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Top 10 EAM Systems In 2024

Similar to other horizontally overlapping categories transcending industries, the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) category is broad, covering a range of solutions, some integrated with hardware vendors while others deeply buried inside ERP systems. The range of use cases might differ based on the industries – and the asset types tracked. For example, in real estate industries, non-profit, or public sector, the assets include buildings requiring compliance with buildings (and city codes). Other industries, such as food and logistics, might have their own fleets – and integrate with vehicle manufacturers. Yet another industry could be large equipment manufacturing, requiring integration with OEM manufacturers and their processes –  making the EAM category especially challenging.

In terms of the solution size, the smaller solutions might be highly prescriptive – and relevant for point use cases. Prioritizing ease of use for smaller organizations, their data models might not be as coded as with larger solutions, making them easier to use – but increasing risks of data integrity. The larger solutions, on the other hand, might be too verbose, covering use cases from many different industries and asset types, making them complex – yet increasing implementation and training time.

Top 10 EAM Systems In 2024

The overlap with other solution categories is another layer that differentiates these solutions. The solutions tightly intertwined with ERP layers might be friendlier for industries where cost tracking of assets and inventory is critical. The other overlap of EAM systems is with CAD, MES, and engineering systems. This is highly relevant for engineering-heavy manufacturing industries. The final overlap could also be with CRM-centric systems, especially the field service and after-market companies. This makes the EAM category extremely nuanced, making it highly challenging for buyers. Don’t panic – and dive into this list to have a basic understanding of these layers.



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Criteria

  • Definition of an EAM system. The companies in this market segment would include companies of all sizes needing an EAM system as a pure-play category that can be deployed without requiring other dependencies.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher market share among EAM companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the EAM vendor leads to higher rankings on this list. 
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the EAM vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the EAM vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for EAM industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be a best-of-breed EAM product: Only products that can be deployed independently without requiring other dependencies such as ERP, CRM, CAD, or MES.

10. Assetworks

Assetworks is ideal for companies seeking a smaller solution in North America with traceability and maintenance requirements of buildings and fleets. Despite supporting diverse asset types compared to smaller solutions, it might not be the best for large, global companies seeking a centralized solution covering many geographic areas and layers with asset types, which would be available with more enterprise-grade solutions such as IFS or IBM Maximo. They might also not be suitable for companies where inventory and cost tracking is a higher priority than mobile and user experience, securing its place at #10 spot on our list of top EAM systems. 

Strengths
  • SMB-friendly. Assetworks offers a more affordable implementation and is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Can cover both properties and fleets. It can manage both properties and fleets. Typically, the workflows for facilities and fleets differ significantly because fleet management systems often have deep integrations with OEMs, while building-centric solutions might require integration with cities and emergency communication systems.
  • Polling features​. It supports polling features, which is helpful for companies requiring real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited to a few geographies. One limitation you may encounter with Assetworks is its restricted coverage in certain regions. If your operations span multiple locations, it may not support all of them. 
  • It is not as cross-functionally integrated as adding inventory manually. Handling inventory costing or serialization scenarios would be a challenge because of text-based inventory on its business objects and form.
  • Enterprise search for complex scenarios like inventory items​. Typically, enterprise search requires inventory items to be coded. If your inventory is text-based, it becomes difficult for the system to support those search capabilities that other more advanced systems offer.


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9. Aveva

Aveva is ideal for OT-centric and industry 4.0 industries seeking a pure-play platform – without future expectations of supporting newer business models (or asset types). Providing the integration with hardware vendors, it’s an ideal fit for companies caring for tight embeddedness in their engineering and MES workflows embedded within the same suite. This architecture generally disconnects the operational and financial aspects but might be beneficial for companies prioritizing their plant operations over the needs of other departments at the corporate level, making its name at #9 spot on our list of top EAM systems.

Strengths 
  • OT-friendly. Aveva is OT-friendly compared to other platforms on this list, supporting the relevant machine and edge integrations required in this industry compared to other platforms on this list.
  • MES and engineering workflows are part of the suite. Organizations prioritizing the embeddedness of EAM workflows with engineering and MES would find Aveva attractive.
  • Global footprint​. Compared to smaller point solutions such as AssetWorks, Aveva can support relatively global organizations.
Weaknesses
  • Legacy UI. The technology is outdated and clunky, so the user interface won’t be as modern as that of other platforms.
  • Might not be fit for every industry. It may not be suitable for every industry as it’s primarily an industry-specific solution covering assets and integration relevant to equipment manufacturers and industry 4.0 industries.
  • It is not as easy to learn and implement as other smaller solutions​. It could be more challenging to learn and implement as its layers designed for mid-market organizations might be overwhelming for smaller organizations.

8. UpKeep Maintenance Management

Similar to smaller-sized systems such as Assetworks, UpKeep maintenance management is a smaller point solution relevant for SMBs seeing a cloud-native, easier-to-use, and mobile-friendly solution. But these benefits come with compromises, which would be relevant for slightly larger organizations caring for slightly more detailed transactions and data integrity. It might not also be relevant for companies seeking global and diverse asset types, securing its spot at #8 spot on our list of top EAM systems.

Strengths 
  • SMB-friendly. SMB companies that are limited in budget and technical skill sets would find it relatively easier to implement and use.
    Affordable. The solution targets smaller companies and does not layer for mid-sized and enterprise companies, making it super affordable and lightweight for the smaller customer segment it serves.
  • Mobile-friendly​. Since the underlying technology is cloud-native and the data models are not as connected to prioritize user experience, the solution will be user-friendly compared to other larger solutions.
Weaknesses
  • Limited asset and location hierarchies. This would be a challenge for companies maintaining complex asset types and locations where hierarchies would be critical.
  • Glitches reported by users. Some users have reported experiencing glitches with the system. With smaller systems that may not be as well-funded, you might encounter similar issues.
  • Scalability issues with complex scenarios such as re-occurring work orders​. Intricate billing scenarios and subscription billing might be challenging to manage with this solution.

7. Brightly (Siemens) Asset Essentials

Brightly Asset Essentials, now owned by Siemens, would primarily be software for companies using Siemens machines without the need for additional workflows or an appetite for other software. Due to Siemens’ focus primarily on selling their machines, and this being an add-on feature, it might not receive the same amount of R&D (or attention) as software providers whose core business is to sell software. Also, the competing machine providers would not be as integrated with their software because the goal of the software is to have vendor lock-in. If you are looking for an agnostic option covering more than what this offers, this might not be the best option. But if you can’t afford another software (or have limited use cases just to track and maintain Siemens machines), this would be a great option, securing its spot at #7 on our list of top EAM systems.

Strengths 
  • SMB-friendly. Primarily a very similar software as AssetWorks for Siemens to differentiate with other machines and have control over their customer’s installations.
  • Ease of use. Just like AssetWorks or UpKeep, this would be fairly easy to use due to limited process and data layers, with the primary use being Siemens able to control and report about their machines.
  • Cheaper implementation​. Since the data and process layers are relatively simpler and machines are limited to Siemens, the implementation is likely to be super lean.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited reporting. Substantially limited reporting with the use cases limited to what matters to Siemens.
  • Limited scalability for enterprise use cases and asset types​. You will face limited scalability for enterprise use cases if you’re searching for a true enterprise asset management platform that can effectively manage technician workflows and preventive maintenance across various asset types. This may not be the most suitable option.

6. MaintainX

MaintainX is comparable to UpKeep Maintenance and Assetworks, but it is slightly larger and more mid-market friendly than Assetworks. From a technology standpoint, it is cloud-native, mobile-friendly, and offers more layers than Assetworks. Its key strengths are that it’s mid-market friendly, easy to learn and configure, and designed with mobile accessibility in mind. Hence, MaintainX secures the #6 spot on our list of top EAM systems. 

Strengths 
  • Mid-market friendly. It is designed specifically for mid-market businesses, offering features that cater to their unique needs. 
  • Easy to learn and configure. MaintainX boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easy to learn and configure for new users. 
  • Mobile-friendly​. It is designed with mobile accessibility in mind, allowing users to manage assets and maintenance tasks.
Weaknesses 
  • More suitable for facility management than fleet. Another limitation of MaintainX is that it is better suited for facility management than for fleet management. While it can handle complex facility management scenarios with multiple layers, it may not be the ideal choice for transportation companies with in-house fleets.
  • Scalability issues with complex datasets such as nested locations. There are scalability issues with complex data sets, like nested locations, as the layers are generally limited. Overall, this product is not designed for enterprise use. It is focused on the mid-market segment, resulting in those limitations.
  • Limited security layers. Due to its focus on mid-market, it doesn’t support as detailed security layers as required by enterprises.

5. Fiix

Fiix is also a mid-market-friendly system, with MaintainX being a suitable comparison. It is a cloud-native, mobile-friendly platform that is easy to learn and configure, offering a user-friendly experience similar to MaintainX. In terms of size, it’s larger than smaller systems such as AssetWorks or UpKeep maintenance but smaller than other enterprise-grade systems that may have many detailed security and data layers, securing its spot at #5 on our list of top EAM systems.

Strengths 
  • Mid-market friendly. It is designed specifically for mid-market businesses, offering features that cater to their unique needs. 
  • Easy to learn and configure. Fiix boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easy to learn and configure for new users. 
  • Mobile-friendly​. It is designed with mobile accessibility in mind, allowing users to manage assets and maintenance tasks.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited auditability and controls on work orders. The workflow controls for companies seeking audibility, especially around asset availability or inventory, are likely to be limited, causing issues for companies that care for tighter scheduling and costing processes – along with the collaboration aspect of the system.
  • Limited scalability for enterprise use cases and asset types. There is limited scalability for enterprise use cases and asset types, which means it may not support all the hierarchies found in systems like IFS or IBM Maximo. These systems offer richer asset types with more detailed hierarchies (and use cases) to accommodate enterprise-grade scenarios.
  • Data integrity issues are caused by the loose data model​. The data model is not as coded as the larger peers – as the system prioritizes user experience over data integrity and control. So, you are likely to have data integrity issues, requiring manual maintenance and governance.

4. Oracle EAM 

Oracle EAM is an enterprise-grade asset management product particularly suited for companies using Oracle Cloud ERP. Offering more advanced data models compared to smaller SMB-focused systems, it handles complex asset hierarchies and diverse asset types. However, it lacks the pre-built integrations often found in smaller solutions, leading to a more challenging and resource-intensive implementation. The learning curve is steeper, and using the system generally requires more internal and external expertise, making it harder to use overall. Therefore, Oracle EAM secures the #4 spot on our list of top EAM systems.

Strengths 
  • Enterprise-grade capabilities. From a data model perspective, this products offer much more, but they may lack the numerous pre-built integrations found in smaller systems targeting the SMB sector. 
  • Predictive maintenance based on real-time sensor data analytics. Predictive maintenance relies on real-time sensor data analytics, which is included in the Oracle EAM portfolio. However, implementing these capabilities will require significant consulting support.
  • Supports complex assets to support reliability analysis​. Supporting complex assets for reliability is essential, especially in sectors like IT, media, and telecom. When aiming to meet reliability metrics and SLAs, particularly when managing customer assets.
Weaknesses 
  • Expensive. Oracle EAM will be expensive from the implementation perspective as it requires a lot of consulting help. 
  • Steep learning curve. The learning curve will be steeper, as is typical with enterprise products, and you will likely need extensive customization during the implementation process.
  • Might require add-ons for integrated capabilities​. The integrated capabilities that might be available with smaller systems might be vanilla with larger systems – as they serve a diverse set of industries, missing specific capabilities for micro-verticals (and asset types).


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3. IBM Maximo

IBM Maximo is one of the most widely adopted asset management products, particularly for enterprises, excelling in sectors like public services and non-profits. Its key strength lies in its deep enterprise-grade capabilities to handle complex scenarios, hierarchies, and diverse asset types. Architecturally, it’s similar to Oracle EAM, offering strong data and process models but lacking pre-built integrations. Like Oracle EAM, Maximo can be difficult to use, requiring extensive training, change management, and a significant investment in implementation. However, its high customizability allows for extensive support of unique data models and processes. Therefore, IBM Maximo has secured the #3 spot on our list of top EAM systems. 

Strengths 
  • Enterprise-grade capabilities. It possesses robust enterprise-grade capabilities designed to handle all of those complex scenarios.
  • Hierarchies and attributes. From the IBM Maximo perspective, hierarchies and attributes are crucial, as each asset may require tracking thousands of attributes for effective reporting and planning. 
  • Complex scheduling rules and workflows. Complex scheduling rules and workflows are necessary when managing numerous assets for both yourself and your clients. In this context, IBM Maximo is likely to be an excellent fit due to its enterprise-grade capabilities.
Weaknesses
  • Limited mobile capabilities. They are going to be fairly limited compared to other EAM systems mentioned in this list because of their legacy technology and tight data model. 
  • Steep learning curve. The learning curve will be steeper, as is typical with enterprise products, and you will likely need extensive customization during the implementation process.
  • Might require add-on for BIM integration​. The smaller products are likely to support pre-baked integrations, more in the plug-and-play form, because of the fluidity of their data model, which might not be possible with enterprise products such as IBM Maximo.

2. HxGN EAM

HxGN EAM is also an enterprise-grade asset management solution. Previously owned by Infor, Hexagon now maintains a close alignment with existing Infor installations. However, as a machine provider, Hexagon’s primary focus is on selling its machinery, which leads to tighter integration with its asset management product. While HxGN EAM offers slightly more advanced enterprise capabilities, its incentive is to integrate closely with its own assets to drive sales. It is comparable to IBM Maximo and Oracle EAM but is generally more friendly towards OT applications. In contrast, it may not provide as many layers or detailed capabilities for property management or transportation management scenarios. Therefore, HxGN EAM has secure the #2 spot on our list of top EAM systems. 

Strengths 
  • Detailed user privileges. The user privileges in HxGN EAM are quite detailed compared to other smaller point solutions. 
  • Ability to support complex asset installations. Like other Infor products, it excels in workflow, security, user-controlled processes, and customization. This makes it particularly useful for managing and supporting complex asset installations.
  • Enterprise-grade capabilities to support most asset types​. If you’re a manufacturer with a wide variety of assets to track and maintain, HxGN EAM could be an excellent fit. Similar to IBM Maximo, it offers enterprise-grade capabilities to support various asset types, making it a strong choice for enterprise environments.
Weaknesses 
  • Legacy UI. The limitations of HxGN EAM are similar to IBM Maximo, particularly with its legacy user interface, as it’s built on older technology. While IBM Maximo has made some advancements in cloud and data technology, making it slightly faster, HxGN EAM still operates with a more dated UI.
  • Limited mobile capabilities. The legacy technology and tight data model prevent the same fluid experience that is generally found with smaller systems.
  • Poorly documented​. Users report the software is not as well documented, requiring consulting help with ongoing maintenance and support.

1. IFS EAM

IFS EAM is an enterprise-grade asset management solution that is widely adopted in industries such as MRO, airlines, oil and gas, and telecom. With their workflows closely integrated with field service operations, these sectors typically require complex scheduling and management of intricate assets. A significant advantage of IFS is its two best-of-breed enterprise-grade products, field service management, and enterprise asset management, which work seamlessly together for these industries. Compared to other enterprise-grade solutions like IBM Maximo or Hexagon EAM, IFS offers superior technology, making it somewhat easier to use. Therefore, IFS has secured the #1 spot on our list of top EAM systems.

Strengths
  • Ease of use. When compared to other enterprise-grade products like IBM Maximo and Hexagon EAM, IFS technology stands out as superior.
  • Enterprise-grade capabilities. IFS EAM features an underlying data model that supports enterprise-grade scenarios, encompassing capabilities, customization, and workflow security. All these functionalities are integral to the IFS EAM system.
  • Strong predictive maintenance and facility maintenance capabilities​.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited language packs. The language packs are not as comprehensive as enterprise companies would expect for global deployments.
  • It would require consulting help. Since the product is highly complex and designed for enterprise use cases – with thousands of layers of dependencies within their data model, it requires substantial consulting help with implementation (and ongoing upkeep of the system).
  • Expensive​. SMBs not caring for enterprise layers might feel that the product is relatively more expensive than other smaller point solutions.
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Conclusion

In summary, choosing the right EAM system is a complex decision influenced by various factors, including industry needs, company size, and the specific asset types involved. This list highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the top EAM systems, ranging from SMB-friendly, budget-conscious options to enterprise-grade solutions with advanced capabilities for larger organizations. Whether a company prioritizes mobile accessibility, ease of integration, or highly detailed functionality, each solution has unique advantages and limitations that make it suitable for specific applications. By understanding the nuances of each EAM system, buyers can make informed choices aligned with their asset management goals. While this list offers valuable insights, seeking advice from an independent ERP consultant can greatly enhance the implementation success.

