ERP Advisors Group says AI is reshaping ERP selection

ERP Advisors Group founder Shawn Windle says businesses should factor AI into ERP strategy now, not later, as vendors race to build AI roadmaps into their software. The advice matters for companies choosing new systems or deciding whether to keep heavily customized legacy platforms.

Why it matters: - AI is changing how ERP systems are configured and used, forcing companies to rethink software strategy earlier in the selection process. - Businesses that delay AI planning could fall behind competitors already automating work with newer tools. - Companies that keep relying on manual processes may also create a signal to employees and stakeholders that their systems are not keeping pace.

What happened: - On Sept. 17, The ERP Advisor Podcast hosted Shawn Windle, founder and AI expert at ERP Advisors Group, to discuss how AI is affecting ERP strategy. - Windle said companies should evaluate a vendor’s AI roadmap from the start of an ERP project, not as a later add-on. - Windle also urged businesses to move quickly: “The simplest and most important thing I can say is, don’t wait.” - ERP Advisors Group pointed listeners to the full webinar and full interview for more detail.

The details: - Automation has long been part of ERP, but modern AI has expanded the number of problems ERP systems can solve. - Nearly every ERP vendor now has an AI strategy, making AI a core selection criterion for buyers. - Windle said many organizations still depend on heavily customized ERP systems built for earlier business needs. - Windle argued those older systems may no longer support modern operational requirements. - Windle said adding AI agents or large language models on top of a legacy ERP system can expose data to the public domain. - Windle pointed to Microsoft, Epicor and Infor as examples of vendors that already have enterprise software infrastructure and can build AI directly into applications. - Windle said those vendors have the responsibility to keep the models, safeguards and guardrails in place. - Windle said businesses should stay in “lockstep with your ERP vendor.” - Windle also said companies should change vendors if their current ERP provider is not talking about AI. - Windle said understanding a vendor’s history, trajectory and growth plans can help buyers identify which applications can support a long-term strategy. - ERP Advisors Group said Windle has helped hundreds of businesses digitally transform operations and select software that fits their needs. - The company said Windle also shared best practices for deciding whether a new implementation is needed.

Between the lines: - The message is less about AI as a standalone feature and more about vendor trust, platform architecture and long-term fit. - Windle’s warning suggests that bolt-on AI may be riskier than native AI built into the ERP platform. - The advice also reflects a broader shift in enterprise software buying: AI is becoming part of the core decision, not a future enhancement.

What's next: - ERP Advisors Group is directing viewers to the full webinar and interview for the vendor-evaluation framework Windle discussed. - The podcast episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major podcast platforms. - ERP Advisors Group is also promoting upcoming events through its registration link. - The firm continues to position itself as a technology-independent advisor for organizations choosing enterprise software.