The ERP Perspective

ERP is no longer just about systems.It’s about how businesses build, adapt, and operate in a world shaped by AI.In this episode of The ERP Perspective, we’re joined by Sandeep Chopra from Everest Systems to explore how AI is transforming enterprise systems and what it means for the future of ERP.From AI agents to business-led development, this conversation goes beyond implementation and into how organisations must rethink their operating model.In this episode, we cover:How AI is enabling business users to build softwareWhy organisations still avoid ERP change and the real cost of that decisionThe rise of AI agents and the future of business automationHow to balance ERP and best-of-breed systems through integrationWhy ERP is evolving from stability → agilityWhat leaders need to rethink as AI reshapes enterprise systemsKey takeaway:ERP is no longer just a system of record.It’s becoming a platform for continuous change and the organisations that adapt fastest will lead.

Receivables isn’t just a finance process.It’s one of the most overlooked drivers of revenue performance.In this episode of The ERP Perspective, we’re joined by Or Kapelinsky from Reevol to explore how organisations can rethink receivables, from a back-office function into a strategic lever for growth.Because while most businesses focus on revenue generation… They often overlook how efficiently that revenue is actually collected.In this episode, we cover:Why receivables should move from back-office → strategic functionWhere hidden cash leakage is happening and why it’s often invisibleThe gap between B2B vs B2C payment experiencesHow buyer intelligence is becoming critical in financeWhy ERP systems don’t fully capture customer payment behaviourAnd how organisations can accelerate cash flow and improve revenue realisationKey takeaway:Revenue isn’t just what you sell.It’s what you successfully collect, efficiently, predictably, and at scale.Watch now to understand how receivables can become a true driver of business performance.

ERP isn’t just changing.The way we test, manage, and operate ERP is changing even faster.In this episode of The ERP Perspective, we’re joined by Adam Jones from Opkey to unpack what’s really happening inside modern cloud ERP environments, beyond implementation.As organisations deal with continuous updates, complex integrations, and increasing pressure to deliver value post go-live, a new set of challenges is emerging.This conversation explores how testing, automation, and AI agents are reshaping ERP operations and what leaders must do to stay ahead.In this episode, we cover:Why ERP issues are often operational, not technicalThe hidden complexity and risk behind ERP integrationsHow AI agents are transforming cloud ERP testingWhy many organisations develop long-term dependency on consultantsWhat “release readiness” really means in a continuous update worldWhy AI agents could become mainstream by 2026And how to maintain control, visibility, and confidence as ERP evolvesKey takeaway:ERP success is no longer defined by go-live.It’s defined by how well your organisation can adapt, test, and operate in a world of constant change.If you’re seeing this firsthand, this report from Opkey breaks it down well:https://www.opkey.com/state-of-enterprise-testing-app-lifecycle

Most ERP transformations don’t fail.But they still don’t deliver what was promised.The full episode of The ERP Perspective with Eric Kimberling is now live.In this conversation, we unpack why ERP success remains so difficult to achieve, despite better technology, more vendors, and decades of experience.Because the real issue isn’t the system.It’s everything around it.We explore:• Why organisations struggle to realise full value post go-live• The growing gap between vendor promises and delivery reality• Whether cloud ERP is standardising away competitive advantage• Why leadership, governance, and decision-making matter more than technology• And how small delays in decisions can create major long-term riskEric brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective shaped by years of helping organisations navigate complex ERP transformations.This isn’t about features.It’s about execution.Because ERP success isn’t defined by go-live.It’s defined by what happens after.

ERP is essential.But it was never designed to answer the questions leaders actually ask in the boardroom.🎙 The full episode of The ERP Perspective with Rich Reid of SC&H is now live.In this conversation, we explore a topic that many organisations are beginning to confront:ERP alone cannot deliver modern finance insight.ERP systems were built to be:• The system of record• The place where transactions live• The engine for financial control and complianceBut when leaders start asking bigger questions…• Where is profitability actually changing?• Which operational drivers are affecting performance?• What scenarios should we plan for next quarter?• How do we forecast continuously instead of annually?ERP quickly reaches its limits.And when that happens, most organisations fall back on the same workaround:Excel becomes the unofficial BI layer.In this episode, Rich explains why modern finance architecture needs something more.We discuss:• Why ERP cannot be the system of insight• The architectural mistakes that force finance back into spreadsheets• Why the chart of accounts should not become a reporting structure• How planning, analytics, and ERP should work together• The architectural decisions that determine whether finance systems scale… or require rebuilding every few yearsIt’s a conversation about moving beyond ERP and designing a finance architecture that actually supports decision-making.