FAQs

Top 10 Marketing Automation Systems In 2024

Marketing Automation. The noisiest category ever – due to lower barriers to entry. Generally, falling within the CRM systems category, specifically handling upstream marketing efforts. One key component is email marketing, but they also include SMS marketing and omnichannel capabilities, often integrating with CMS. Whether embedding widgets on websites through a CMS within the marketing automation framework – or using an external system, all these channels feed into the marketing automation system. 

Historically, these systems were siloed, with CRMs focused primarily on data storage and operational workflows from a downstream marketing viewpoint. Marketing automation systems lived in their own world, as they didn’t need to be as tightly embedded as other transactional systems. But things changed as upstream marketing use cases matured and with their resulting traceability requirements. Some CRM systems acquired these point solutions, offering a complete suite. On the other hand, other vendors stronger in marketing automation capabilities built a CRM module from scratch within the same product suite. Built products are likely to provide a consistent experience. The acquired products, in comparison, may not have as consistent experience or tight integration, but they may offer the best-of-breed experience some companies prefer. This is how the marketing automation category has evolved.

Top 10 Marketing Automation Systems In 2024

In this context, we’re capturing systems that are both part of a suite and best-of-breed solutions. From an architectural perspective, marketing automation systems differ slightly, focusing more on workflows rather than processing transactions, which is more common in operationally focused CRMs. Integration and ecosystem are critical for marketing automation, and these integrations tend to be simpler because the systems aren’t as database-driven; they’re more workflow-oriented. This makes their design, mindset, and architecture distinct. You might already be confused, but don’t worry – we got you – with this article, which provides much-needed clarity on these systems.



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Criteria

  • Definition of a marketing automation system. The companies in this market segment would include companies of all sizes needing a marketing automation system as a pure-play category that can be deployed without requiring other dependencies.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher market share among marketing automation companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the marketing automation vendor leads to higher rankings on this list. 
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the marketing automation vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the marketing automation vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models in the same product?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for marketing automation industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be a best-of-breed marketing automation product: Only products that can be deployed independently without requiring other dependencies such as transactional systems or CRM.

10. Zoho Marketing Automation

Zoho Marketing Automation is designed for companies beginning their marketing automation journey on a budget. Its licensing is more affordable than that of other marketing automation systems. Offering deep integration within its own ecosystem and a robust CRM, it’s suitable for slightly more operationally complex scenarios. If a company has ad hoc customer interaction needs that require capturing various custom objects (and workflows), Zoho is likely a good fit. Therefore, Zoho secures the #10 spot on our list of top marketing automation systems. 

Strengths
  • Workflow automation and forms. Key strength is its workflow automation and form capabilities. Zoho also includes the Zoho Creator platform, which is quite similar to Microsoft’s Power Platform. 
  • Salesforce-like data model. The data model is very similar to Salesforce, allowing operational and transactional scenarios – and not struggling as much with complex hierarchies of business objects required in certain industries.
  • Journey builder for omni-channel experiences​. While Zoho covers several modes to build omni-channel experiences, it might not be as comprehensive as systems such as Braze or Klaviyo, which might offer pre-baked B2C scenarios such as real-time interactive experiences.
Weaknesses 
  • Ecosystem not as robust as HubSpot. The ecosystem is not as robust as that of some other comparable platforms, requiring building most integrations with third-party platforms and increasing implementation costs.
  • Not meant to be for enterprise use cases. With the substantial limitations baked with its business objects, such as the number of fields (or typed fields) allowed on a business object, it is not specifically designed for enterprise use cases.
  • Not as natively integrated with data platforms. One key limitation would be its ecosystem of pre-integrated data platforms that might be required for either funneling MQLs automatically to the CRM (or for personalization and segmentation).


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9. MailChimp

MailChimp is aimed at companies seeking a simpler CRM solution, primarily for B2C industries. It might also be relevant for B2B startups – as long as it’s used as a pure-play marketing automation platform. This would be for simpler B2B use cases, such as sending newsletters with relatively simpler tracking requirements (and customer hierarchies). Tailored for startups, it lacks the robust security features of other platforms. Customizability can also be limited, making it less suitable for mid-market, enterprise, or apartment market companies. Therefore, Mailchimp secures the #9 spot on our list of top marketing automation systems.

Strengths 
  • Audiences. It maintains several audiences with different subscription preferences (and communication needs). But note that the same contact included with multiple audiences is treated as a different contact, requiring paying twice for the same contact.
  • Segments and Campaign Builder. The campaign builder is easy to use and can be picked up easily by most business users. But note the limitations on the number of journeys allowed with each plan.
  • Support​. As of today, MailChimp support is decent and responsive, making it easier for startups with limited implementation and support budgets.
Weaknesses
  • Limited security layers compared to Pardot. The security layers it provides are not as robust compared to those available with HubSpot or Salesforce.
  • Would require an additional CRM. You would need an additional CRM, as this platform may not function effectively for transactional use cases or for downstream workflows. 
  • Limited reporting​. The pre-baked reporting is substantially limited. Getting meaningful data to design campaigns might not be as easy – and at times not even possible, without over-engineered (and risky) ad-hoc arrangements.

8. ClickDimensions

ClickDimensions is part of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem. The core CRM features within the Microsoft platform are robust, allowing for the accommodation and customization of various business models. But it’s not as robust for upstream marketing automation features, hence the need for a ClickDimensions add-on. But even ClickDimension is limited. For upstream marketing and comprehensive omnichannel traceability, including CMS integrations with multiple platforms in the Microsoft ecosystem, ClickDimensions falls short. It lacks the richness and integration of capabilities found in platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce Pardot. Therefore, ClickDimensions secures the #8 spot on our list of top marketing automation systems.

Strengths 
  • Marketing automation workflows. You will have access to essential marketing automation workflows that are sufficiently robust to ensure a strong alignment with Microsoft Dynamics products.
  • Tight alignment for MS 365. To maintain a strong alignment with Microsoft Dynamics products, ClickDimensions may be the only embedded and integrated option available unless you consider expensive, custom integration. 
  • Well-adopted platform in the MS ecosystem. Additionally, it is widely accepted within the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a significant advantage for companies using Microsoft solutions.
Weaknesses
  • Very small player compared to other platforms. The limitations you may encounter include being a relatively small player in comparison to others in the market. Their R&D budget is limited, which means they won’t have the same capabilities as larger platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce.
  • Limited omnichannel capabilities. The channel capabilities are going to be limited and not natively integrated with data platforms.
  • Not as natively integrated with data platforms. There is no native integration with data platforms. For instance, when considering integrations with services like ZoomInfo or Apollo, the options may be either limited or entirely absent.

7. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Apps

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Apps has a Customer Insights product, which is primarily a CDP product that can integrate with several marketing automation execution systems. However, even Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights could be used for simpler marketing automation workflows, and it is used by companies on their ERP or CRM. The biggest challenge with the product would be to manage richer omnichannel and personalization scenarios possible with other marketing automation products such as Klaviyo or Braze. Therefore, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Apps secures the #7 spot on our list of top marketing automation systems. 

Strengths 
  • Customer journeys. Straightforward customer journeys can be easily managed without requiring another specialized system for marketing automation. 
  • Tight embeddedness with MS stack. Marketing could be a suitable option since it is already integrated with the core product, eliminating the need to navigate third-party contracts or systems.
  • Strong embedded CRM and field services workflows​. This is especially true from a customer service and call center standpoint, where you’ll likely need extensive integrations.
Weaknesses 
  • Limited CMS, social, and ad workflows. The limitations you may encounter include restricted integrations with your CMS and data platforms. You won’t find as many integration options available, particularly when it comes to social media and advertising workflows, which may also be limited.
  • Ecosystem not strong with upstream marketing and data providers. But for simpler marketing automation workflows, it’s not a bad option.
  • Rigid user and security model. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the positive side, if your data is highly structured and relational, you may find this rigidity beneficial. However, it may also make it more challenging to leverage the flexibility offered by systems like HubSpot or Salesforce.

6. ActiveCampaign

Active Campaign is aimed at companies seeking a more affordable option. Generally, marketing automation systems determine their pricing based on the number of subscribed emails and the monthly email volume. This pricing structure can lead to high costs, especially with platforms like HubSpot or Pardot, which can be quite expensive for businesses that send numerous emails but sell lower-priced products. This pricing model can be a barrier for many companies, making Active Campaign a more cost-effective choice compared to other platforms. Therefore, ActiveCampaign secures the #6 spot on our list of top marketing automation systems. 

Strengths 
  • Core marketing automation workflows. The core marketing automation workflows are integrated into the suite, providing a comprehensive solution. These workflows streamline various marketing tasks, making them an essential part of the overall platform.
  • Cost. ActiveCampaign offers more competitive pricing compared to other platforms. Additionally, it provides a more robust suite of features than MailChimp.
  • Well-adopted​. ActiveCampaign is widely adopted, particularly when compared to platforms like ClickDimensions or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights. It boasts a significantly higher number of installations, especially within the email marketing community, and is a well-established product in the space.
Weaknesses 
  • Not as comprehensive as other options. In terms of capabilities, it doesn’t offer the same level of comprehensiveness as some of the other available options.
  • Limited ecosystem. Their ecosystem would not be as robust as HubSpot or Salesforce, with the number of options available for data platforms, ad and omnichannel integrations, and CMS providers.
  • Does not have a CRM as part of the suite​. It lacks a true CRM component for transactional and downstream CRM workflows within the suite, unlike other products such as Salesforce or Microsoft.

5. Klaviyo

Klaviyo has gained significant popularity recently, particularly among companies operating in a B2C ecosystem. Customer journeys in B2C environments tend to focus on managing touchpoints from a purchase cycle perspective rather than engaging with various touchpoints through content. As a result, Klaviyo is an excellent fit for companies looking to streamline and optimize these purchase-driven interactions. Therefore, Klaviyo secures the #5 spot on our list of top marketing automation systems. 

Strengths 
  • B2C-specific journeys and integrations. Customer journeys with B2C companies are distinct, focusing on managing touchpoints from the purchase cycle perspective rather than driving touchpoints through content. This is where Klaviyo’s strength lies, as it is well-suited for handling B2C journey management effectively.
  • Easy to use and implement. One of the biggest advantages of Klaviyo is that it’s easier for business users to use compared to other enterprise platforms, such as Braze. Platforms such as Braze might require technical expertise for channel integration and data workflows.
  • Friendly for companies on Shopify​. Klaviyo is deeply integrated into the Shopify ecosystem and is widely adopted among Shopify users. If you’re a product-centric or commerce-focused company using Shopify, Klaviyo could be a more suitable option for your needs.
Weaknesses 
  • Billing based on active profiles and usage could be trickier to understand. The billing process can be more complex, and estimating costs may also pose challenges. Their pricing model is based on active profiles or usage, and consumption-based pricing can often be difficult to predict. 
  • Not fit for B2B companies. The B2B companies have very different customer structures and marketing automation workflows compared to the event-centric and real-time workflows of B2C. So, B2B companies might struggle with it.
  • Expensive. Klaviyo could be expensive for companies that are heavy on emails compared to other platforms on this list.

4. Oracle Eloqua 

It is an excellent choice for companies with a slight enterprise focus, especially those using Oracle Cloud CX. Oracle acquired Eloqua, a powerful enterprise-grade product, and integrated it into its Oracle Marketing suite. This solution is particularly well-suited for B2C industries like media and telecommunications, where there are numerous customer touchpoints. Oracle Eloqua excels in ad-centric customer journeys, offering robust content management and other key capabilities as part of the same suite. Additionally, it provides enterprise-level workflows, supporting seamless alignment with field service and call center operations. Therefore, Oracle Eloqua secures the #4 spot on our list of top marketing automation systems. 

Strengths 
  • Enterprise-grade capabilities include landing pages, webinars, events, and depth with custom objects. Enterprise-grade capabilities, including enterprise security, landing pages, webinars, and events, are all part of this solution. 
  • Pre-built integration with Oracle CX. One key advantage is that it is tightly embedded and integrated with Oracles’ other applications. So that’s a huge plus for companies already using other Oracle enterprise apps seeking connectivity and traceability with other downstream applications.
  • Omnichannel workflows. The platform is relatively omnichannel, but it might not be as plug-and-play and fluid as other modern platforms such as Klaviyo.
Weaknesses 
  • Integration not as embedded with CRM. While Eloqua is integrated with the CRM, but the experience might be as embedded as with products created from scratch for seamless collaboration between these two systems, such as HubSpot.
  • Steep learning curve. Its enterprise workflow and security layers might be overwhelming for SMB customers looking for simpler solutions with a limited implementation budget.
  • Expensive​. SMBs might not appreciate the price tag – and some of the capabilities offered might not even be relevant for the SMBs.


ERP Selection Requirements Template

This resource provides the template that you need to capture the requirements of different functional areas, processes, and teams.

3. Adobe Marketo Engage

Adobe Marketer Engage is a robust enterprise-level product that is comparable to solutions like Eloqua and Salesforce’s Pardot. With capabilities baked in, such as events providing omnichannel experiences for design-heavy organizations such as B2C and media, it’s friendlier for B2C industries. It offers advanced capabilities for consolidating various channels, including web ads, into a unified portfolio. This tool enables businesses to track engagements and monitor customer journeys across multiple platforms, making it an ideal solution for enterprises looking to manage and optimize their marketing efforts on a large scale. Therefore, Adobe Marketo Engage secures the #3 spot on our list of top marketing automation systems. 

Strengths 
  • Customizability for enterprise use cases. Workflow and security layers are highly customizable for enterprise use cases.
  • Robust campaign program management features. Larger organizations generally have programs with multiple campaigns covering many different organization-wide goals, needing enterprise-grade capabilities for campaign program management that might not be relevant for SMBs.
  • Event partner integration​. The event capabilities are highly critical for media and event companies as they need to manage their communication as part of the same platform used for event logistics management.
Weaknesses
  • Expensive. SMBs not looking for enterprise features generally find it expensive.
  • Legacy feeling. The UI is fairly legacy compared to other products. 
  • Requires coding skills to build landing pages​. Business users might need to work with developers for simpler workflows that are as simple as building landing pages.

2. Salesforce Marketing Automation (Pardot)

Salesforce marketing automation is an excellent choice for enterprise companies already using Salesforce CRM, although it works with other CRM products, too. Its strengths include the ability to create custom fields on core Salesforce objects for marketing automation and the availability of an exposed SQL layer, which allows for detailed analysis and segmentation—offering a level of granularity that is often not found in competing products. However, the integration with core CRM objects remains relatively shallow, limiting end-to-end traceability and making it feel as though users are navigating two separate silos, securing the #2 spot on our list of the top marketing automation systems.

Strengths 
  • Enterprise-grade custom fields on top of the core CRM objects. One major advantage of the Pardot product is the ability to create custom fields on top of the core Salesforce objects for marketing automation purposes.
  • SQL-based querying and analytics capabilities. Another key feature is the exposed SQL layer, allowing for in-depth analysis of various scenarios from a segmentation perspective. This level of granularity is rare among other products on the market, making it more suitable for enterprise use.
  • Enterprise-grade security​. Workflow security is essential, particularly for large marketing teams, as it helps control email campaigns. Also, establishing approval workflows and implementing workflow security is crucial; it allows you to restrict access and manage marketing automation processes effectively. 
Weaknesses 
  • Not as embedded experience with Salesforce CRM. It often feels like operating in two separate silos for companies seeking seamless integration between their CRM and marketing automation components.
  • Expensive. Salesforce marketing cloud is more expensive than other smaller point solutions with simpler workflow and security layers.
  • Steep learning curve​. Enterprise-grade workflows and security layers require substantial training for users with limited technical skills.

