Are you struggling to keep up with the ever-changing language and trends in enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions? Do you wonder which buzzwords are just hype and which are shaping the future of ERP software?
This article breaks down 2025’s biggest ERP software trends. Discover their meaning, why they matter, and how they can impact your business.
The following terms, listed alphabetically, are used in the ERP industry. Some of these are gaining popularity, while others are losing steam.
Adaptive ERP solutions
An adaptive ERP solution is a single platform that scales with your company’s needs. It helps your business handle changes, from launching new products to expanding markets.
Why it matters: Some businesses are in a constant state of change. This can be due to growth spurts or shifting market trends. Adaptive ERP software keeps pace with your business. You save time and money by not replacing outdated systems.
Who benefits: Startups, growing businesses, or companies offering new products regularly.
aPaaS for cloud ERP software
Application Platform as a Service (aPaaS) allows custom applications to be built for cloud ERP software. These apps are used to add or improve ERP functionality. Unlike Platform as a Service (PaaS), aPaaS is for add-on capabilities, not the core ERP platform.
Why it matters: APaaS uses low-code or no-code development. Examples of APaaS use include new features, automated workflows, and data visualization.
Who benefits: Companies recognizing that leading ERP solutions excel at core business functions but have specific needs that can’t be met with off-the-shelf software.
Composable ERP platform
Composable ERP is like building with LEGO blocks. Instead of sticking with one-size-fits-all software, you can pick and choose different tools and connect them to your ERP system. For example, you might use Salesforce for customer management and integrate it with your ERP software for everything else.
Why it matters: Coined as a new term by Gartner in about 2014, composable ERP is more of a strategy than a product. Flexibility is key. Businesses can use the composable ERP concept to integrate specialized tools and still keep their ERP platform at the center of thei›r operations.
Who benefits: Businesses with diverse or complex needs, especially fast-changing industries.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and ERP software
ESG reporting is important for businesses that rely on investor funding, must meet regulatory compliance requirements, or are interested in sustainability and environmental impact.
ESG factors include environmental aspects like carbon footprint and waste management, societal elements such as worker treatment and data security, and governance topics like business integrity and leadership.
Why it matters: Timely and compliant ESG reporting relies on current data. Modern ERP systems excel at data visibility and delivery of real-time data insights across the organization.
Who benefits: Companies that want to ease their ESG reporting process and amplify their ESG goals using their ERP system.
Headless commerce using ERP software
Headless commerce separates the design of your online store from back-end operations. This makes it easier to update your customer-facing experience while still relying on the ERP system to handle inventory and orders.
API integrations that optimize headless commerce include BigCommerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce. Most leading ERPs integrate with these systems.
Why it matters: Improving customer satisfaction and eCommerce sales is easier when the website is free from an ERP system’s layout, color, font, image, and style restrictions.
Who benefits: eCommerce businesses focused on improving their online customer experience and sales.
Integrated ERP system
An integrated ERP system is a core system and integrations from a single provider. This is an all-in-one ERP approach. Features and capabilities are limited to what the provider offers.
Why it’s out: Unlike a composable ERP strategy, this system can lead to vendor lock-in and complex ERP software that is more difficult and expensive to personalize and manage.
Next-gen ERP software
The term next-gen is used for technology that significantly improves on the previous version. Next-gen ERP uses AI, automation, real-time data processing, strong cybersecurity, and a wide range of integrations.
Why it matters: Next-gen ERP software is cloud-native and built for modern business needs. Its benefits include flexibility, real-time insights, and always-current software.
Who benefits: Any business ready to embrace modern technology for a competitive edge.
Postmodern ERP
Postmodern ERP, another phrase coined by Gartner, was introduced in 2014 to identify alternatives to traditional, inflexible ERP platforms. Gartner’s original meaning included linking administrative and operational processes.
Why it’s out: Composable ERP systems are making this term unnecessary.
