Trends and Challenges in AI on Cloud ERP for Scaleup Companies

In my experience working with data and AI, I’ve seen how tech can make a difference in the way businesses operate — especially when they’re scaling up. Through my unique role with DATAcated, I get to hear many different perspectives on the topic; via the interviews I conduct, and discussions with speakers / attendees of industry conferences. I’ve recently been really interested in how AI is being integrated into cloud ERP systems to help scaleups grow more efficiently.

What’s Happening with AI and Cloud ERP?

Scaleups are those companies that are growing fast but aren’t quite at the enterprise level yet. What I’m seeing is that these businesses are really starting to understand how AI can give them a serious advantage. By integrating AI directly into their ERP systems, they can make faster decisions, cut costs, simplify their operations, and increase their productivity and profitability.

Here’s what’s standing out to me:

• More companies are realizing the real business value of AI, and the rate of adoption is growing. Business leaders are no longer asking for “AI” because it’s the new shiny object, but because they are seeing the potential returns on their investment.
• Small and mid-sized businesses are putting AI + ERP integration at the top of their to-do list. According to Deloitte’s 2023 ERP Report, 53% of small and mid-sized businesses identified integrating AI into ERP as a top priority for the next two years.
• There are clear benefits that companies are trying to achieve. For example, Gartner’s 2023 ERP and AI Study states: ERP systems with embedded AI reduce decision-making time by 40–60% due to real-time data insights and automation.

Challenges with AI in ERP

• Data Quality: The results from AI are only as good as the data going into it. As scaleups grow, keeping their data clean and organized becomes more challenging, but it’s important for success.
• Cost and Resources: Not every company can afford to build or customize AI models from scratch. The good news? Many ERP systems now have AI built in, so scaleups can use it without breaking the bank or needing a big technical team.
• Scalability: You don’t need to dive in all at once. A lot of scaleups are starting small, applying AI where it will have the biggest impact (like customer service or supply chain), and then expanding from there.

From what I’m seeing in the industry, scaleup companies are using AI to improve key areas like customer service, inventory management, and financial planning. Many are turning to AI to automate repetitive tasks so their teams can focus more on growing the business. For example, AI is helping companies predict demand more accurately and manage their resources better. One of the biggest benefits of AI in Cloud ERP, from what I’ve observed, is that it helps businesses make faster, data-driven decisions, which is important as they continue to grow and adapt to changes.

On November 6th at 11am ET, I’ll be speaking with an AI expert from SAP and one of their customers to explore how scaleups are leveraging AI. We’ll dig deeper into these trends and discover the value of AI in Cloud ERP offerings for hypergrowth companies. These solutions can be integrated into all aspects of your business to help you scale, boost operational efficiency, and expand with confidence. I can’t wait to share more insights with you during the webcast, “What is the Impact of AI on Cloud ERP for Your Hypergrowth Company?”

Register today to join us and explore these capabilities in depth!

I hope to see you there!