1. HubSpot

HubSpot is ideal for content-driven B2B organizations heavy on upstream marketing workflows requiring tight embeddedness with their web workflows. It is widely adopted and integrated platforms, particularly in the marketing automation and CMS space, providing seamless integration with ad platforms, CMS systems, and data providers. Its pre-built integrations make it ideal for consolidating customer interactions and marketing strategies. However, HubSpot’s limitations arise in complex operational use cases, as its object structure and customizability may not meet the needs of companies heavy on transactional and operational workflows. Hence, HubSpot secures the #1 spot on our list of the top marketing automation systems. 

Strengths
  • Ecosystem. HubSpot has one of the most vibrant ecosystems, especially when it comes to connecting with various ad platforms or data platforms that are part of the marketing stack.
  • Integration with upstream marketing providers such as CMS and data companies. The integration with upstream marketing providers, like CMS and data companies, is also included, especially if you’re using HubSpot CMS. 
  • Embedded CMS. It is likely to be one of the most widely adopted platforms in the CMS community as well. The other systems may rely on third-party CMS systems, limiting the interconnectedness and seamless interactions between these two systems.
Weaknesses 
  • Weak object structure for core CRM, such as parent-child relationships. The core object structure of HubSpot, particularly in operational scenarios, is weaker compared to other systems defined for transactional and downstream workflows such as HubSpot or Zoho. 
  • Limited customizability for enterprise use cases. When it comes to customizability for complex operational use cases, HubSpot is significantly limited.
  • Not meant to be for commerce-driven B2C industries​. Commerce workflows require different events and integration, along with the object structure. HubSpot is not necessarily designed for B2C-centric industries.
+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Conclusion

The evolution of marketing automation has created a diverse ecosystem, where each platform brings unique strengths and limitations to the table. Platforms like HubSpot and Salesforce Pardot dominate with their strong integration capabilities and enterprise-grade features, making them suitable for complex workflows and large organizations. Meanwhile, options like Zoho and MailChimp serve smaller businesses and startups by offering more accessible, cost-effective solutions, though they may lack robust integrations and advanced security features found in enterprise systems. While this list offers valuable insights, seeking advice from an independent ERP consultant can greatly enhance your implementation success.

FAQs

Top 10 Field Service Systems in 2024

Unlike most other industries, field service industries have their own “personalities,” with varying business processes depending upon the micro-vertical. An example of these micro-verticals could be traditional field service categories such as appliance repair – or home cleaning (think field workers carrying mobile devices!). However, they could also be the field service department intertwined with other business processes such as engineering, production, or post-sales service. While several ERP systems contain a field service module, the field service systems are generally best-of-breed. With transactional speed requirements similar to those of a POS or CRM-centric architecture, they are generally not as embedded with other operational processes.

Often regarded as another touchpoint from the customer perspective, field service processes sometimes overlap with CRM instead of ERP processes. But generalized CRM systems struggle in this industry, requiring substantial tailoring, which is especially challenging for organizations with limited IT maturity and budget, so field service systems generally incorporate CRM processes as well. With the integration and CPQ requirements being fairly unique, the integration could be very similar to CRM or EDI categories. In these integration scenarios, external sales or marketing channels may funnel the pipeline while the field service system acts as the order capture interface. Due to the layers with quoting variables, the CPQ requirements might be equally challenging.

Top 10 Field Service Systems in 2024

Additionally, field service systems may integrate with CAD systems, particularly in industries like oil and gas or Industry 4.0. In these cases, they support device servicing, data collection, and monitoring. Overall, field service systems have evolved significantly, and now their suites could be as thick as a CRM or ERP.



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Criteria

  • Definition of a field service company. The companies in this market segment would include companies of all sizes with field service operations such as home service, appliance repair, paint or small construction jobs, large CapEx medical devices, insurance, financial services, or data center companies.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. Higher market share among field service companies drives higher rankings on this list.
  • Ownership/funding. The superior financial position of the field service vendor leads to higher rankings on this list. 
  • Quality of development. How modern is the tech stack? How aggressively is the field service vendor pushing cloud-native functionality for this product? Is the roadmap officially announced? Or uncertain?
  • Community/Ecosystem. How vibrant is the community? Social media groups? In-person user groups? Forums?
  • Depth of native functionality. Last-mile functionality for specific industries natively built into the product?
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. How well-documented is the product? Is the documentation available publicly? How updated is the demo content available on YouTube?
  • Product share and documented commitment. Is the product share reported separately in financial statements if the field service vendor is public?
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. How diverse is the product in supporting multiple business models within the same product suite?
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with the product: Any recent acquisitions to fill a specific hole for field service industries? Any official announcements to integrate recently acquired capabilities?
  • User Reviews: How specific are the reviews about this product’s capabilities? How recent and frequent are the reviews?
  • Must be a field service product: this needs to be a best-of-breed product. It can’t be a module of an ERP system.

10. Jobber

Jobber primarily functions as a relatively small system designed to integrate with QuickBooks for field service management. While it offers effective scheduling capabilities, its inventory management may not be as comprehensive. This can pose challenges, particularly with job costing, from an operational and project management perspective. Although you’ll be able to schedule resources and manage calendars efficiently, tracking the profitability of jobs could be difficult due to the limitations in inventory coding. On the positive side, these simplified features also mean the implementation process will be much easier. Therefore, Jobber secures the #10 spot on our list of top field service systems.

Strengths
  • Easier implementation as data models are not coded. Switching from QuickBooks makes implementation easier since data like customers, vendors, and inventory doesn’t require recoding.
  • Great for scheduling. The operational scheduling is robust with integrated resource availability. But any cost-related scenarios might be a stretch for Jobber. 
  • Great for timesheets​. Since it codes resources and availability as part of the calendar functionality, the timesheet capabilities would be a plus with this system.
Weaknesses 
  • Data integrity issues. These issues arise because of loosely coded datasets, a design choice aimed at reducing implementation costs. You can easily fix them manually by applying governance rules and processes, as the fluid data model without business rules allows flexibility.
  • Not scalable for financial cross-functional use cases. From a process governance perspective, it won’t scale well for cross-functional, finance-centric use cases.
  • Billing and invoicing might be challenging. Missing connectivity between your inventory and financial data sets requires relying on ad-hoc arrangements, especially if you frequently edit invoices or billing.

9. Oracle Field Service

Oracle Field Service is an enterprise-grade solution, unlike Jobber, which is more introductory. It is ideal for companies using Oracle Cloud ERP, typically large enterprises. Oracle has a significant market share in industries like media, oil and gas, and service-centric businesses, offering tailored capabilities. It’s also highly robust in the public sector, particularly for scenarios like emergency communication that require device integration in the field, with many of these features natively built into the solution. Therefore, Oracle Field Service secures the #9 spot on our list of top field service systems.

Strengths 
  • Great for complex enterprise use cases such as call handling and dispatching. An excellent fit for enterprises with large call centers and complex dispatch processes.
  • GPS routing, including traffic. Scenarios involving highly complex GPS routing, especially with weather patterns and other variables, make Oracle Field Service a perfect fit.
  • Global cloud footprint for companies concerned about their data locations​.Funding organizations in the nonprofit or public sector often impose data residency requirements, mandating that data be stored within a specific country. In such cases, Oracle Field Service is likely the better solution.
Weaknesses
  • Bloated for SMBs. The limitations of Oracle Field Service include the complexity of its layers, as well as the data and process modeling required. 
  • Steep learning curve. Enterprise-centric use cases make the system implementation significantly more expensive. Additionally, the multiple layers contribute to a steep learning curve.
  • Not mobile friendly​. It’s likely that Oracle Field Service won’t be as mobile-friendly as some of the other solutions on the list, such as Jobber. Newer technologies tend to offer better mobile compatibility.


ERP Selection: The Ultimate Guide

This is an in-depth guide with over 80 pages and covers every topic as it pertains to ERP selection in sufficient detail to help you make an informed decision.

8. ServiceNow Field Service Management

ServiceNow offers various templates tailored for field service companies. However, it has traditionally been more focused on IT-centric, data center-centric businesses that require IT planning and compliance. It handles more complex tasks like integrating with data center devices, managing billing and invoicing, and supporting hardware-based consumption billing. These are the scenarios where ServiceNow is an ideal fit. Hence, ServiceNow Field Service Management secures the #8 spot on our list of top field service systems. 

Strengths 
  • Fluid architecture for ad-hoc business processes. ServiceNow is a great fit when you need a fluid architecture for ad hoc business processes that aren’t formalized enough to be hosted within an ERP.
  • Data model and processes pre-populated for IT-centric processes. IT-centric businesses will benefit greatly from the pre-populated data model and processes, as many of the compliance procedures are particularly relevant to those industries. They are likely to find a solution that is more aligned with their needs.
  • Mobile-friendly​. The technology is designed to be highly mobile-friendly and scalable, making it suitable for mobile-centric interfaces. It works well with various devices, whether you are integrating with industry-standard folders, IoT devices, or edge devices.
Weaknesses
  • Overly bloated IT data model for SMBs. ServiceNow can be overly bloated, and its complex data model may not be well-received by SMBs, as navigating the various layers to operate within the model can be challenging. While it excels for enterprises, it may not suit SMBs seeking simpler, more prescriptive processes and interfaces.
  • Expensive consulting help. As a result of these factors, consulting costs are likely to be significantly higher.
  • Expensive licensing​. The licensing costs are high due to its extensive customization and configurability for enterprise-grade scenarios.

7. Service Fusion

Service Fusion is ideal for home services SMBs looking for a suite that combines commerce and field service. It’s slightly more advanced than Jobber, but still a smaller solution compared to some of the other products on this list. Therefore, Service Fusion secures the #7 spot on our list of top field service systems.

Strengths 
  • Pre-integrated suite.Service Fusion would be especially friendly for companies that might have overlapping field service processes with eCommerce. Certain industries require it, making it an ideal option for them without expensive integration.
  • SMB-friendly. It will be friendly for SMBs, but it may lack some customization options.
  • Easy to set up and use​. It will be easy to set up and use due to its prescriptive workflows, but your data sets may not be as well integrated.
Weaknesses 
  • Glitchy. It is likely to be glitchy, as users have reported minor issues on various review forums.
  • Poor support after acquisition. While the vendor-provided and maintained integration of commerce and field service capabilities is a benefit, support quality may be a concern due to their private equity acquisition. 
  • No updates to the software​. Their private equity seems to be prioritizing marketing makeup over product innovation. Consequently, expect issues with Service Fusion.

6. ServicePower

ServicePower is ideal for relatively larger companies seeking a stronger scheduling engine along with fully managed offerings, including field service workers for verticals, especially for insurance or utility industries. Without a strong ecosystem, especially for industries such as home or appliance repair, ServiceTitan might not be a great fit for those industries, securing its rank at #6 on this list.

Strengths 
  • Enterprise-grade scheduling. One of ServicePower’s biggest strengths is its enterprise-grade scheduling component. In fact, some other solutions on this list also use this advanced, patented scheduling technology to power their scheduling capabilities.
  • Managed services. A unique aspect of ServicePower is its managed service offering, which allows you to completely outsource your field service functions, including hiring, recruiting, retaining, and communicating with third-party vendors.
  • Can manage both employed and third-party service providers. ServicePower can manage both in-house employees and third-party service providers using the same solution.
Weaknesses 
  • Might not be as integrated as ServiceTitan. The ecosystem with marketing or compliance is far more developed with other solutions, requiring custom integrations with Service Power.
  • Not as complete suite as Service Fusion. For industries requiring eCommerce embeddedness, other solutions on this list might be a superior fit.
  • Not for enterprises. While Service Power technology is used by larger solutions to power enterprises, their solution might not be the best fit for larger enterprises.

5. ServiceMax

ServiceMax is ideal for enterprises seeking a native Salesforce platform with industry 4.0 use cases. Now owned by PTC, ServiceMax is a great fit for industries where field service needs integrate closely with CAD or PLM products. It’s particularly useful in industry 4.0 scenarios that involve communication with edge devices, data collection, and combining that data with field service monitoring. Hence, ServiceMax secures the #5 spot on our list of top field service systems.

Strengths 
  • PTC offerings provided as part of the suite. The integration with PTC offerings can be a great fit, depending on the industry. However, if you seek more Industry 4.0 capabilities in your solution, ServiceMax may be the better choice.
  • Salesforce embedded experience. ServiceMax is built on the Salesforce platform but lacks deeper capabilities and integrations found in Salesforce’s native field service solution. Salesforce offers two primary solutions, with their own offering being the preferred choice. However, in specific industries, ServiceMax may be a better fit due to its alignment with certain needs.
  • Enterprise-grade capabilities​. ServiceMax has been proven with large enterprises, requiring enterprise-grade layers with their workflow and process models.
Weaknesses 
  • Communication challenges with core Salesforce objects. Communication with core Salesforce processes won’t be as seamless as with Salesforce’s native solution like the one offered through the Salesforce Service Cloud.
  • Not SMB friendly. With its enterprise-grade workflow and process layers, it might be too overwhelming for SMB companies.
  • Limited mobile capabilities​. Due to its legacy technology, mobile capabilities are not as user-friendly and flexible as with other solutions on this list.

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service is ideal for companies already using Microsoft Dynamics products, whether it’s the CE suite or any of Microsoft’s ERP solutions. Its enterprise-grade and customizable model fits uniquely for companies seeking to customize these capabilities on top of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service Platform. With the risk of being perceived as overwhelming, it might not be the best for SMB companies simpler and prescriptive solution without requiring an expensive implementation.

Strengths 
  • Integrated MS suite. Similar to the CRM category, the field service solution will necessitate more variations, whether you are considering field service payments or integrating with multiple channels to acquire these needs. Therefore, Dynamics 365 Field Service could be an excellent fit for your requirements.
  • Cloud-native. Unlike other solutions on this list with legacy interfaces, this solution has been completely rearchitected using cloud-native technologies, which is especially relevant for the field workforce.
  • Extensibility for custom workflows​. It will be especially friendly for companies requiring custom workflows without as many constraints as are generally found with smaller solutions.
Weaknesses 
  • Reliance on third-party add-ons for suite offerings. The limitation of this solution is its reliance on various third-party add-ons, which introduces implementation risks and a longer vendor list. This can lead to higher implementation costs and require significant IT expertise for architectural design. 
  • Ecosystem not as integrated or developed for field-service sales-centric use cases. Unlike ServiceTitan, which is likely to have integration with several customer-facing channels and marketing-centric use cases, MS Dynamics would require custom integration, increasing the implementation costs.
  • Not fit for SMBs​. The layers with this solution might be too over-bloated for companies looking for simpler solutions to be implemented on a limited budget.

3. Salesforce Field Service

Salesforce Field Service is another solution within the Salesforce ecosystem, part of the Field Service Cloud they offer. It’s fit for comapnies already on Salesforce looking for embedded experience with Salesforce CRM and CPQ processes.It might not be the best fit for companies not on Salesforce or seeking prescriptive solutions with pre-configured processes for industries such as home services or paint, securing its rank at #3 on this list.

Strengths 
  • Seamless integration with other Salesforce offerings. This solution offers superior communication with your Salesforce objects and integrates seamlessly with the CRM and marketing automation platforms. Therefore, when seeking a consolidated view in one solution, Salesforce Field Service is an excellent choice.
  • Salesforce ecosystem. It is ideal for all call center-centric scenarios, as it offers numerous apps designed to enhance customer experience. When these processes align with your field service operations, Salesforce Field Service becomes an excellent choice.
  • Enterprise-grade service management capabilities. If you’re considering enterprise-grade service management capabilities, whether from a specialized or scheduling perspective, you will find all those functionalities available.
Weaknesses
  • Not SMB friendly. It is not particularly friendly for SMBs and is primarily designed for specialized, service-centric workflows. You may encounter difficulties if your operational processes need to be integrated with your field service processes. 
  • Only designed for best-of-breed service-centric workflows. It is not the best fit for industries where the interconnectedness of financial, cost, or inventory data with customer-facing workflows would be a requirement.
  • Requires consulting and enterprise architecture expertise. Designing a solution around this particular framework will necessitate extensive consulting and expertise in enterprise architecture.

