Andrei Kasyanau is the cofounder and CEO at Glorium Technologies. Startup advisor and an expert in health and real estate tech.
In 2025, enterprises face a critical challenge: breaking down operational silos while building scalable systems that can grow alongside their business. In the race toward digital transformation, the imperative for effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) customization has never been more pressing.
With 95% of businesses reporting significant improvements after ERP implementation and 50% of organizations planning to acquire or upgrade their systems, the question isn’t whether to implement an ERP system—it’s how to do it right.
As businesses grow, the need for advanced financial management, centralized data and improved operational oversight becomes essential. The right ERP solution provides a complete perspective of operations and aligns with the evolving demands of modernization. However, rushing into ERP implementation without proper consideration can lead to expensive mistakes and jeopardize competitive advantage. Enterprise CFOs and CTOs must stay ahead of ERP trends to ensure the right level of flexibility in ERP systems without overcomplicating implementation.
Industry-Specific Functionalities: The Foundation Of Success
When it comes to ERP systems in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, real estate and distribution—where companies have unique workflows and requirements—one-size-fits-all solutions rarely deliver the needed results. While off-the-shelf ERP solutions have their place, relying on such options in these industries can lead to challenges from longer implementation times to complex deployments.
Manufacturing companies account for 47% of ERP software buyers. Configuring sector-specific ERP features helps enable transformative improvements in productivity, cost management and overall efficiency. Similarly, the distribution business, representing 18% of ERP software users, relies on these systems to optimize supply chain and inventory management. A study revealed that 67% of industrial executives prefer sector-specialized functionalities when implementing a new ERP system. This highlights the growing demand for ERP solutions made to meet the distinct needs of specific industries.
But here’s what some enterprises miss: customization isn’t about adding industry-specific features—it’s about creating a foundation for scalability. The key lies in implementing strategic customization layers. This includes core industry framework, scalability and integration architecture.
Bridging The Silos With AI-Powered Integration
AI integration in ERP systems marks a fundamental shift in enterprise operations. Companies across industries are using AI to automate processes, reduce manual labor and achieve new efficiencies. With predictive analytic’s annual growth rate of $28.1 billion by 2026, its integration into ERP systems is inevitable and assured to change how businesses operate.
As AI adoption becomes more widespread, 2024 has seen a surge in its practical application. According to McKinsey, 72% of organizations now use AI—up from about 50% in recent years—with 65% regularly leveraging GenAI, nearly doubling from the previous year. This momentum reflects a global trend, with 67% of respondents expecting increased AI investment over the next three years.
Approach AI integration as a strategic transformation rather than just a technological upgrade. Conduct a thorough assessment across your organization and identify processes that would benefit most from automation and areas where AI could provide immediate value. Consider upskilling your management team first since the best results happen when management leads by example, actively using and promoting AI-enabled features in their daily operations.
As AI capabilities continue to evolve, its integration into ERP systems will deepen, making AI-powered functionality a fundamental requirement for competitive operations.
How Better User Experience Can Ensure Faster Adoption
User experience has emerged as a critical factor in ERP success, with reports stating that UX ranks among the top three areas where ERP systems often disappoint users. With 82% of implementation issues stemming from employee resistance, creating an intuitive and efficient user experience becomes crucial for successful user adoption and business transformation.
To leverage this effectively, organizations should focus on role-based customization, including:
•Personalized dashboards and workflows that reflect specific job functions
•Intuitive navigation, which reduces cognitive load and accelerates task completion
•Seamless integration, ensuring consistent user experience across all touchpoints
Enhanced UX directly correlates with higher adoption rates, reduced training time and improved cross-departmental collaboration. That’s why 31% of stakeholders prioritize user experience testing during ERP migration.
The Imperative Of Cybersecurity
ERP systems integrate core business processes and house sensitive data, which have become prime targets for cyberattacks, with breaches leading to substantial financial losses.
Over 17,000 ERP systems were exposed in 2024, many by major organizations. While modern ERP systems have made strides in security, many companies still feel vulnerable to cyber threats, partially due to the rapid advancement of digital and cloud technologies.
Recognizing these risks, companies are increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity in their ERP implementations. ERP providers are expected to invest heavily in advanced security measures, including multi-factor authentication, data encryption and continuous monitoring. This proactive approach protects sensitive information and ensures compliance with evolving regulatory standards. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, integrating comprehensive security protocols into ERP systems is essential for protecting business operations and maintaining stakeholder trust.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Perspective
Successful ERP implementation demands significant organizational commitment. Beyond financial investment, companies must dedicate substantial time and resources. Furthermore, consider engaging experts to supplement internal capabilities, as specialists can help bring best practices and assist organizations with avoiding common pitfalls like misaligned expectations and underestimated budgets and timelines.
In 2025 and beyond, successful ERP customization will increasingly depend on balancing industry-specific needs with scalability requirements. Organizations that approach customization strategically—focusing on building scalable systems—will likely find themselves at a competitive advantage.
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