ERP is a finance transformation wearing an IT label.And CFOs need to reclaim it.🎙 The full episode of The ERP Perspective with Thomas Hood of SC&H Group is NOW live.In this conversation, we unpack a critical shift happening inside organisations right now:→ ERP decisions are often led by IT…But finance lives with the consequences.From planning and forecasting to close cycles, data governance and AI, Thomas breaks down why ERP, EPM and data strategy must sit firmly within the CFO agenda, not just the IT roadmap.We explore:• Why ERP has drifted away from CFO ownership• What that disconnect actually costs organisations• How high-performing finance teams approach transformation differently• Why mindset, leadership and stakeholder engagement drive 80% of outcomes• Where AI is delivering real value and where teams are getting ahead of themselvesThis isn’t a technical conversation.It’s a strategic one.Because finance isn’t just reporting the past anymore.It’s expected to shape what happens next.And that requires ownership of the systems, the data, and the transformation roadmap.

AI can build faster.But can it build safely?In this week’s podcast from The ERP Perspective with Jan Baan (Founder of Rappit), the conversation turns to a critical question:→ Can AI-generated code power core ERP systems without creating the next decade of technical debt?Because experimentation is accelerating.Vibe coding.Natural language prompts.AI generating applications in minutes.But Jan draws a clear line between experimentation and enterprise engineering.ERP systems are not isolated apps.They are:• Systems of record• Financial control environments• Stock and pricing engines• Audit-sensitive architecturesInjecting probabilistic AI outputs directly into deterministic transactional systems?That’s not innovation.That’s risk.Jan’s perspective is nuanced.AI belongs in the advisory layer.

Cloud ERP didn’t just change the technology.It changed the rhythm of running the business.This weeks podcast is NOW live on The ERP Perspective with David Zimmerman (Opkey) and one truth sits underneath everything:→ In the cloud, transformation doesn’t stop at go-live, it becomes an operating model.Because most organisations came from a world where upgrades were optional.Every few years.Sometimes every five… even ten.But cloud changes the rules:• Quarterly releases• Monthly patches• Constant new features• Less ability to “push it out”And that shift catches teams off guard, even in mature environments.David breaks it down simply:There isn’t a playbook from the big vendors that tells you exactly how to run release readiness with excellence.So teams end up in the same cycle:→ Limited time windows→ Side-of-desk testing→ Only the “critical” processes covered→ Feature overload (300–400 changes per release)→ And a lot of reactive scrambling when something breaksAnd the real risk isn’t just technical.It’s operational.It’s adoption.It’s stress on teams.And in worst cases… it can even become a legal and business risk when critical processes fail.

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, we’re joined by Arne Buthmann, Founder of OXYGY, to explore one of the biggest challenges in every ERP transformation:How do you drive global standardisation without losing local ownership?Arne breaks down why compliance isn’t the same as adoption, why many ERP programmes look successful at Go-Live but struggle long-term, and what transformation leaders can do to build real buy-in across local entities.If you’re leading an ERP program across multiple regions, business units, or sites, this conversation is a must-watch.

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, David Zimmerman from Opkey challenges one of the most dangerous assumptions in ERP:That testing ends at go-live.We explore why postponing testing creates hidden risk, how automation-first thinking changes ERP outcomes, and why cloud ERP has made continuous testing a business-critical capability, not a technical nice-to-have.This conversation also looks at what really happens after go-live, how AI is reshaping ERP delivery models, and why the future of consulting isn’t replacement, it’s co-piloting.If you’re responsible for ERP delivery, transformation, or long-term system stability, this episode will change how you think about risk, automation, and success.