2. IFS Field Service Management Software

IFS field service management offers the best of both worlds, combining field service capabilities with tight integration into the ERP layers provided by the same vendor. While IFS excels in managing operational processes, challenges may arise with CX-centric processes, such as integrating with your call center or CRM systems. This can become more costly, as these capabilities may need to be custom-built. IFS offers flexibility similar to ServiceMax for Industry 4.0 scenarios, but it doesn’t cover all aspects of customer experience. Choosing the right architecture depends on your priorities. If operational integration and flexibility in field service are key, IFS is a solid choice. Hence, IFS field service management software has secured the #2 spot on our list of top field service systems.

Strengths 
  • Suitable for industries with intertwined EAM and field service workflows. IFS is an excellent choice for asset-centric companies with distinct operational models as part of their EAM solution. 
  • Supports both best-of-breed and embedded workflows. The key strength of IFS is that it can support both best-of-breed and embedded workflows, unlike most point solutions on this list.
  • Cloud-native. IFS is a cloud-native technology, which is essential for field service companies. Its scheduling component has demonstrated effectiveness with large workloads, including those from Fortune 500 companies.
Weaknesses 
  • Overwhelming for SMBs. The extensive process coding, and data required could be overwhelming for SMBs. This might prove to be very costly for them, and they may not appreciate the multiple layers involved with the solution.
  • Limited North America presence. While they are performing well in North America, their presence remains limited, as they do not have as many logos, at least for now.
  • Limited integration with marketing and call center-centric workflows​. Unlike modern solutions that are designed to embed marketing and call-center-centric workflows, IFS is not the right fit for those use cases.


ERP Selection Requirements Template

This resource provides the template that you need to capture the requirements of different functional areas, processes, and teams.

1. ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is ideal for SMBs, particularly those in residential services, seeking a user-friendly solution with a lower implementation cost. It offers strong connection points, especially for CRM and lead management. In field service businesses, ServiceTitan often functions as the CRM, with robust capabilities to support these workflows. Most companies in this sector likely won’t need an additional CRM to manage their processes. Therefore, ServiceTitan holds the #1 spot on our list of top field service systems. 

Strengths
  • Pre-baked integration. From the ServiceTitan perspective, you can expect a greater number of pre-built integrations. The design philosophy of ServiceTitan is highly workflow-centric, focusing on enhancing both the customer and employee experience in field service. 
  • Marketplace. The marketplace and ecosystem represent one of the largest and most comprehensive suites available for SMBs, particularly in the residential services sector.
  • Comprehensive suite for SMBs​. The capabilities captured as part of the suite are fairly comprehensive for SMBs seeking a prescriptive solution with a limited implementation budget.
Weaknesses 
  • Not meant for enterprises. The prescriptive process and data model might not have the flexibility and the layers that an enterprise would require because of the complexity of its business model.
  • Limited to best-of-breed setting. Another limitation is that it is restricted to best-of-breed scenarios where your field service must operate independently. If you seek operational correlation with your ERP processes, this could present a challenge.
  • Only fit for residential services​. Overall, while ServiceTitan is well-suited for residential services, it may not be the best fit or as widely adopted in other industries, such as insurance or utilities.
+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Conclusion

Each solution reviewed here excels in specific areas, from enterprise-grade scalability to SMB-friendly implementations and specialized workflows. However, selecting the right field service management software hinges on understanding the unique requirements of your industry, business size, and operational model. While Jobber and ServiceTitan are strong choices for smaller businesses focused on ease of use and residential services, Oracle and ServiceNow offer robust, complex capabilities ideal for larger organizations with advanced operational needs. Solutions like IFS and ServiceMax provide flexibility for industries requiring tightly integrated ERP and field service workflows, supporting complex use cases like Industry 4.0. Ultimately, the best choice depends on aligning the software’s strengths with your business objectives and resources. While this list offers valuable insights, seeking advice from an independent ERP consultant can greatly enhance the implementation success.

FAQs

Top 10 ERP Systems for Service-centric Industries In 2024

Top 10 ERP Systems For Service-centric Industries In 2024

Service-Centric Businesses: Typically devoid of inventory-centric operations, ERP systems for service-centric industries demand distinctive features and architecture. Unlike their product-centric counterparts, which heavily rely on inventory-costing layers and MRP strategies, service-centric industries exhibit even more operational diversity. In some cases, ERP functions confine themselves to managing corporate financial ledgers, while custom software handles the bulk of operational tasks. This diverse industry segment ranges from non-profit organizations to the public sector, and the list goes on with particularly construction, real estate, mining, utilities, energy, consulting, and financial services.

Service-Centric Business Processes: Even within sectors like non-profit organizations, diverse needs demand extensive customizations, also raising questions about the role of ERP in such markets. Despite process variations, aspects like project management, indirect procurement, and scheduling specialized resources remain consistent. For industries like professional services and architectural firms, resource scheduling is paramount, while industries such as construction or real estate may find it less relevant. The nuances and complexities of service-centric industries necessitate an entirely unique ERP strategy for this market segment.

Top 10 ERP Systems for Service-centric Industries In 2024

Service-Centric ERP Needs: PSA (Professional Services Automation) takes center stage in service-centric industries, particularly highlighting skill-based scheduling as a distinctive feature. Its integration with Human Capital Management (HCM) workflows also sets it apart. In contrast, product-centric industries prioritize embeddedness with CAD/PLM or TMS/WMS, crucial for their inventory-centric operations. Despite some inventory presence in service-centric industries, their layers are less complex, leading to occasional confusion with product-centric ERP systems. While project management and project manufacturing may resemble PSA, product-centric systems avoid skill-based resource identification to curb unnecessary overhead. Identifying ERP systems tailored for service-centric industries? This list is an excellent starting point.



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Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

10. Acumatica

Acumatica, primarily a product-centric ERP solution, has recently announced that they are launching an edition tailored for professional services companies. While Acumatica has capabilities relevant for other service-centric verticals, such as subscription billing, its coverage is fairly limited, primarily confined to the corporate financial ledger. Also, as of today, it has very limited global financial capabilities, making it less relevant for globally operated organizations requiring localizations in multiple countries aiming to explore synergies among those entities. Its limitations also substantially extend to non-profit-specific capabilities, but it would be a great fit for construction and mining-centric verticals due to its embedded field service and asset management capabilities. Thus, given its limited relevance to service-centric verticals, it ranks at #10 on our list.

Strengths
  1. Multiple business models in one database. Service companies such as architectural firms and mining companies might find Acumatica attractive if their operations have flavors of product-centric companies such as manufacturing or eCommerce.
  2. Cloud-native, with the experience being very similar to other SaaS products, such as Salesforce or Quickbooks.
  3. Great as the first ERP system. While it would require consulting effort for implementation, the data layers are not as complex as larger ERP systems, making it a great first ERP system for service-centric smaller companies.
Weaknesses
  1. PSA capabilities just released. The PSA module has just been released and may take some time to stabilize, even though it contains a project management module for construction-centric verticals.
  2. Limited global application. Acumatica is relevant only in certain countries where they might have localization supported.
  3. HCM module not embedded. One key requirement for service-centric verticals is particularly embedded HCM and indirect procurement processes, which are substantially limited with Acumatica.

9. Sage Intacct

Service-centric companies seeking their first ERP system find Sage Intacct an ideal fit. While exclusively focusing on service-centric verticals such as non-profit, SaaS, construction, and many more, it highly limits the core ERP capabilities. They would require several add-ons in most of these sectors. Although limited to operational capabilities, it can act as the global financial ledger for global operations with enterprise-grade finance capabilities, such as partner accounting and revenue recognition. Thus, with the limited scope as an ERP requiring add-ons for operational capabilities, it ranks at #9 on our list.

Strengths
  1. Deep service-centric last-mile capabilities. It has one of the strongest service-centric finance and accounting capabilities, also including fund and grants accounting, pre-populated KPIs, and reports.
  2. Globalized and Localized in over 120 countries. It can natively support multi-entity collaboration features of over 120 countries.
  3. Salesforce, HR, and Marketplace Integrations for service-centric industries. Sage owns and maintains Salesforce and payroll integrations, particularly ensuring the quality of development.
Weaknesses
  1. May Require Subscriptions for Best-of-breed CRMs. Primarily an accounting solution. So the solution doesn’t have any CRM capabilities at all, as well as limited supply chain capabilities, even for indirect procurement.  
  2. Will Require Consulting Expertise Compared to Other Smaller Systems. While Sage Intacct maximizes audibility and compliance through its design, successfully utilizing the product would require consulting expertise and internal IT maturity to navigate the added layers.
  3. Not a complete ERP. Would require several bolt-ons, even in verticals where they might have a tailored version. The tailored version would provide best-of-breed finance and accounting capabilities while using add-ons for everything else.

8. Unit4

Unit4 is a purpose-built enterprise-grade ERP for non-profit, public sector, and consulting companies. While ideal for some, tailored workflows would be limiting for other diverse service-centric business models such as healthcare, construction, or mining. Given its limited scope in certain industry verticals, it does not provide the best fit for service companies aiming to streamline several subsidiaries in one solution or for private equity firms streamlining their entire portfolio. Thus, with its limited relevance to certain service-centric industries, it ranks at #8 on our list.

Strengths
  1. Strong HCM and Indirect Procurement Capabilities Pre-integrated and Pre-baked. Tailored to educational institutes and non-profits. 
  2. Non-profit Accounting and PSA Capabilities Offered Out of the Box. The non-profit package includes native capabilities for the fund and grant capabilities with a strong PSA module to manage resources and projects.
  3. Designed to Handle Global Enterprise Workloads. While two versions exist for large enterprises and another for the mid-market, the large one has proven successful with large non-profit institutes seeking alternatives to SAP S/4 HANA or Oracle Cloud ERP.
Weaknesses
  1. Legacy Solution. While rearchitected for the cloud, it’s a legacy solution. So, the user and mobile experience might not be as great as other options born in the cloud.
  2. Limited Install Base in North America. Primarily a European solution with a very limited presence and ecosystem in North America. So, you might struggle to find consulting companies and marketplace add-ons focused on the North American market.
  3. Fit for a limited number of service-centric industries. Because of its tighter alignment with non-profit and public-sector verticals, other industries might find non-profit-specific capabilities overwhelming. It might also not be a fit for diverse organizations seeking capabilities outside of their comfort zone.

7. Deltek

Deltek targets upper-mid and lower-enterprise service-centric industries in construction, government contracting, architecture, and engineering verticals. Companies seeking proprietary integration and embeddedness with government contracting workflows find it an ideal fit. However, these proprietary capabilities might be overwhelming for other diverse industries. Just like Unit4, Deltek serves as a great solution for certain service-centric verticals but might not suit other verticals or companies with diverse business models as effectively. Thus, given its limited relevance for service-centric verticals, it ranks at #7 on our list.

Strengths
  1. Last-mile capabilities for GovCon and construction-centric verticals. Deltek has last-mile capabilities in the construction and GovCon space, requiring substantial development atop vanilla solutions.
  2. Access to the databases and networks relevant to these industries. Deltek has several products in its portfolio with industry databases and networks, providing it a unique advantage over other vendors. 
  3. Multi-entity capabilities. Their multi-entity capabilities are rich, making them suitable for upper mid-market companies seeking one solution to host all of their entities in one database.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited focus. The limited focus of the solution might be a challenge for service-centric verticals active with M&A cycles, especially for business models outside of Deltek’s expertise. 
  2. Limited ecosystem and consulting base. As of today, their ecosystem and consulting base significantly limit their capabilities.
  3. Limited best-of-breed capabilities. Service-centric industries opting to build best-of-breed architecture might not find as many pre-baked integration options, requiring substantial consulting efforts.

6. IFS

IFS enjoys a unique position for most service-centric verticals with its depth in project-centric organizations. It also particularly excels in workflows tailored for asset-heavy industries, along with possessing depth in field service capabilities. While IFS would suit many service-centric verticals such as construction, energy, and utilities, it might lack operational depth for verticals such as non-profit or the public sector. Since the solution targets larger mid-market and lower enterprise companies, it might be overwhelming for smaller companies. Thus, given its broader application than other focused solutions, it ranks at #6 on our list.

Strengths
  1. Enterprise-grade field service and asset management capabilities. While limited in its suite and focus, their last-mile capabilities are the strongest, particularly relevant for service-centric industries.
  2. The data model is aligned with companies with large programs. Industries such as MRO, Oil, and Gas follow very different project structures and BOMs. And IFS’s data model allows them to manage complex programs without any ad-hoc arrangements.
  3. Technology. While a legacy solution, IFS technology has rearchitected and modernized itself using cloud-native SaaS technologies.
Weaknesses
  1. Limited focus. The limited focus might be a challenge for other service-centric verticals active with M&A cycles. 
  2. Limited ecosystem. Its presence and install base still lag behind other solutions on this list in North America.
  3. It is not the right fit for holding and private equity companies as a corporate ledger. While IFS can provide best-of-breed capabilities in a tier-two architecture or act as the main ERP hosting most enterprise processes, using IFS solely as the corporate financial ledger might not be the best fit.

5. SAP S/4 HANA

SAP S/4 HANA fits well for large globally operated companies with the scale of Fortune 1000 companies. Its data model allows hosting most business models in one solution, but that infinite scalability might also be overwhelming for smaller companies, requiring higher IT maturity and implementation budgets. While capable of hosting most business processes, operations teams at service-centric organizations might not prefer to host their workflows inside ERP systems. Thus, the preference for decentralized architecture at service-centric companies gets it the rank of #5 on this list.

Strengths
  1. Non-profit accounting and PSA capabilities are provided out of the box. Expect a non-profit accounting package including grant and fund reporting with a PSA and skill-based scheduling.
  2. Best-of-breed capabilities pre-integrated. The best-of-breed software, such as Concur, SuccessFactors, and CRM, are pre-integrated with SAP S/4 HANA, a pre-baked integration with the potential to save millions of dollars.
  3. HANA and financial traceability for large, global organizations. Because of the power of HANA, SAP S/4 HANA can process very complex transactions with visual traceability across entities, along with end-to-end traceability, auditability, and approvals of SOX compliance workflows.
Weaknesses
  1. CRM and membership capabilities. CRM workflows might not be fluid enough to meet the unique needs of service-centric companies.
  2. Adoption issues for service-centric verticals. Unlike product-centric organizations, service-centric verticals don’t have as financially embedded transactions, causing efficiency issues with teams if their workflows were to be managed inside complex ERP systems such as SAP S/4 HANA.
  3. Overwhelming for smaller organizations. The data model is designed for large, complex organizations, overwhelming for smaller, service-centric organizations.

4. Oracle Cloud ERP

Oracle Cloud ERP, similar to SAP S/4 HANA, is a great fit for very large globally operated organizations, especially publicly traded companies. It can accommodate most service-centric business models as part of its solution and has tailored capabilities for non-profits along with a PSA solution that is tightly embedded with the standalone HCM solution. Compared to SAP S/4 HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP fluid architecture allows flexibility that service-centric companies need for a decentralized architecture along with an ability to create custom forms and workflows easily. Thus, with the solution aligned with the needs of service-centric companies, Oracle Cloud ERP ranks at #4 on our list.

Strengths
  1. Designed for large service-centric organizations. The embedded HCM and CRM processes are suitable for large service-centric organizations. The P2P workflows are friendlier for the indirect procurement needs of such organizations.
  2. Native capabilities for grant and fund accounting. Expect native capabilities for grant and fund accounting provided as part of the package with very robust budget planning tools pre-integrated and pre-populated, easily merged with external datasets.
  3. Embedded HCM and PSA processes. Expect HCM and PSA to be fully immersed with the ERP, as well as grant and fund compliance processes.
Weaknesses
  1. Custom CRM workflows. While Oracle Cloud ERP might support the needs of membership from the perspective of finance and ASC606, the operational capabilities would require translation of data and process model, requiring expensive consulting and internal IT expertise.
  2. Best-of-breed pre-built integrated options may be limited. Expect substantial efforts in integrating sector-specific CRMs and tools, as options may be limited for specific service-centric organizations.
  3. Overwhelming for smaller organizations. The data model and translations required to be successful with the product may be too overwhelming for companies outgrowing QuickBooks or other smaller ERP systems.

