The Future of ERP: Our Experts Talk about ERP Changes

ERP systems are changing—but not always in the ways you’d expect. AI and the cloud are getting all the attention, but for manufacturers, the real value still comes down to the basics: reliable data, clear KPIs, and a system that actually helps people do their jobs better.

To get a clearer picture of where ERP is heading (and what’s just hype), hear from two people who’ve seen it all: Jean Magny, President of Genius ERP and a manufacturing veteran with decades of ERP experience, and Max Larose, an ERP advisor who’s worked across aerospace, food, and pharma. Together, they talked about where ERP is heading, what still trips up manufacturers, and what it really takes to make an ERP project succeed.

ERP Is Growing Up—But the Fundamentals Haven’t Changed

A lot of the talk around ERP today centers on AI and the cloud—and while those are important shifts, Jean reminds us that the basics still matter most. “Even in 10 years, the fundamentals won’t change. ERP will still revolve around data, KPIs, and operational visibility,” he says.

Manufacturers will continue to focus on what drives performance: high-margin products, resilient supply chains, and smarter planning. The challenge is doing all that with limited people, a limited budget, and growing complexity.

According to Max, the biggest evolution is that ERP is no longer just a backend system. “ERP will stop being just a back-end tool and start becoming a decision-making engine,” he says. “The future of ERP is about surfacing data in real time—making it useful, not just stored.”

That’s where AI really comes in. Think less about automation for its own sake, and more about AI-powered insights: Systems that don’t just alert you, but tell you what to do next and why it matters.

ERP shifts: The End of One-Size-Fits-All ERP

Both Jean and Max agree that the days of generic ERPs are numbered. Manufacturers have specific needs, and they need systems that reflect that. “Tailored workflows, reports, and dashboards will become non-negotiable,” Max says. “You can’t treat a job shop the same as a food processor.”

Jean adds that over-customization is often a red flag. “If you’re looking at tons of customization, ask yourself: Is this ERP really for my industry? If not, you’ll spend more customizing than implementing.”

A better strategy? Choose a system that’s already built with your industry in mind—so you get value from day one without reinventing the wheel.

ERP Is Not an App. It’s a Transformation.

If there’s one key takeaway that both Jean and Max agree on, it’s this: Implementing an ERP isn’t just buying software—it’s changing how your business works.

“ERP is front-loaded. It’s heavy at the beginning—but worth it later,” says Jean. “The worst decision is to start and stall. You lose momentum, trust, and time.”

Max agrees: “You can’t microwave ERP. It’s not an app—it’s a transformation.”

That means getting alignment across departments, defining clear goals, and sticking to your scope. When the whole team is on board, and you’ve got a partner who can guide you through it, the payoff is huge.

Don’t Wait for Spreadsheets to Break

So, when is it time to upgrade from Excel and accounting tools to an ERP?

“Excel is the most powerful ERP until it isn’t,” says Max. “You can do amazing things with it—especially if someone on the team is Excel-savvy. But it’s fragile, unstructured, and not built for collaboration or traceability.”

Jean puts it this way: “When your decisions start relying on too many spreadsheets, too many people, and too much gut feeling—things break down. That’s when ERP steps in.”It’s not about replacing every tool overnight. It’s about moving to a system that gives you structure, traceability, and the ability to scale.

You Don’t Have to Go 100% Paperless

Another common myth? That a successful ERP rollout means going totally paper-free.

“Paperless is possible, especially in structured industries,” says Jean. “But going 100% digital isn’t always practical. It’s more about conviction than ROI. Aim for ‘less paper’—not ‘no paper.’”

Max adds: “ERP allows you to digitize everything—from work orders to invoices—but only if your processes are clean. Otherwise, you just digitize chaos.”

The real goal is to streamline how your team works, not force change for the sake of it.

Final Advice for First-Time ERP Buyers

If you’re considering ERP for the first time, start with a simple question: Why are we doing this?

“ERP is a transformation—not a tool purchase,” says Jean. “The software is often only one-third of the total cost. The rest is services, training, change management. And that’s where the real value lives.”

Max echoes the same point: “ERP isn’t just a tech project—it’s a business project.”

Don’t just look for a vendor—look for a partner. One who understands your industry, sets realistic goals, and sticks with you after go-live.

Because at the end of the day, an ERP is about more than just connecting systems. It’s about empowering your team to work smarter, faster, and with full confidence in the numbers.

Want more insights? Watch the full conversation with Jean and Max in our Ask Me Anything: ERP and Manufacturing webinar.