An AI strategy that ignores ERP is already behind.Because AI can’t outperform fragmented data, broken processes, or unclear decision ownership.🎙️ The full episode is now live on The ERP Perspective with CTO/CIO Martin Rusnak:“AI-First ERP: A CTO Playbook for Turning Business Central into a Data & Decision Platform.”This isn’t a “future of AI” conversation.It’s a CTO-grade playbook for leaders who want AI to actually change how decisions are made.In this episode, Martin breaks down:▪️Why ERP migration must be part of an AI-first strategy, not treated as an IT upgrade▪️How to evolve ERP from a recording system into a real-time decision platform▪️What needs to sit around ERP modern data architecture, BI, DWH (including Fabric) → to make AI possible▪️How to free budget by reducing “Run” to fund “Transform”▪️What a modern, AI-ready IT organisation looks like and the roles that matter most▪️Why this is a transformation programme, requiring C-level ownership, business buy-in, and change managementAnd one line that sums it all up:“It’s like building a house → you start with the foundation. You don’t start with the roof.”

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, I sit down with Tim Faith - Fractional CIO helping organisations escape monolithic ERP pain by designing composable, business-aligned digital architectures.Tim brings a sharp, pragmatic perspective shaped by years of working with organisations stuck between stability and change, where ERP has become a sunk cost leaders are afraid to touch, yet market forces are demanding constant adaptation.At the centre of this conversation is a simple but powerful idea:👉 ERP is no longer the foundation → data, integration, and architecture are.👉 AI will only succeed where architecture allows it to.Tim challenges the belief that monolithic ERP is the safest path forward and explains why it has become a blocker to agility, automation, and meaningful AI adoption.We cover:• Why monolithic ERP makes it hard to observe workflows, extract data, and automate safely• What “composable ERP” actually means for CIOs and business leaders → beyond buzzwords• How AI agents and hyper-automation can be introduced safely without risking core systems• Why integration, data management, security, and visibility matter more than ERP features• How CIOs can explore AI and automation incrementally instead of through risky rip-and-replace programmesTim also shares how modern tooling → open source, proven vendors, and AI-assisted development, allows organisations to reduce cost, move faster, and experiment safely, without building everything themselves.This episode is for:✔️ CIOs and technology leaders✔️ Enterprise architects and transformation leads✔️ Business leaders exploring AI and automation✔️ Anyone stuck with an ERP that feels untouchableFollow The ERP Perspective for conversations that cut through ERP hype and focus on what actually drives business outcomes.

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, I sit down with Rui Teixeira → Fractional CFO in Life Sciences and a leader helping organisations transform ERP dread into ERP confidence.Rui brings a rare perspective, sitting at the intersection of finance, leadership, culture, and transformation and challenges many of the assumptions organisations still make about ERP.His message is clear:👉 ERP doesn’t fail because of software.👉 It fails because leaders don’t frame it as a value engine.We cover:• Why ERP is still positioned as an IT or finance project and why that’s a mistake• How CFOs can translate ERP into a board-level value story around cash, risk, growth, and scalability• What leaders must do in the first 90 days to build excitement instead of scepticism• Why culture, communication, and visibility matter more than process maps• How ERP underpins data quality and why AI can’t succeed without itRui also shares real-world stories from the trenches, including what happens when leadership alignment is missing, and how clarity from the top can turn a struggling programme around overnight.This episode is for:✔️ CFOs and finance leaders✔️ CIOs and transformation sponsors✔️ CEOs navigating ERP decisions✔️ Anyone trying to de-risk or reset an ERP programmeFollow The ERP Perspective for more conversations that cut through ERP noise and focus on what really drives success.

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, I sit down with Bret Robinson → one of the leading voices in ERP readiness and the creator of the AI Experts methodology.Bret has helped countless organisations de-risk their ERP programs, and his message is clear:ERP doesn’t fail because of software.It fails because people aren’t prepared to succeed.We talk about why teams need to be educated before the project starts, how AI Experts can boost confidence and decision-making at every level, and why understanding your data early is one of the biggest predictors of ERP success.Bret also shares how businesses can now use AI to analyse their own data, plan their ERP journey, and even receive tailored recommendations on which ERP systems best fit their organisation.If you’re planning an ERP project, leading one, or trying to fix one - this is an episode you’ll want to watch.Follow The ERP Perspective for more episodes and insights.