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a great fit for service-centric SMB companies with diversified business models operating globally. Its project management module is uniquely tailored to the needs of professional services organizations with each resource identified. It also has non-profit-centric accounting packages provided out of the box and a best-of-breed CRM that is highly customizable. The MS ecosystem also has very highly talented developers capable of customizing the CRM data model to the most unique service-centric workflows. Thus, given its broader focus on service-centric industries, it ranks at #3 on this list.

Strengths
  1. Designed for global companies. Natively supports global regions and localizations. Ideal fit for countries where the other suite-centric solutions, Deltek or Unit4, might not be present.
  2. Non-profit accounting and PSA capabilities are provided out of the box. Expect a non-profit accounting package including grant and fund reporting with a PSA tailored for service-centric organizations and skill-based scheduling.
  3. Marketplace and ecosystem. Augments core capabilities with a very vibrant marketplace, supporting diverse business models such as oil and gas, energy, and non-profit.
Weaknesses
  1. Financial traceability and SOX compliance. It might not be the most Intuitive for finance leaders. The financial traceability may not be as intuitive as SAP for global, publicly traded service-centric companies.
  2. Technical focus and limited business consulting expertise in the Microsoft ecosystem. The ecosystem has technical companies but with limited business consulting experience, which might drive over-customization and overengineering of Microsoft products, ultimately leading to implementation failure.
  3. Limited Microsoft support for smaller partners. Unlike other ERP companies, Microsoft doesn’t offer any support or control to its smaller partners, leading to implementation issues because of the limited control over its channel.

2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations is a great fit for upper-mid-market and lower-enterprise companies operating globally. It can host a variety of business models in one solution, along with the flexibility of customized workflows for service-centric organizations. MS Dynamics 365 F&O includes an out-of-the-box non-profit accounting package along with best-of-breed capabilities supported through its marketplace. It also has a CRM and field service solution that can be used in conjunction with the ERP solution, making it especially relevant for certain service-centric verticals. Thus, due to its wider applicability for many different business models, it ranks at #2 on our list.

Strengths
  1. Designed for large organizations. Ideal for large, global companies with complex service-centric business models operating in multiple countries.
  2. Non-profit accounting package capabilities are offered out of the box. Embedded non-profit accounting capabilities are offered out of the box.
  3. Data center options and data locations of choice might be available in most countries. With the backing of Azure, complying with regulations such as the Patriots Act may be easier, an issue especially crucial with service-centric companies.
Weaknesses
  1. It may not be the best fit for publicly traded companies. The traceability requirements for publicly traded companies might not be as intuitive.
  2. The CRM data model might not be as fluid for certain service-centric verticals. The CRM data model is not as fluid as other solutions in the market, making it less friendly for business users with a need for customized workflows.
  3. Overwhelming for smaller organizations. The data model and infinite scalability might be overwhelming for smaller organizations seeking simpler solutions easier to configure.

1. NetSuite

NetSuite is a great fit for several service-centric verticals, including non-profit, media, energy, utilities, construction, and oil and gas. It can support not only the lighter commerce processes of service-centric businesses but also complex workflows such as subscription-based business models. NetSuite HCM and PSA provide the unique embeddedness service-based organizations need to support their skill-based operations. The FP&A and indirect procurement processes are uniquely tailored for these industries. Thus, with the introduction of field service and its CPQ being tailored, it is one of the most adopted solutions in service-centric verticals, securing its rank at #1 on this list.

Strengths
  1. An in-built package with fund and grant accounting capabilities is offered out of the box. Expect native capabilities for grant and fund accounting provided as part of the package with very robust budget planning tools for SMB non-profit companies pre-integrated and pre-populated, easily merged with external datasets.
  2. Marketplace and ecosystem. Vibrant marketplaces and ecosystems, with tons of pre-baked integrations and add-ons available for diverse business models.
  3. Ideal for global companies growing through M&A. Supports several diverse and global business models out of the box, making it ideal for companies part of the private equity portfolio and growing through M&A. 
Weaknesses
  1. Limited operational depth for some verticals. The operational depth with solutions such as Unit4 or Deltek for certain verticals might require add-ons or custom development.
  2. Embeddedness with best-of-breed solutions. Service-centric verticals that enjoy using their favorite tools, such as Salesforce or JIRA, might not like to use NetSuite for their operational workflows.
  3. Not a fit for very large service-centric organizations. While NetSuite can support very large multi-entity operations, companies that might be acquiring hundreds of companies each year might find NetSuite to be limiting.
+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Conclusion

In contrast to product-centric counterparts, service-centric organizations demand ERP systems with flexibility, given their ad-hoc workflows with limited financial control needs. The limited benefits of ERP processes in service-centric settings can result in adoption challenges, especially in verticals where employee experience matters more than operational efficiency. If you’re choosing an ERP system for service-centric industries, scrutinizing nuances is crucial. When ERP systems seem indistinguishable, the guidance of an independent ERP consultant can be invaluable.

FAQs

Top 10 Project Management Systems In 2024

Top 10 Project Management Systems In 2024

Enterprises undertake a myriad of projects, each presenting distinctive characteristics—internal or external, short or long-term, billable or cost-centric, and varying across industries with specific scheduling and reporting needs. Construction projects diverge substantially from software development endeavors. Each falls under the umbrella of project management, necessitating diverse processes and unique capabilities from project management systems. How do you navigate this complexity effectively?

The architecture of project management systems is also intricately shaped by their capabilities overlapping with other adjacent systems. Being part of an ERP system requires alignment with accounting and procurement, driven by workflow needs and the balance of front-end and back-end processes. Additionally, potential overlaps with CRM processes may arise, particularly when sales and project management are closely linked, necessitating smooth data exchange. In certain industries, where project management systems integrate billing, scheduling, invoicing, and finance extensively, it is termed a PSA, prevalent in professional services. PSA shares design principles similar to project management but encompass broader capabilities than standard project management systems.

Top 10 Project Management Systems in 2024

Project management systems exhibit diversity, yet common elements prevail, reflecting the fundamental components of any project. Projects inherently involve start and end dates, tasks, activities, and the allocation of resources and materials. Correspondingly, project management systems incorporate these essentials, providing features like task scheduling for designated resources to facilitate capacity planning and service delivery. Analyzing your project scope and conducting a gap analysis with a project management software data model will guide you to a fitting solution. Ready to discover the top 10 project management software options for 2024? Let’s explore the details.



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Criteria

  • Definition of a project management system. A siloed system that can be acquired and implemented without dependencies on cross-functional workflows.
  • Overall market share/# of customers. The higher the market share, the higher it ranks on our list.
  • Ownership/funding. Superior financial standing and funding by private equity or corporate investors rank higher on our list.
  • Quality of development. The more cloud-native capabilities, the higher it ranks on our list.
  • Community/Ecosystem. The larger the community, the higher it ranks on our list.
  • Depth of native functionality for specific industries. The deeper the publisher-owned out-of-the-box functionality, the higher it ranks on our list.
  • Quality of publicly available product documentation. The poorer the product documentation, the lower it ranks on our list. 
  • Project management system market share. The higher the marketshare as a project management solution, the higher it ranks on our list.
  • Ability to natively support diversified business models. The more diverse the product, the higher it ranks on our list.
  • Acquisition strategy aligned with this product. The more aligned the acquisitions are with the product, the higher it ranks on our list.
  • User Reviews. The deeper the reviews with pros and cons, the higher the score for a specific product.
  • It must be a project management system: it can’t be a project management module of an ERP. It must be a standalone project management software that can be acquired by the line of business or department without aligning with other departments.

10. Workzone

Initially crafted with ad agencies and marketing firms in mind, Workzone shares similarities with software designed for software development companies. Primarily adept at handling internal projects and workflow components, it encompasses technical and operational features but may lack robust financial capabilities for aspects like invoicing, billing, resource budget planning, and project finance. Another potential drawback is its technology, which may not be as modern as the alternatives on the list. Despite these limitations, Workzone holds a significant market share in its industry verticals, earning it a spot as the 10th choice on our list of project management options.

Pros
  • Displaying the portfolio view of all projects. Unlike smaller packages designed for industries with leaner requirements for portfolio capabilities, these capabilities are robust with Workzone.
  • Set permission levels by project and document. The permission level could be another area, generally leaner in smaller packages, relatively detailed with Workzone.
  • Project templates. Most project management software might have template capabilities but fewer pre-built, which is not a limitation with Workzone.
Cons
  • UX is not as modern as other options on this list, such as Wrike. Their technology might not be as modern as other leading options, making the UX slightly inferior to other products.
  • Batch features such as editing multiple tasks at once might be limiting. Limited batch features might require additional clicks, driving operational inefficiencies.
  • Limited workflow capabilities for each individual user. The limited workflow capabilities may lead to overbloated screens and features for users, causing adoption issues.

9.  ClickUp

Much like Workzone, ClickUp was initially tailored for remote work and agile development teams. While there are some similarities, the unique requirements of Agile and remote teams set them apart significantly from traditional project management, making ClickUp less suitable for other industries. While an excellent choice for software development or marketing firms, it may not be the ideal fit for professional services or construction-centric companies. Considering its strengths and limitations, ClickUp secures the 9th position on our list.

Pros
  • Designed for software development and agile teams and primarily for internal projects. Companies caring for agile-centric capabilities might struggle to relate to the product.
  • Responsive customer support. The other products in this segment will have limited support from external consulting firms, and because of their missing channel, having good support from the provider is a huge advantage.
  • Automation of administrative tasks. Automation of tasks will help maintain data integrity, offering analytical workflows without manual inputs.
Cons
  • Billing and project costing could be a challenge. Companies seeking PSA capabilities or client-centric workflows might struggle with the product, requiring manual overhead for billing and invoicing.
  • Using nested formulas may be a challenge. The flexibility offered by other project management tools, through their formula capabilities, to track dependencies for complex projects, such as Microsoft projects, might not be as detailed.
  • Batch tasks such as bulk user management and CSV capabilities. The limited bulk user management and CSV capabilities might be operationally inefficient for larger teams and complex projects.

8. Jira

Jira stands out as a popular choice among software development firms, largely due to its parent company’s suite offering bug tracking and integration with version management software. However, these capabilities may not be as relevant for other professional companies that prioritize critical functions like billing and invoicing. Despite its widespread use, Jira’s strengths lie primarily in the software development and technology sectors, supported by a dynamic marketplace. Its applicability beyond these domains is limited, leading it to secure the 8th position on our list.

Pros
  • Requirements management and bug tracking are integrated in one place. The tight integration of project management with requirements management and the intertwined nature of bug tracking with Kanban processes is a huge plus for software development companies.
  • Perhaps the best tool for Agile software development and internal project tracking. Due to the unique process of agile development, even the tools designed for marketing agencies might fall short.
  • Requirements, QA, and project management teams can all work together with complete traceability from release, sprint, epics, and user stories. This traceability is a unique requirement for software development because of the unique requirements of diverse teams.
Cons
  • Time tracking may require an add-on. Time tracking is not out-of-the-box, a key input for companies caring for project costing and financials.
  • Might not be the best fit for client-focused project management where the hours need to be billed, and the costs of the projects need to be measured. Industries such as professional services such as accounting legal practices.
  • Software development boilerplate might feel overwhelming for other industries. Jira is likely to have the most software development boilerplate, irrelevant and unrelatable for other companies.

7. Airtable

Airtable belongs to the emerging category of project management tools alongside Monday.com and SmartSheet. These tools, essentially workflow management software, serve diverse needs and function as technical frameworks for various use cases, including project management and CRM. Their flexibility proves advantageous for industries with custom and evolving workflows, like financial services, non-profit organizations, or membership-based entities. However, deploying these tools may necessitate extensive consulting and custom development, potentially leading to over-engineering processes. Tight business rules and data integrity, common in more mature software, may be lacking. Despite their adaptability, these tools secure the 7th position on our list.

Pros
  • Graphic design, integration with 3D models, etc for engineering teams. Airtable’s unique capabilities and integration with graphic design and 3D engineering software make them uniquely suitable for marketing agencies, event management, and architectural and engineering firms.
  • Integration and ecosystem. The biggest advantage of Airtable is the number of integrations available and companies consulting in its ecosystem, augmenting core capabilities.
  • Designed for custom workflows. Companies with custom workflows require substantial flexibility with the data model and the ability to create data-gathering forms for ongoing needs.
Cons
  • Workflow and notifications might not be as advanced as Monday.com. The workflows and notifications are far more developed with other options, such as Monday.com.
  • The interface is not as intuitive as Monday.com. The richer layers providing advanced capabilities might require consulting and training help for users to effectively use the software.
  • Project costing and billing may require consulting hours to get it right. Mature capabilities such as project costing and billing might require expert consulting help, driving implementation budget, and cheaper with other pre-baked platforms.

6. Monday.com

Monday.com presents a comparable alternative to Airtable, differing subtly in its pricing model and industry alignment. Like Airtable, Monday.com is exceptionally well-suited for industries relying on custom workflows, particularly in workflow management scenarios where external collaboration holds equal importance to internal collaboration, resembling use cases found in surveys or customer experience software. However, similar to Airtable, the main drawback of Monday.com lies in its need for consulting assistance to implement more advanced business capabilities, which are pre-built in other options on this list. Despite this limitation, it secures the 6th position on our list.

Pros 
  • Best for industries with custom workflows. The industries with custom workflows would find other smaller packages, flavored for specific business models and industries, constraining.
  • Industry-specific variations and templates. While the core packages might not provide core capabilities, the marketplace offers industry-specific templates and variations, augmenting core capabilities.
  • Clean user interface. The user interface is one of the cleanest, providing a nice balance of spreadsheet-like views and forms, along with the flexibility to switch to different perspectives.
Cons
  • Project costing and billing might require significant expertise and consulting efforts. Companies needing critical financial capabilities embedded with projects would struggle the most, requiring consulting help to be successful.
  • Gantt charts are exported as PDFs, which may be difficult to use in other applications. Complex projects are likely to require compatibility with external software, especially if external teams might collaborate on the projects, making PDF-centric exports restricting.
  • Tasks cannot be linked across boards. The data model is not as linked, creating issues while linking different boards where dependencies might be across the projects among projects or across portfolios.

5. SmartSheet

SmartSheet, similar to Monday.com and Airtable, despite UX not being as compelling as its rivals, is likely to have friendlier capabilities for traditional project managers, similar to Microsoft Project. It combines features similar to Monday.com and Airtable with the ability to create quick boards and Kanban queues along with the calendar view for easy scheduling. It also allows features such as easier workflow management for users, enabling them to enter their time, which will be recorded and accounted for on projects without much operational overhead. However, mature capabilities such as billing and invoicing, etc., would require substantial consulting help or an add-on on top of SmartSheet.

Pros
  • Spreadsheet look, loved by project managers. The biggest plus of SmartSheet is the familiar spreadsheet and MS project look, providing an easier transition for users.
  • Customizable automation is easy to use. Customizable automation does not require as much technical expertise, making it easier for business users to easily customize the workflows for their use.
  • Users can instantly toggle between various project views. The ability to switch between different views increases adoption among users with different preferences.
Cons
  • Billing. Implementing mature features available with a PSA, such as billing, would require substantial consulting help while still causing scalability issues.
  • Project cost tracking. Project cost tracking would require substantial consulting expertise to drive the implementation budget. 
  • Performance with larger sheets. Complex projects with larger sheets might experience performance bottlenecks, slowing them down.

4. Asana

Asana stands out as the market leader, boasting a data and process model that is particularly accommodating for marketing agencies. While it delivers fundamental project management capabilities, especially for non-billable operations, it may not offer the same seamless experience found in workflow management platforms like Monday.com or Airtable, which are designed for companies with customized project management workflows. Despite its rich ecosystem, professional services firms in areas such as accounting or legal may find it less relatable. Nevertheless, its market strength earns it the 4th position on our list.

