to do it.

AI Revolutionizes the Workforce

Thanks to science fiction, we tend to look at any innovation in artificial intelligence as encroaching on our careers. But AI is expected to enhance our jobs, not eradicate them. AI’s sophisticated predictive and analytic capabilities will make us more efficient workers. AI will not only improve productivity but also rejuvenate the workforce with a huge influx of jobs by 2020, according to Gartner.

Top CRM vendors Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Salesforce are primed to lead the charge in AI. Microsoft unveiled previews of Customer Insights and Relationship Insights this year, AI applications which leverage machine learning algorithms and predictive intelligence to utilize data to solve complex scenarios. Salesforce has garnered a lot of attention for Einstein, it’s innovative suite of AI tools. Einstein’s comprehensive features enhance customer relationships and efficiency with optimal forecasting and predictive analytics. By fueling productive insights, AI advances manufacturing and distribution processes.

Say Goodbye to Legacy Systems

Enterprise software should accelerate your business, not put it at risk. But when systems linger, they fail to support productivity and require frequent maintenance that drains your company’s time and money. In 2018, more companies will close a new chapter as the software they implemented at the turn of this century becomes useless. Vendors will no longer upgrade and maintain these dated systems, forcing manufacturers and distributors to seek new options.

For those businesses looking to replace legacy ERP systems, look no further than Epicor ERP. Near the end of 2017, Epicor presented its newest update to help users enhance productivity in the coming year. Epicor ERP 10.2 boasts a new and improved user interface that has a fresh look and makes it easier than ever for users to adapt dashboards to optimize their unique daily tasks. Additionally, Epicor 10.2 offers improved business intelligence to empower businesses to get the most from their data. 2018 is the time to ditch legacy software and switch to cutting-edge systems.

Wrap Up

So how is Datix working to stay ahead in the coming year? Keeping up with these sweeping advances requires businesses to research software vendors and plan extensively. Such a tremendous responsibility shouldn’t be undertaken alone. With 20 years of experience and a commitment to innovation, Datix is the ideal partner to guide you in 2018 and beyond. As an Epicor Platinum Partner, we have a proven track record in implementing ERP for manufacturers and distributors.

In addition, Datix built Unity, a premier integration solution that is ahead of its time. Unity is the first of its kind to seamlessly connect a variety of software. Our pre-built integrated software packages feature the flexibility and agility that future-proof your business and support unique processes.

Ready to boost your business in the new year? Take the first step by contacting Datix today!

(One final note: even though we’re all excited for 2018, don’t get in too big of a hurry. A go-live on New Year’s Day is a bad idea. Read our post to find out why.)