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, I sit down with Dr James A Robertson.Known across the industry as The ERP Doctor to talk honestly about why so many ERP projects don’t deliver the results organizations expect.James has spent decades fixing failing ERP programs, and his message is straightforward:ERP doesn’t fail because of software. It fails because it isn’t engineered to succeed.We discuss the early warning signs of a “sick” ERP, the leadership behaviors that make the biggest difference, and why CEOs need to be visibly involved if they want the project to succeed. James also explains why ERP should be treated like an engineering discipline, not an IT initiative, and what organizations can do to prevent failure long before go-live.If you’re starting an ERP journey, leading one, or trying to recover from one, this is a conversation worth watching.Follow The ERP Perspective for more episodes and insights.

ERP projects rarely fail because of software or system integrators. Jakob Bent Smed argues that the biggest risk is silence: fear, politics, and a lack of psychological safety that stop teams from speaking up when it matters most.In this episode, we unpack:Why silence is the hidden ERP failure patternWhy Phase 0 is the most critical and most neglected stageHow leaders can build a culture of trust and transparencyThe human side of ERP riskHow to turn silence into strengthWatch, share, comment and join the movement to make ERP projects more human, honest, and successful.

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, we sit down with Judith O’Callaghan, Director and Facilitator of Masterclass with SAP. An industry veteran with 20+ years of experience guiding global ERP programs.Judith brings a powerful message that every transformation leader needs to hear:Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.Most ERP programs fail not because of technology, but because teams rush into implementation before they’re ready.Judith explains why Phase 0, the often-skipped foundation is the moment that defines the entire journey. As outlined in her guest conversation guide, Phase 0 is:The foundation everyone skipsThe place where readiness is testedThe moment to slow down so that everything from design to go-live goes faster, smoother, and with less reworkKey TakeawaysPausing early prevents pain laterPhase 0 is the cheapest part of ERP and the most expensive to skipPrepared teams transform better, faster, and with fewer surprisesERP is ultimately a human journey, not a software rolloutIf you’re an ERP leader, program manager, sponsor, consultant, or part of a transformation team… this is a must-watch conversation.👉 Subscribe for more ERP insights and leadership conversations.

In this new podcast from The ERP Perspective, Alisdair Bach, Global SAP Transformation Leader and Founder of Dragon ERP, breaks down what 5X actually means for customers, SIs, and the wider SAP ecosystem.And here’s the part most people are missing:5X isn’t about forcing S/4 migrations.5X is about unlocking value from the entire installed base → ECC, BW, hybrid, on-prem, cloud… all of it.Alisdair explains how SAP is moving toward:🔸 Suite-First → A unified, modular SAP stack🔸 AI-First → Intelligent microservices layered across all landscapes🔸 Omniverse Thinking → Connecting legacy + current + future SAP in one fabric🔸 Tactical over Big-Bang → Incremental, continuous value not 5-year mega-programsAnd the market impact?▪️ Big SIs lose monopoly power▪️ Boutiques and specialists rise▪️ Brownfield becomes king▪️ AI upcycling replaces rip-and-replaceThis is the part that changes everything...SAP’s future growth depends not on selling more licenses, but on extracting more value with customers, not from them.

Arne doesn’t just talk about transformation. He redefines it.Key insight: Go-live isn’t success, it’s just the start of value.In this episode, Arne explains why the future of ERP leadership means moving from control to orchestration, aligning everyone around:✅ One definition of success✅ One KPI sheet✅ One shared understanding of performanceBecause at the end of the day, it’s not about whether the system works, it’s about whether the business performs better.In this full conversation we explore:🔸 How to shorten hypercare and stabilize faster🔸 Why leadership alignment defines ERP success🔸 How to turn adoption into measurable business performance🔸 The new mindset of orchestration over control