Pros
  • Designed from the perspective of marketers and creative agencies. Due to its alignment with marketing-centric agencies, marketing, and creative agencies are likely to relate with it more.
  • Integrations and ecosystem. The integration and ecosystem are likely to be friendly for marketing and creative agencies, with the possibility of pre-baked integrations working as is without increasing the consulting budget with custom integration.
  • Track bugs, manage sprints, and plan and run campaigns, events, and product launches. Similar to Jira, it has several features that are uniquely applicable to software development firms and marketing agencies, which is where it is predominantly used.
Cons
  • Primarily for internal project management. Without the PSA capabilities pre-built, it’s meant to be for internal project management, primarily focusing on the operational aspect of project management and not financial.
  • Other industries that are not software or marketing might not be able to relate to it. The industries with substantial divergence from software development or marketing agencies might not be able to relate to it.
  • Project costing and client invoicing. Project costing and invoicing would require substantial consulting help or add-ons, struggling with end-to-end traceability and financial control.

3. Kantata

Kantata, a market leader, caters to companies requiring mature PSA capabilities. Its offerings include workflows like skill-based scheduling, capacity planning, and intricate milestones and billing processes. Kantata boasts two products—one tailored for a native Salesforce experience and the other for an external cloud-native experience akin to Wrike. However, it’s worth noting that Kantata may not be the best fit for smaller companies due to user limits and its higher cost. Nevertheless, for Salesforce users seeking comprehensive capabilities, it secures the 3rd position on our list.

Pros
  • Milestone tracking, billing, and skill-based resource scheduling. Companies with complex project milestones, especially contingent on client billing, would find Kantata especially friendly.
  • Native Salesforce and non-native experience are available through SX and OX platforms. Different options for native salesforce experience or non-native makes provide flexibility with users’ preferences for the right interface.
  • Enterprise-grade PSA functionality for companies that don’t prefer integrated accounting and GL bloatedness of ERP systems. The integrated features of ERP would require corporate alignment with accounting and procurement functions.
Cons
  • Minimum 30 users requirement. The user requirement makes it unfriendly for companies with smaller teams with fewer billable resources. 
  • Might be difficult to use for smaller companies. Smaller companies with resources that are not as digitally savvy and not versed in business transactions with milestone billing might find it overwhelming.
  • It would require expensive consulting services to set it up. The complex data model and workflows would require substantial consulting help to be successful with the product.

2. Wrike

Wrike, positioned in the prescriptive cloud-native category and primarily crafted for internal project management, stands out as an ideal choice for companies seeking versatile project management capabilities. In contrast to Jira and Asana which might have better integration for requirement management or bug tracking, Wrike exhibits superior integration and ecosystem, particularly in time management. Its robust data model surpasses that of smaller project management software, offering detailed capabilities for project portfolio management and sub-projects. Drawing the closest comparison to Asana in terms of strategy and design, Wrike secures the 2nd position on our list.

Pros
  • Comprehensive project management with a focus on transparency and tracking. Ideal for companies seeking pre-baked project management capabilities without much consulting help.
  • Project and team organization can be easily customized to meet teams’ needs. The project structure is fluid enough to accommodate the needs of most projects.
  • Security and granular permission needs. Unlike smaller packages, which might not have as detailed security and workflow capabilities such as enabling task administration for specific users or having multiple moderators, Wrike’s security architecture is not as limited.
Cons
  • Designed for internal project management. The external project management capabilities often found in a fully-baked PSA would be limited, making it less relevant for professional services companies.
  • Client billing and invoicing would be a disconnected experience. The layers required for client billing and invoicing would require ad-hoc arrangements or manual processes.
  • Limited pre-baked reports. The pre-baked reports are highly limited, requiring consulting support for advanced reports such as capacity planning.

1. Teamwork

Positioned as the most balanced choice, Teamwork caters to client-centric professional services seamlessly integrating project delivery capabilities. Diverging from slightly flexible alternatives like Monday.com or Airtable, Teamwork adopts a prescriptive strategy akin to Wrike. Its advantageous alignment with the HubSpot ecosystem enhances its appeal. Notably, Teamwork excels in PSA capabilities, mirroring those of Kantana, and remains accessible for smaller businesses, earning it the top spot on our list.

Pros
  • Client invoicing, project, and timesheet management in one place. This is highly beneficial for companies with billable processes and projects, with operational workflows intertwined with financial such as billing and invoicing.
  • Easier to track project costs and track utilization. Very few options on this list combine both operational and financial aspects of project management. Teamwork is one of them.
  • Unlimited client collaboration users with paid plans. While the data and process model is not as flexible, it would allow client collaboration just as with Monday.com or Airtable.
Cons
  • It might have a steeper learning curve for teams not familiar with the setup. The prescriptive data and process model might have a steep learning curve for skillsets not familiar with the upkeep of relational data models. 
  • The integration options and ecosystem might not be as developed as some other options on this list. The integration and ecosystem might not be as developed as other options on this list, such as Asana or Monday.com etc.
  • It might be more expensive per user than the other options. The pre-baked functionality provided as part of the software would require a higher licensing fee compared to other options on this list.
+

ERP Implementation Failure Recovery

Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.

Conclusion

The project management category may appear entwined with ERP or CRM, yet companies emphasizing internal project management workflows may find integrated solutions overly complex. The inclusion of accounting and procurement workflows could prove cumbersome, especially for companies not caring for cross-functional processes like cost accounting.

Deciding between standalone project management systems and integrated solutions hinges on corporate strategy and enterprise alignment. If you’re seeking standalone options, this list offers potential choices. However, extracting maximum business value from project management software demands expertise—an area where an independent ERP consultant can provide invaluable guidance.

FAQs

Top 10 HCM Software In 2024

Top 10 HCM Software In 2024

HCM software holds a unique position in the architecture. Although some believe ERP should encompass HCM processes, regulatory challenges necessitate a dedicated HCM system. Smaller companies may initially rely on payroll software. However, as they grow, the complexity of HR demands sophisticated HCM solutions to navigate compliance and regulatory issues. Notably, the confidentiality requirements for HR data, encompassing compensation and personal information, pose significant challenges. The challenges are dictated by varying state and country regulations.

There’s a significant overlap between HCM, CRM, and ERP software, given their interconnected nature. Companies with union reporting requirements may need ERP processes embedded with employee data, while those with production scheduling needs require employee data integrated into shop floor processes. Certifications and availability are also crucial, ensuring the allocation of the right skill set for specific jobs.

Selecting an unsuitable HCM software that is not tailored to your industry can impact your enterprise architecture. This list aims to outline the pros and cons of the leading HCM software options available in the market.



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

10. UKG Ready

UKG Ready stands out among the top HCM software for SMBs, suitable for global organizations with basic HCM needs. Positioned between smaller solutions like BambooHR and ZohoHR and larger ones like Workday and SuccessFactors, UKG Ready offers a more accessible adoption for smaller organizations. Unlike larger counterparts, it doesn’t require configuring enterprise-level approvals, making it user-friendly. Companies headquartered in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., France, the Netherlands, Belgium, New Zealand, and Australia can leverage UKG Ready for employee support in over 85 countries.

However, UKG Ready may not suit larger organizations with specific needs like succession planning, flexible benefits, and intricate compliance reporting requirements.

9. Zoho HCM

Zoho HCM is tailored for SMBs in sectors like IT, media, education, healthcare, and finance, particularly advantageous for those already using other Zoho apps. With a budget-friendly licensing price, it’s accessible for startups and smaller companies, complemented by strong support for DIY usage.

Zoho HCM’s simplified design suits their business model but may not be ideal for industries with intricate reporting or compliance needs. Larger companies with complex benefits management requirements may find it lacking. Additionally, Zoho HCM supports around 20 languages, limiting its global reach compared to UKG Ready.

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8. Infor WFM

Infor WFM is tailored for larger manufacturing organizations with union workers, catering to industries like automotive, aerospace, hospitality, public sector, and healthcare. It addresses specific employee reporting requirements governed by OSHA and other relevant regulatory organizations in specific countries.

Infor WFM, being a relatively costly product, is not an ideal fit for SMBs. It is best suited for larger companies with a minimum revenue of $250 million and a substantial workforce. The solution is particularly advantageous for organizations already utilizing Infor products like Infor LN or M3, as it seamlessly integrates with them. This integration facilitates the embedding of employee data into service and procurement scheduling workflows.

7. Ceridian Dayforce HCM

Ceridian Dayforce HCM is designed for SMB companies in manufacturing, retail, hospitality, the public sector, and healthcare. While it shares similarities with Infor WFM, Dayforce is more tailored for smaller organizations with a significant focus on blue-collar and hourly workers.

The solution lacks advanced features like benefits management, what-if scenarios, and succession planning, making it unsuitable for companies needing intricate approval processes or robust security workflows.

6. ADP Vantage HCM

ADP Vantage provides an integrated suite featuring HR Payroll, Workforce Management, Benefits, Recruiting, and Talent Management. Tailored for large enterprises with 1000+ employees, it is particularly advantageous for those already using ADP for payroll, offering separation of duties and accommodating various management layers.

For smaller companies, setting up and maintaining ADP Vantage can be complex, given the additional overhead of separation of duties. Communication issues among different modules, particularly between benefits management and payroll, can pose challenges for real-time interactions, as reported by our customers.

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5. BambooHR

BambooHR, geared towards SMBs with basic HCM needs, competes closely with ZohoHR. Both target similar industries and startups with smaller HR departments and limited implementation budgets. With a total implementation cost as low as $3-5K, BambooHR provides support directly from Bamboo HR or through one of its partners.

The solution has limited reporting capabilities and may necessitate add-ons for advanced features like time clocks. In contrast, more advanced products such as Ceridian offer these capabilities out-of-the-box.

4. UKG Pro

UKG Pro, the flagship product in the UKG portfolio, caters to mid-large organizations with a need for enterprise workflows, separation of duties, and comprehensive workforce management. It seamlessly integrates with UKG Dimension products for advanced workforce management, positioning itself as a full-suite product akin to Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and Oracle HCM. With native localization in over 100 countries, it eliminates the need for add-ons or partner-provided functionality to support diverse global requirements.

UKG Pro faces a challenge in its ecosystem with a limited number of available partners for product support, especially when compared to industry counterparts like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and Oracle Cloud HCM.

3. Oracle Cloud HCM

Designed for larger enterprises with complex management structures and approval flows, Oracle Cloud HCM is ideal for industries like technology, media, telecommunications, and healthcare. It offers additional advantages for organizations already utilizing other Oracle products, such as Oracle Cloud ERP. 

Despite its strengths, Oracle Cloud HCM presents challenges, particularly with its user interface, which relies on legacy products like Taleo. Smaller companies may find its complex workflows and data setup overwhelming. Moreover, it may not be the optimal choice for industries employing blue-collar workers, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors when evaluating the solution.

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2. Successfactors

Tailored for enterprises, the SuccessFactors HXM suite is an ideal choice for companies utilizing other SAP products, notably SAP S/4 HANA. Boasting support for 43 languages and over 45 localizations, it provides a holistic solution. With a dynamic ecosystem of consultants, it meets the varied requirements of manufacturing and trade-related industries, presenting a compelling option for businesses deeply rooted in the SAP ecosystem.

SAP SuccessFactors seamlessly integrates with other enterprise-grade SAP products like Qualtrics for comprehensive employee experience workflows. However, its extensive capabilities and costs might be overwhelming for smaller companies.

1. Workday

Workday caters to enterprise-level companies requiring intricate management workflows, particularly in complex hire-to-retire and benefits compensation processes. Its strength lies in industries like technology, media, telecom, insurance, and financial services, aligning with sectors where Salesforce is prominent. Workday is frequently deployed alongside Salesforce, FinancialForce, and ServiceNow to address comprehensive IT management and workflow automation needs. A key advantage of Workday is its cloud-native UI and seamless integration with other suite products, including EPM and Financials.

Despite its strengths, Workday Financials is not always a fully matured product and is sometimes overpromoted by its partners, leading to instances of failed implementations. Success with Workday requires careful selection and expertise in enterprise architecture.

Final Words

Given the variations in labor laws across states and countries, selecting and implementing HCM products demands a deeper level of expertise, such as that of independent ERP consultants. HCM workflows are often intricately linked with ERP, MES, and Service Scheduling modules. Consequently, HCM software selection can have wide-ranging implications on the overall enterprise architecture, potentially influencing operational efficiencies.

When incorporating HCM software into your architecture, it’s essential to clearly define roles and responsibilities for each system interfacing with the HCM software. This list aims to assist you in shortlisting potential options that align with your architecture needs.

FAQs

Top 10 Digital Transformation Roles

Top 10 Digital Transformation Roles

Looking for an ERP consultant who might be able to answer every question you might have? Well, unfortunately, just like different skill sets exist in a house construction project, ERP projects are no different with their need for digital transformation roles and skill sets. In fact, at a much bigger scale. Also, the more components you have in your architecture, the more skillsets you might require. Because the underlying technologies may be different, and they require years of training and specialization – to hit the ground running from day one, as that would be the expectation from ERP consultants.

Additionally, their educational backgrounds vary. The person who studied Supply Chain is likely to be deeper in the Supply Chain role. The same could apply to accounting and sales processes as well. A weaker chain (or an inexperienced resource) might slow down the whole project as they would need to be coached at every step of the way. Think of coaching basic ERP concepts such as the difference between a receipt and a voucher – and their implications on the process if interchanged. Their decision-making might not be sound either, which might have catastrophic consequences for the project.

Top 10 Digital Transformation Roles - List

So, understanding the importance of each of the digital transformation roles is critical for the success of your digital transformation initiatives. Most digital transformation initiatives fail because of a missing skillset. Or assigning unqualified resources to crucial positions. This is especially important for key cross-functional roles such as project manager or sponsor. These roles are typically more critical than the others, such as subject-matter experts. This list will help you understand the different digital transformation roles that might be required for your unique project.



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

10. Change Management Consultant

The change management consultant drives the entire change management process (and is among one of the most critical digital transformation roles). It starts with the identification of change, creating a business case to justify the change, exploring several change initiatives, and finally, implementing and monitoring changes. Depending on your budget, you might hire a dedicated change consultant or work with an independent ERP consultant. The independent consultants might bundle change management offerings along with their ERP selection, implementation, and integration expertise. 

Irrespective of the approach, change management is absolutely essential for the success of your technology initiatives. The technical vendors (and your internal teams) will struggle with change management due to the “power struggle.” So an external change management consultant is recommended. Depending upon the structure of your organization (and the scope of this role), you might need up to 20-25% of their time allocated to the project. With more involvement during the pre-selection phase, as well as the training phase.

9. Best-of-breed Apps and Add-on Experts

The role of best-of-breed apps and add-on experts is to provide the functional and technical expertise of these add-on products. Most ERP consultants are unlikely to have depth with each add-on or application. 

So you might need at least part-time resources that are familiar with these apps. The more apps you have in your architecture, the more skill sets you might require. And the more part-time resources you are likely to have as part of your project, the harder the scheduling will be, driving the overall costs of the project. Depending upon the structure of your organization (and the scope of this role), you might need a couple of hrs of their time as and when needed. Since these resources could be a true bottleneck to the project planning, you might want to pre-allocate some of their capacity. Or identify areas where their input might be required early in the process to ensure that they are not a showstopper for the project.

8. ERP Integration Consultants

Most ERP applications are huge in size and have thousands of tables and modules. The traditional ERP consultants are divided into two streams: functional and technical. ERP technical consultants specialize in Windows and proprietary database programming for that application. Also, traditional ERP applications were not service-oriented architecture-based. So, ERP consultants didn’t have as strong integration skills. The integration consultants specialize in API integrations, enterprise integration patterns, master data governance, and enterprise architecture

If you have multiple applications in your architecture, you will need specialized ERP integration consultants. Depending upon the complexity of your architecture and integration requirements, you might need part-time or full-time integration consultants. The integration consultants might also require time from ERP technical or functional consultants – to get help on cross-functional testing (as they might not be as deep functionally with each application in the architecture). So their availability can’t be the bottleneck, similar to other cross-functional roles mentioned below.

