For many businesses, ERP has been on the “to do list” for years. It has been pushed back for a multitude of different reasons. Common pushbacks are that ERP is too complex, too expensive and takes too much time to implement. However, as we enter into 2026 the question is no longer whether to implement ERP, but how much longer can you afford not to.

In the following article we will explore the reasons why you should consider ERP for 2026.

Disconnected systems are costing you money

Disconnected systems, manual processes, and siloed data don’t always present themselves in obvious ways. Instead, they create hidden costs. These include delayed decisions, excess inventory, missed service windows, and frustrated employees.

In today’s environment of tight margins and ongoing uncertainty, these inefficiencies can compound quickly. Businesses that continue to rely on spreadsheets or aging legacy systems are finding it harder to respond to change. On top of this, competitors are taking advantage of comprehensive solutions and pulling away.

ERP provides a single source of truth across operations, finance, inventory, and service.

Technology & AI

ERP has seen drastic improvements over the last decade. Modern ERP platforms are cloud-based, fully comprehensive, and designed to grow with your business rather than disrupt it. With the latest AI developments, businesses are finding new ways to run their operations more smoothly.

Today’s solutions offer:

• Faster, phased implementations

• Cloud access with lower infrastructure costs

• Built-in analytics and automation

• Seamless integration with shop floor systems and mobile tools

• AI developments

Companies can take advantage of these perks and implements a solution specifically tailored for their industry.

Security & Compliance

ERP solutions provide a strong foundation for improving internal security and compliance. This helps businesses reduce the threats of cyber attacks and gives them the ability to track all products and processes for compliance reasons.

Efficiency & Sustainability

Companies in industries like the manufacturing and field service industry are under growing pressure to operate more sustainably while maintaining profitability. ERP systems provide the data needed to measure waste, optimise inventory, reduce unnecessary travel, and improve resource planning. With the help of ERP businesses can increase growth and scalability all while meeting sustainability standards and remaining environmentally conscious.

2026 is the right time to act

ERP implementations don’t get easier with time however, the tools available to support them have never been better. In 2026, businesses that move forward will gain clarity, control, and agility. Those that wait risk falling further behind competitors who already have real-time insight into their operations.

If ERP has been on your roadmap for years, this may be the year it finally moves from “someday” to “now.”

ERP Readiness Assessment

To help your business make the correct decision on whether it is the right time to implement ERP, we have developed an ERP readiness form that will give you a personalised score based on your answers. This will give you an indicator into how close you are to implement an ERP system and what steps you need to take to progress.

Complete this is just 3-minutes here: ERP Readiness Assessment