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, Sana Asher shares what truly drives success in SAP and ERP transformations: leadership, communication, and mindset.Drawing from her experience leading global SAP S/4HANA programs and coaching transformation leaders, Sana explains why change management is the missing link between a working system and a thriving organization.This conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone leading transformation; from project managers to executives and aspiring SAP professionals.In This Episode You’ll Learn:✅ Why SAP success depends more on people than process✅ The mindset and leadership traits that define transformation success✅ How to keep teams engaged and aligned through complex ERP change✅ The importance of communication and empathy in digital programs✅ Advice for women and rising SAP professionals entering the industryAbout Sana AsherFounder of SAP Masterclasses, where she helps professionals navigate SAP transformation with confidence and clarity.She’s passionate about bridging the gap between technology and people; empowering organizations to embrace change and make transformation sustainable.About The ERP PerspectiveThe ERP Perspective brings you real conversations with ERP leaders, innovators, and transformation experts redefining how enterprise technology creates value.

Guest: Sam Gupta - Founder & Principal Consultant at ElevatIQ“Don’t start with the system - start with the strategy.” In this episode, Sam Gupta, ERP strategist, podcast host, and industry analyst, joins The ERP Perspective to tackle one of the biggest questions in digital transformation:Should your business go all-in on an ERP suite, or build a best-of-breed ecosystem?Sam brings two decades of experience and over 200 transformation projects to the table, sharing real-world insights on how to define your business model, processes, and enterprise architecture before choosing your next system.In This Episode You’ll Learn:✅ How to define your business before defining your system✅ The economic and integration trade-offs between ERP and best-of-breed✅ The hidden ROI traps that derail transformation✅ How AI and cloud are reshaping ERP decisions✅ Why clarity beats complexity every timeAbout Sam GuptaSam Gupta is the Founder of ElevatIQ, host of the WBSRocks podcast, and one of North America’s top voices in ERP and digital transformation.With nearly 20 years of experience, Sam has helped more than 200 organizations select, implement, and recover enterprise software projects worth over $100 million in value.About The ERP PerspectiveAt The ERP Perspective, we bring you real conversations with ERP leaders, innovators, and transformation experts shaping the future of enterprise technology.

In this episode of The ERP Perspective, Charlie Shephard reveals how IFS Cloud transformed his business saving time, improving visibility, and empowering smarter decisions through AI-driven insights.From automation and connected operations to the power of AI in the IFS core, Charlie explains how IFS isn’t just helping companies run better it’s helping them work smarter.💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn:How IFS Cloud connects every part of your business in real timeHow automation and AI inside IFS unlock efficiency and time savingsWhy IFS’s intelligent core is changing how leaders make decisionsHow connected operations redefine success beyond traditional ERP👤 About Charlie Shephard:Charlie Shephard is a respected voice in the IFS ecosystem, known for his hands-on approach to ERP transformation, AI adoption, and people-first technology.He’s passionate about helping organizations bridge the gap between systems and strategy to build truly intelligent enterprises.🔗 Connect with Charlie:   / charlieshephard  🎧 About The ERP Perspective:The ERP Perspective brings you real stories from ERP leaders, innovators, and transformation experts who are redefining the future of enterprise technology.Just practical insights, real experiences, and the human side of digital transformation.🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes:👉    / @theerpperspective  

The ERP Perspective → Episode 1 : ERP Reality CheckGuest: Andy Pratico - ERP veteran, educator, and author of “How to Select Your ERP Without Losing Your Mind.” “ERP isn’t broken but how we buy and use it often is.” In this episode, Andy shares 40+ years of hard-earned wisdom on what really drives ERP success and why so many businesses struggle long before go-live. If you’re evaluating ERP systems or planning a digital transformation, this episode could save you millions in mistakes.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The biggest misunderstanding business leaders have about ERP✅ Why ERP demos are really sales pitches (and what to look for instead)✅ The first step every company should take before evaluating vendors✅ How to balance process improvement and implementation timing✅ Why culture and leadership often make or break ERP successAbout Our Guest: Andy Pratico, known as “The ERP Santa Claus,” has spent over four decades helping small and mid-sized manufacturers select and implement ERP systems successfully. He’s passionate about education-based ERP selection and helping companies find the right system for their unique needs, not just the one that looks best in a demo.About The ERP Perspective Podcast: At The ERP Perspective, we bring you real conversations with ERP leaders, innovators, and transformation experts shaping the future of enterprise systems. Subscribe for new episodes every week!