7. ERP Technical Consultants

ERP technical consultants are the technical experts of specific applications. Each product may have its own technical specialist. For example, technical consultants who focus on NetSuite might not have experience with Oracle Fusion Cloud. Or vice versa. The technical consultants are also extremely weak in their functional knowledge. And they can’t act as a functional consultant due to their limited knowledge. Their educational background is in software engineering, while the ERP functional consultants are likely to have an accounting, industrial engineering, supply chain, or mechanical engineering degree. 

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Even among technical consultants, there might be several skill sets, such as a report writer, form designer, DBA, or data migration consultants. They each have different expertise and skill sets. Depending upon the customizations expected, the need for technical consultants might vary. Heavier customization would typically require a higher allocation of technical consultants. However, technical consultants might not be required for the entire duration of the project. Their need would be more critical during the development phase. Once the customizations stabilize, the functional consultants should be able to handle the project – without their help.

6. ERP Functional Consultants

ERP functional consultants specialize in specific functional areas. The larger the products, the more complex the functional processes are likely to be. And the more consultants you are likely to need. For example, Smaller systems such as NetSuite or Acumatica may require only one functional consultant. Systems such as SAP S/4 HANA, Oracle ERP Cloud, and Microsoft Dynamics F&O, on the other hand, may require several functional consultants with a specialization in each functional area, such as accounting, supply chain, manufacturing, sales, etc.

Depending upon the complexity of your project, you might need full-time or part-time functional consultants – to test the configurations and resolve functional issues. Their role will also be to assist the principal functional/technical consultant (and project manager) with research and recommendations. Their role would be relevant during the implementation phase, with minimal involvement during the pre-selection phase.

5. Vendor- and Solution-agnostic ERP Consultant/Enterprise Architect/Principal Functional Consultant

Just like you need architecture for your home or kitchen, you also need for your software and IT applications. Architecture is a blueprint that clearly describes the boundaries of each system and its role in enterprise architecture. It also describes the interaction flows, with a clear agreement between data producers and custodians. Finally, it defines the model for reconciliation between different systems – should there be a conflict among systems.

Most teams and vendors are likely to create architecture from their perspective. And this often results in application silos, duplication of efforts, overengineering of components, and data issues. This one is perhaps among the most critical digital transformation roles for your project. Some independent ERP consultants might be able to include this role along with their change management expertise. However, an external consultant is recommended for this role. Depending upon the complexity of your architecture, you might need at least a part-time resource who acts as the advisor or oversees the overall process. This role is the longest-serving role of the ERP project, starting from the beginning of the project to the post-implementation phase.

4. Internal Subject Matter Experts

These subject matter experts should be the focus of your implementations. Why? Because they need to drive the training and evangelize the change for their internal teams. It’s critical that they appreciate and embrace the new platform. These are your internal operational users (such as supply chain managers, ops managers, and sales managers) who have the most depth in the business processes. They provide crucial details that strategic business process owners need to make key decisions. 

You need to allocate at least 10-20% of their time for the entire project. And involve them during the selection, process re-engineering, solution design, UAT, and training. 

3. Internal Business Process Owners

These are your business processes executives such as VP of Sales, VP of Ops, VP of Engineering, VP of Supply Chain, and VP of Finance who are responsible for making crucial decisions for their respective functions. 

They work in conjunction with subject matter experts and make decisions with a strategic perspective in mind. You will need their few hours allocated every week to be part of weekly demos and monthly steering committee meetings, along with any detailed meetings that may require their input for the to-be state.

2. ERP Project Manager

The ERP project manager is perhaps the second most critical role in your transformation. And ideally must be served by controllers, VP of Finance, CFOs, and sometimes by the CEOs for smaller organizations. They might hire a project coordinator to hand off some of the operational responsibilities if they are too busy with their day jobs. 

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This person is responsible for driving the project and keeping the project under budget and on time. This person must be comfortable negotiating with business process owners in the event of a conflict among different functions. Depending upon the size of the organization, allocate either full-time or 50% to ensure he/she is not the bottleneck for the project.

1. ERP Sponsor

The ERP sponsor is either the CFO, COO, or CEO, depending upon the size of the organization. The role of the sponsor is to set the vision for the project, provide resources, set KPIs to measure success, and help business process owners make key strategic decisions. 

Their role is not to make decisions for them. But to ensure that the decisions are consistent with the original vision and the interests of all functions are equally represented in the architecture. The ERP sponsor must participate in the monthly steering committee meetings and will need a few hours of their time each month. 

Final Words

Building an ERP project team is an art and science, with the expertise to be able to foresee showstoppers before it’s too late. The issues could be related to the team or technology. They each impact the cost and scheduling of the project.

While you will get better with your team-building expertise and experience, don’t underestimate the importance of any of the roles mentioned on this list. The primary reason why most organizations struggle with digital transformation initiatives is that they underestimate the effort involved with these initiatives – and try to “outsmart” the process, which fires back more often than not. So be really informed with each of your decisions – as you build your core project team that is capable of delivering on your vision.

FAQs

Top 10 Recommendations for Digital Transformation in 2023

Top 10 Recommendations for Digital Transformation

Who would not like to find the “secret” recommendations for digital transformation? Unfortunately, with enterprise-wide transformation projects, there is no checklist that can be followed. These projects require careful preparation and alignment of several areas. And they all, collectively, drive the success of your digital transformation projects. 

Also, with enterprise transformation projects, technology alone can’t solve business issues for you. You will need to align the compensation structure along with KPIs and enterprise architecture. Also, even if you have invested in substantial efforts with your pre-selection and business process reengineering, things might fall off during the implementation phase unless you have controls in place for code, master data, and architecture review (and compliance).

Top 10 Recommendations For Digital Transformation - List

Finally, most departments typically try to pull the architecture in their direction. This often results in the “loudest” departments being more represented in the architecture. Implications? Both overengineering and under-engineering issues will cause a disjointed experience for users. And they might end up with siloed applications or spreadsheets – defeating the overarching purpose of transformation initiatives. Following these recommendations for digital transformation will set you up for a successful transformation project.



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

1. Reassess Your Current Architecture and Systems

People often forget that your architecture is more important with enterprise-grade transformations than the technologies used. While it might appear promising at the surface, new software very rarely would solve your business problems. But why? Because unless there is a clear alignment in current gaps and process changes, the new system might not be as effective. It might even cause disruptions to your current operational processes if not planned well. 

Your chances of success will be higher if you redefine a vendor-agnostic architecture tailored to current operational limitations. First, improvement opportunities with the current architecture were identified. Then, only if it makes sense, replace a system where it’s a clear misfit based on your business model and growth ambitions. Assessing your architecture requires deep subject matter expertise with your systems, processes, and data – in order to perform an informed assessment. This assessment helps understand if the changes would make sense for your architecture (and at the stage of your business).

2. Centralized Transformation, Change, and Budget Management

Due to the lack of perceived short-term benefits (and risks for business process leaders), enterprise transformation initiatives typically take the backseat. So what’s the solution? Form a centralized digital transformation team and allocate a corporate budget for enterprise-wide transformation. 

What else? Identify change opportunities that impact your current systems and processes. Manage them centrally. And Define the blueprint for each changeset and assess its impact. Anything else? Yes, prioritize them and design phases including release strategy, And then execute them based on feasibility. Recommendations for digital transformation such as this help your vision take the front seat and resolve conflicts easily.

3. Compensation and KPI design

Have KPIs that are not only departmental. However, they should be aligned with the strategic priorities as well. Most corporations focus on short-term results. And that comes at the expense of the lack of interest in long-term strategic investment and initiatives such as enterprise-wide transformation

Impact of the short-term mindset? It results in duplicated efforts across departments and information silos. These silos are typically counterproductive for the overall success and financial health of the organization.

4. Don’t Ask Your Technology Vendors to Define Your Enterprise Architecture

Your enterprise architecture is essentially your business model. While technology vendors such as SAP or Oracle and their resellers might provide great technical capabilities, they are experts at tools in their portfolio. Their role should be limited to defining system architecture once the other architecture has been well-defined. 

So, what are these other architectural pieces? Business, process, and data architecture. And they all must be designed in a technology- and vendor-agnostic fashion. Who can help with this design? Qualified consultants with multi-system and multi-ERP expertise are better positioned to offer recommendations for digital transformation architectural components and their interactions.

5. Invest in Pre-selection Phase

The software development lifecycle requires you to go through the four critical phases of software implementation. Namely, requirement, design, test, and implementation. While buying enterprise software can save you a ton of effort and risk, these phases are equally relevant even for enterprise software implementation. Sometimes, even more so. 

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The pre-selection phase identifies requirements and process states. It also provides visibility into the as-is and to-be workflows for each department. Then it helps focus on the right critical success factors along with identifying gaps and development efforts required.

6. Get help from Independent ERP and Digital Transformation Consultants

Most executives go through 3-5 digital transformation initiatives in their careers. So designing the state of the system and processes based on this limited experience would not provide enough data and sample size to learn the architectural best practices. And forecast the possibility of each decision. 

The independent ERP and digital transformation consultants work with many different businesses. And they have already seen the mistakes that you are likely to make with your next transformation. Are consultants too expensive? Hire them at least to vet your plans and mentorship if you are on a tight budget.

7. Don’t Let Developers/IT Managers or Functional Subject Matter Experts Design the Architecture

Designing an enterprise system is similar to engineering functions in manufacturing. How so? The skill set that might be good with operational execution might not be the best for strategic and engineering design. Also, the developers and IT managers typically don’t have the visibility and business background to be able to negotiate process changes with functional stakeholders. 

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The same applies to functional leaders. While they might know a lot from the business perspective, the technical perspective is equally important in assessing performance and process issues due to poorly coded and integrated processes. You need someone who has a deep background in designing enterprise-grade systems, along with deep business expertise and education

8. Try to Reduce the Amount of Code You Own

With custom software, you might own 100% of the code, whereas with an ERP implementation, you might own roughly 30%. This might include any customizations, home-grown integrations, or proprietary systems. While software development might appear cheaper on its surface, owning and maintaining code over time requires economies of scale. So unless the custom code is part of your commercial offering, owning it will always be more expensive. 

So are there any components that are better suited for internal ownership? Yes, the components that change frequently such as EDI integration. Or the ones that may require substantial manual inputs from business users during the processing of transactions. The rest of the components can easily be bought at a much cheaper price from enterprise software vendors.

9. Invest in Master Data Governance

Most organizations end up reimplementing the same ERP system at least 2-3 times even within 5-10 years of the upgrade cycle. Most times it’s the mismanagement of master data that is the culprit. Poor master data management often leads to ad-hoc processes, adoption issues, and the need for external systems. 

The successful management of master data requires clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each system. And functions controlling the data and its interaction flow. It also requires forming a centralized function responsible for designing and maintaining master data compliance. 

10. Be ready to “Kill Your Darlings”

Fragmented and siloed operations often result in proprietary applications. These applications might make sense in a siloed and fragmented architecture. But not in the context of enterprise architecture

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ERP Optimization And Integration Architecture Development

Learn how Work Sharp fixed their broken ERP implementation that caused customer service issues and improved Supply Chain planning.

The legacy and proprietary applications might drive the customizations and additional unnecessary integration flows to accommodate their shortcomings. It might be cheaper to replace these proprietary systems and use components that might be pre-integrated with the new solution.

Final Words

There are no secrets to digital transformation. It’s the structured approach along with the alignment that makes or breaks ERP implementation. With the increased number of channels driven by customer experience, the importance of architecture can’t be underestimated.

The digital transformation initiatives were never meant to be this difficult. But they do require expertise and thoughtful execution. Also, cultural and process changes have a direct impact on digital transformation initiatives. By following these recommendations, you will be set up for success with your digital transformation initiatives.

FAQs

Top 15 Reasons For Digital Transformation Failure

Top 15 Reasons for Digital Transformation Failure

Most executives are afraid of digital transformation. And I don’t blame them–with the amount of undertaking required for such projects. Not to mention that it took a long time for companies to understand – that digital transformation projects are not meant to be technology projects (The initiatives that developers can code in their backyard. The ones that can provide a crystal ball that can solve all your business performance issues). In reality, digital transformation failure typically has more impact on your businesses than most other disruptions (Unless it’s a full nuclear war). So why are some projects more successful than others?

There are millions of variables that could be responsible for failure. Team. Technologies. Vendors. Project managers. Change Management. Also, with so many variables involved, everyone is likely to have their own theories. There is no clear consensus, which makes it confusing for first-time buyers. While it’s much harder to find why a specific digital transformation project may have failed, it’s much easier to analyze the successful ones. One thing that successful teams do differently is that they don’t underestimate the efforts involved with these projects. 

Top 15 Reasons for Digital Transformation Failure - Light

That’s probably the reason why the larger companies with multiple ERP implementations under their belt are likely to be more successful than the smaller companies. There are smaller companies that are likely to be successful as well. However, in their case, the executives must have experience leading multiple ERP implementations at larger companies. While this is one factor, there are more layers to what makes them successful (as per our study done with more than 200 executives suggests). Excited to review the results?

1. Misalignement in scope 

Misalignment in scope is perhaps the #1 reason for digital transformation project failure. Some people might blame the “invisibility” aspect of software development – to claim that there will always be surprises with software implementation. Also, there is a common misconception that there is no point in planning if there are going to be surprises anyway. Following this approach is an “extreme” thinking mindset where you don’t prepare for an exam – just because there might be a chance of failure.

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Software implementation projects require the same amount of engineering processes. As much as manufacturing or construction. Sure, there have been advancements in methodologies – such as agile – to uncover risks earlier. However, the fundamentals of software engineering still apply. They require careful analysis and design by qualified ERP consultants (the consultants that regularly implement for various industries and business processes).

Also, unfortunately, analyzing at “100K-foot” levels (the mindset that going too deep into technical analysis may be a waste of time) approaches aren’t good enough to be successful with these projects. It’s a careful balance of high and low-level needs. A balance that will help you find the scope with an iterative process and a scope that will likely not have any misalignments. Or surprises (Don’t we like surprises?).

2. Unrealistic Expectations

The only reason why unrealistic expectations lead to ERP implementation failure is to underestimate the amount of effort required. In fact, unrealistic expectations and misalignment in scope are so interdependent that they could be each other’s cause (Wait, what? Have I confused you enough yet?).

The root cause for unrealistic expectations is the “mindset” that maybe there is an easier way. Maybe the “consulting companies” are in the business of overcharging their customers. Maybe consultants have a tendency to overcomplicate things so they can make more money. While, as with any profession, there might be some bad apples out there, the issue is typically with the companies who don’t have enough experience under their belt in leading digital transformation initiatives.

The best way to mitigate such issues is to be patient with the process and do as much research as possible to understand the core issues. Also, recommended is not ignoring the advice of your consultants. The more implementation you have under your belt, the more conservative you will be with these projects. And the higher chances you will have of success with such projects. The only way to succeed is to be realistic (and extremely conservative) with these projects.



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

3. Inability to re-engineer processes (aligned with the capabilities of new system architecture)

Constructing a house based on how your old house appears today is likely to result in the same “old” house – with not much improvement (Isn’t that what we all want? The constructive ways of wasting our money? For all practical purposes, no!). Constructing an improved house requires you to have a deep reflection on the old house as well as the root cause of each issue you had in the old house. Along with the “mental model” (I prefer a blueprint on a piece of paper) of the new house based on your new needs. This task is way harder than you would think. 

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ERP Optimization And Integration Architecture Development

Learn how Work Sharp fixed their broken ERP implementation that caused customer service issues and improved Supply Chain planning.

Being successful with it would require a solid knowledge of several different ERP systems and implementation experience in several industries. So, you have enough data points to identify the right model that will be successful, given the constraints of this new house. Without business process reengineering, companies mistakenly assume “old and broken” processes as their needs. And hand it over as requirements to the technical teams. 

Given the constraints, the technical team might spend months customizing these needs. And even after successful technical implementation, they might never work for users as they might deviate from the system’s optimal state. Skipping the crucial step of business process reengineering results in ERP implementation failure. Along with adoption and change management issues due to the limited understanding of the rationale for change.

4. Over-customization of the software

Most companies with limited experience with ERP implementation have a tendency to underestimate the effort involved in customizing software. The customization not only results in the core system’s sub-optimal performance. But it also causes user adoption issues due to the alteration of systems’ natural state.

Also, most organizations that may have promoted their developers to IT operations managers too early to a CIO role are likely to customize the software heavily (Also, they hate dollar conversations, which is perhaps the bread and butter for a CFO) The business rules in ERP are so nested that even if you implemented a feature successfully (for your own use case), it’s likely to break for other departments.

So, customization of software will always have a much higher chance of implementation failure. The best strategy to save an ERP implementation because of over-customization is to perform a thorough gap analysis during the selection and get recommendations from implementation architects in terms of the effort involved – in implementing each gap. If the effort seems too high, most likely, you have selected the wrong software. Or your process needs to be simplified further (You also have the option to pray. They always work with digital transformation). Thorough scrutiny and deep probing of each gap will help you understand that you are customizing only when it’s absolutely essential.

5. Usage of too many poorly written bolt-ons (impacting operational performance)

Most systems’ design assumes their natural state for optimal performance. While they all might allow customization, the system may have never been tested with the overlapping boundaries of add-ons. The add-ons might also be poorly written – and might cause performance implications.

There is also a misconception that no-code technologies can help you integrate anything and everything. Yes, that is true. But when it comes to mapping data flows and identifying sources of authority, the fewer variables you have in your model, the higher chances you would have with your digital transformation initiatives. (You want one thief to steal your money. So you kind of know who stole what)

Using too many add-ons is a major factor in digital transformation failure. This is due to the increased number of variables that are controlled by multiple vendors, their technologies, and release cycles. Having too many add-ons is a clear red flag that there might be better options out there. And a factor that you should watch closely while signing your software contract.

 6. Organizational change management

Underestimating the importance of change management results in digital transformation failure. But change management is typically the first symptom (Like a fever is an expression of inner rage) that you might notice regardless of the underlying issues that might be driving poor adoption. For example, change management issues could be a result of poor training, suboptimal system design, and workflows – or misfit technical systems. 

“Business consultants” with very little background in formal software engineering have a tendency to believe that you can solve all change management issues with superior training. Well, it’s almost like saying that you can solve all sales performance issues with the right “mindset.” Can you?

Sure, “mindset” and “training” play a huge role in change management. But it’s not just the training that is responsible for the success of digital transformation initiatives. It’s the synergy of systems, technologies, design, processes, and motivations that make digital transformation initiatives successful. But the most important factor for effective change management would always be the ability of change management consultants to work with the technical teams – to ensure that there is no misalignment in strategy and execution.

 7. Lack of maturity of enterprise architecture

The lack of maturity in enterprise architecture is a leading cause of digital transformation failure. Most SMB companies don’t even understand the number of components that might be included as part of the software contract. Just like manufacturing, a critical part can halt your product line, and a weak component of your “software BOM” could lead to digital transformation failure.

Irrespective of whether you buy or build – or how many ever add-ons you have in your architecture – enterprise architecture is extremely critical. The enterprise architecture encompasses four different perspectives: 1) business architecture 2) process architecture 3) data architecture 4) system architecture. 

When most companies think of enterprise architecture, they see it as a “technical” concept. But just like an org chart is to people, enterprise architecture is to systems. And the success of your enterprise architecture relies on having clear boundaries of systems and processes. Because they each play a role in defining cross-functional processes So not having a clearly defined enterprise architecture is the surefire way of failing your digital transformation initiatives.

 8. Poor governance of master data

Master data forms the foundation of your enterprise architecture. Without having a clear interaction model of each dataset, the systems are likely to have duplicated data in multiple systems. The inefficiencies caused by duplicate data and data silos lead to more fragmented systems. Ultimately causing even more data silos. Tracing data dependencies in your enterprise architecture might feel like a confused mouse in a maze.

Even developers and technical architects struggle to understand the concept of sources of truth. The most common misconception is about the multiple sources of truth. Some people believe that multiple sources of truth mean keeping duplicate data in multiple systems. Sure, are there any systems that can be implemented by completely decoupling data dependencies? Yes. But is that architecture going to be appropriate for every single dataset? Probably not. And most certainly not for the architecture containing financial systems and processes.

Implementing event-driven architecture with completely decoupled datasets works when the reliability of data is not as important a concern. Think of social media messages or error logs published by remote devices. What’s a big deal if we might lose an error or social media message? No big deal right? But with financial data where the books need to be reconciled to pennies, the reliability of data is extremely critical. And the data architecture that allows you a high degree of relatability and traceability is a crucial requirement.

 9. System selection gone wrong

Selecting appropriate systems requires you to have updated knowledge of architectural patterns – and several enterprise software categories, including ERP, HCM, CRM, and eCommerce. The software systems available in the market have extremely overlapping boundaries – with substantial duplication in code bases. And this is only going to get worse! Also, it is equally critical to have profound expertise and advanced knowledge of your industry and business model.

Without a comprehensive knowledge of systems and processes, your gap analysis is likely to miss critical gaps that command the highest amount of dollars — and lead to ERP implementation failure. Also, prior to investing in technology, you need to invest in defining the other three legs of the stool: 1) business architecture 2) process architecture 3) data architecture. Selecting a poorly fit system will lead to over-bloating of processes and systems, resulting in serious adoption issues. Don’t sign a software contract without performing an exhaustive search of all systems available in the market.

 10. Past results = Future success (With digital transformation initiatives)

You might never be proud of the first home that you bought. As you develop deeper recognition of your own needs, you are likely to do a lot more planning and “sketching” with your next purchase. The same principles apply to digital transformation. First-time executives are likely to be most optimistic about finding “cheaper” and “smarter” approaches to digital transformation (unfortunately, poker strategies don’t work very well with digital transformation initiatives). 

As you implement more systems, the deeper will be your analysis. And more conservative will be your approach. The conservative approach to system design and planning leads to digital transformation success. So make sure you don’t cut corners in hiring the right expertise to lead your digital transformation initiatives.

 11. Ability to work with technology vendors

Just like an engineer must be able to connect and relate with your shop floor workers, your ERP core team must be able to connect and relate with your developers and technical consultants. This relatability requires you to speak their language in the format they understand (and with digital transformation implementation, God will not translate for you). 

Not listening to their concerns or ignoring their advice with the attitude of “too much into weeds” will lead to ignoring critical issues that might have disastrous consequences on your enterprise architecture. They also require translating business vision and priorities into technical architectural components that will help them connect the dots. Several years of experience working with technology vendors helps in building the right rapport with technical teams – and leads to digital transformation success. 

 12. Poorly written test scripts (and the missing framework for test compliance)

Writing good test scripts takes years of practice. With ERP systems, it’s even harder. Because you need to segment the functionality that is pre-tested and provided by OEMs – from your custom configurations and customizations. To do this, you need to have a deep understanding of the core ERP functionality. And The more lines of code you own – the more testing you need (like the more money you own, the more stress you will have).

The main issues with enterprise-grade systems are data dependencies and the length of enterprise transactions. That makes documenting and tracking test cases and results much more difficult. It takes years of practice for ERP testers to identify the right test scripts. That will help uncover critical issues early in the process. And avoid showstoppers later in the release cycle. The showstoppers that typically lead to digital transformation nightmares.

 13. Uncontrollable issues

Because of the “invisibility” issue of software implementations, you will always find uncontrollable issues. However, it is the thorough planning and early detection of critical technical and process issues that help minimize uncontrollable issues. It is also the research that has gone into each issue to minimize the impact on time and budget.

But sometimes, finding a fine balance between the time required to perform research and the budgetary implications of showstoppers is key. Investing too much time in issues that might never surface may be a pure waste of time and resources. This is why consultants who have deep experience in executing large programs are better equipped to identify these issues much earlier in the process – and save digital transformation nightmares.

 14. Not having a dedicated internal skilled project manager

The most challenging part of a digital transformation project is the missing cross-functional link. Typically, in SMB organizations, the CEO has the most cross-functional understanding. And the only person who is qualified to negotiate with each department in executing or organization’s vision. The problem may be more difficult with organizations with multiple subsidiaries. 

And unfortunately, the CEO very rarely has time to get into the “weeds” of the project (who cares for a neglected weed anyways?). Or mediate conversations when there is a conflict among functional or BU leaders. This is where the project mangers’ role is absolutely critical for the success of the project. 

The project manager must have several ERP implementations under his/her belt and have a formal educational background in business or supply chain. Also, one of the most critical skills of a project manager is to be unbiased (except when it comes to preference for their coffee) and spend time working closely with executive teams. Hiring an intern or a “generalist” project manager with no formal background in Supply Chain and software engineering is a sure recipe for disaster.

 15. Treating digital transformation projects as a technical implementation

While the major component of digital transformation initiatives is technology, it alone can’t solve all your problems (with solitude, it’s independence; with digital transformation, it’s interdependence). It has to be the synergy of processes, data, organizational structure, compensation plans, and systems. 

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Treating your digital transformation project as a technical project typically leads to over-customization of workflows, overengineering of processes, and data siloes. They all lead to poor adoption – and, ultimately, digital transformation failure. Involving your business users from day one through the process of business process re-engineering will help them understand the technical challenges and articulate their needs in a technically feasible manner. This will also help forecast the challenges they might expect when they are live on a system.

Final Words

There are several factors that could lead to digital transformation failure. It’s never one vendor. Or a system. But one surefire way to fail your digital transformation would be – to underestimate the amount of effort involved with digital transformation and ignore the pre-selection phase. This sets the tone for how badly the digital transformation initiative will fire back. Because they always fire back unless carefully planned.

Digital transformation initiatives are like going for heart surgery. The first time will always be the most painful. As you get used to surgeries — and how to mentally prepare for the surprises with each one – hopefully, you won’t be as afraid with your next surgery.

FAQs

Top 15 Digital Transformation Trends in 2024

2023 didn’t turn out to be the year we expected. It was full of ups and downs. While some positive indicators suggest promise for 2024, ongoing uncertainty is anticipated until a potential interest rate decrease in H2 of the following year. This uncertainty is poised to directly influence digital transformation trends, leading CFOs to adopt a conservative approach in approving budgets for initiatives with uncertain short-term ROI.

Also, despite significant AI momentum, translating AI technologies into predictable business outcomes may require several years. The immediate impact of AI, however, is evident in content generation, potentially accelerating the adoption of digital channels. Companies previously hindered by expensive content barriers might swiftly embark on their digital journey, reshaping transaction processes and altering expectations from enterprise technologies.

Yet, the other side of AI could have a more pronounced impact on the enterprise software market. Policy changes that drive increased reporting requirements for companies, even those not in tech development. This may result in significant financial and reporting overhead, presenting opportunities for enterprise software and ERP vendors. Despite the potential drama, 2024 could take a positive turn if the market opens up in the second half of the year. So, what are the key digital transformation trends for 2024?



The 2025 Digital Transformation Report

Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.

1. Artificial Intelligence-Driven Business Models

AI is reshaping business operations. Its immediate impact lies in content generation, fast-tracking digital channel adoption. Traditional industrial firms, slow to embrace digital, may now speed up due to lower content production barriers. This shift prompts the emergence of new discovery and search channels, necessitating a revamp of business models and processes.

Moreover, AI-related regulatory changes will heighten reporting and compliance needs, prompting system and process adjustments.



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This is an in-depth guide with over 80 pages and covers every topic as it pertains to ERP selection in sufficient detail to help you make an informed decision.

2. Measured Approach to Investments

The continued uncertainty through 2024 will drive a conservative outlook with long-term investments, especially digital transformation initiatives. CFOs are likely to scrutinize and potentially delay initiatives lacking immediate returns.

Anticipate impulsive software buys, especially for short-term-focused tech amid the conservative atmosphere. Result: potential long-term technical backlogs.

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3. Geopolitical Impact on Business Processes

In 2024, anticipate significant shifts in global political power affecting supply chains and markets. Changes in monetary and information flow will drive architectural and business process adjustments. Brace for regulatory announcements and policy decisions shaping information, currency, and monetary flow.

4. Decision-grade Data and Insights

The supply chain networks and AI models have never been more powerful. The increased access and collaboration of supply chain companies will allow companies to have access to decision-grade data to improve inventory forecasting and demand, increasing cash flow and providing enterprises with a massive competitive advantage over SMBs.

5. Supply Chain Networks and Visibility Platforms

With the tighter collaboration between supply chain networks, enterprises will have end-to-end traceability into the entire supply chain, which has never been possible before because of the fragmented tracking of different modes and geographical siloes. Companies that are mature with their core operational capabilities will likely have an edge over their competitors.

6. Increased Focus on Sustainability and ESG

ESG and sustainability will continue to be the focus for most governments and consumers. ESG and sustainability policy changes will drive reporting requirements, which most software vendors are likely to develop to take advantage of newer digital transformation trends. But brace for confusion; the architectural community is still figuring out the ESG and sustainability style guide.

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7. Continued Consolidation of Enterprise Suites

2023 saw the consolidation of several software categories primarily promoted by private equity to take advantage of the current economic cycle, where the short-term outlook is favored for long-term investments. 2024 will see even more consolidation of enterprise software categories, creating massive overlap and newer architectural patterns never seen before.

8. Increased Failures and Shifting Architectural Patterns

In a conservative short-term outlook, buying trends may favor short-term gains over long-term risks, like the rush to adopt SaaS without scrutinizing architectural implications from an enterprise perspective. Result? Tech backlogs grow, and failure rates spike.

9. e-Invoicing

In 2024, expect e-invoicing processes to level up. Countries may borrow successful models, while trailblazers refine their systems, sparking shifts in reporting needs and architectural patterns.

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10. Slowed M&A

Music is likely to be paused even in 2024 from the perspective of M&A, where the activity levels are likely to be lower. And since the M&A activity has a tighter correlation with ERP and digital transformation initiatives, the digital transformation industry is likely to see slowed deals. Also, because of the conservative outlook, most software vendors are likely to be conservative with their R&D dollars and innovation.

11. Increased Investments in Strategy and Change Management

The conservative outlook would trigger tighter due diligence of initiatives with questionable short-term outcomes, such as digital transformation, which will cause companies to invest in strategy and change management, as well as much tighter scrutiny of initiatives in a phased approach.

12. Tighter Collaboration of Tech Companies

The need for access to massive datasets to build accurate AI forecasting models will force rivals to collaborate for greater gains and not to be left behind. For example, The recent collaborative arrangement of Oracle with Microsoft. This was very common in the supply chain technology space, but now, even the other technology vendors are likely to have closer relationships.

13. Mature Cloud-native Technologies

Cloud technologies will continue to mature, and even the legacy vendors will soon be able to provide cloud-native experiences such as enterprise search or workflow traceability. The cloud versions will continue to catch up with their on-prem variants, and the R&D investments with on-prem versions are likely to slow down.

14. Industry 4.0 and Edge Computing

Industry 4.0 and edge computing will see continued acceleration and adoption, especially to acquire data that is needed for AI models. The AI-enabled capabilities with machines and edge devices will make it compelling for organizations to adopt industry 4.0 technologies and architecture at an accelerated pace.

15. OmniChannel Experience

The omnichannel experience will continue to receive attention, especially among headless technologies that provide a competitive edge. With AI-augmented content generation capabilities, providing omnichannel experience is likely to become cheaper and easier, helping brands penetrate digital channels faster.

Final Words

The year 2024 is expected to carry a level of uncertainty similar to that of 2023, leading CFOs to likely adopt a cautious approach to their expenditures. A potential catalyst for advancing the enterprise software market could be innovations powered by AI. Nevertheless, translating AI initiatives into tangible business outcomes may require time for companies to grasp fully.

For those contemplating digital transformation initiatives in 2024, allocate resources to a strategy aimed at mitigating financial and technical risks. Doing so will not only enhance your chances of securing the trust of financial executives but also guard against unforeseen challenges that may arise in the absence of such a plan.

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<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">2025 Digital Transformation Report

This digital transformation report summarizes our annual research on ERP and digital transformation trends and forecasts for the year 2025. 

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