Robotic process automation (RPA) and ERP software
Robotic process automation (RPA) completes repeatable tasks in place of a human. Intended to mimic a human, robot software takes on repetitive tasks, like data entry and filling out forms, to improve accuracy and free people resources for tasks that do require human intervention.
Why it matters: RPA linked with an ERP solution removes mundane tasks from employees. It offers speed and accuracy and excels at following established rules.
Who benefits: Businesses, especially small to midsized businesses, can use RPA to optimize their available staff resources.
ERP software trends that matter to your business
Our experts predict these top trends will impact the ERP industry in 2025. Trends are listed alphabetically.
Artificial intelligence in ERP
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days. That includes improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and speed of your business operations. In broad terms, AI also includes large language models (LLMs) and machine learning (ML). Most modern ERP systems use all three.
Why it matters: Recent research by IDC predicts that by 2026, 70% of cloud and software platforms will use AI. The most significant use will be to improve safety and governance. AI is already embedded in most leading ERP software. Its expanded use will improve customer service, employee experience, and operational efficiency.
Who benefits: Businesses wanting to stay ahead by leveraging cutting-edge technology.
Agile deployment for ERP platforms
Implementing ERP software has a reputation for being complex, lengthy, and time-intensive. That’s true in some cases. However, some modern ERP platforms and the resellers that deploy and support them are moving to an agile approach.
Why it matters: Deployment is distinctly different with an agile process. Unlike the linear approach of a traditional implementation, agile ERP software deployment uses a continuous loop of iteration, testing, and feedback. Quick discovery and resolution of problems happens while the project stays in motion.
Who benefits: Businesses implementing or upgrading their ERP that to experience benefits quickly with minimal disruption
Cloud ERP systems continue to build market share
Gartner predicts that by 2028, cloud computing will move from disruptor to commonplace. As apps and software move to the cloud, that’s probably not surprising. For ERP, it’s a shift from on-prem or third-party-hosted solutions to cloud solutions.
Why it matters: With AI as a top trend for ERP platforms, cloud usage will increase to support those advances. Cloud-native ERP solutions and the need for real-time data and analysis for business forecasting are also intersecting.
Who benefits: Any business looking for scalability, convenience, and less in-house management.
Mobile ERP software advances
If the future is in the cloud—and it is—then it is also mobile. ERP industry leaders will advance their software for improved mobile experience and functionality.
Why it matters: Business operations don’t stay in the office. They are in the plant, the warehouse, and the loading dock. ERP software capabilities take these functions where they need to be.
Who benefits: Businesses that want to remove operational silos and speed efficiency.
Security of ERP software is heightened
Securing data—your customers, partners, and yours—is essential in a digital world. Reputation, liability, compliance, and customer trust are all on the line. Data breaches impact organizations of all types and sizes. No one is immune.
Why it matters: The best defense is always a good offense. Cloud ERP software providers will continue to bulk up their cybersecurity efforts. An ERP provider with strong security measures offers better user protection, password protocols, and patch management than a business can provide on its own. The importance of this security will grow in 2025.
Who benefits: Customers, vendors, users, and the business. Data security is an every-person, every-business issue.
Self-service deployment for ERP platforms becomes a reality
Predicting that ERP deployment will join ERP onboarding in the self-service lane hits close to home for Stellar One. It also includes some insider knowledge. Helping customers deploy much of their ERP system themselves is a core component of Stellar One’s vision. Our development team is focused on automating and simplifying the necessary processes, including automating data migration.
Why it matters: Self-service ERP software deployment will allow more companies to use an ERP system without large implementation costs and extensive resources.
Who benefits: Businesses with tight budgets and limited staff resources. Also those wanting more control of the ERP deployment process or that want to realize the benefits as soon as possible.
Subscription licensing for ERP systems
Software as a Service (SaaS) isn't new, but the concept has taken a long time to get a real foothold in the ERP industry. ERP industry leaders are now embracing this move.
Why it matters: The move to subscription licensing is a boon for businesses using an ERP solution. It offers more deployment flexibility, consistent pricing, and the ability to take advantage of improvements as they are available. For providers and resellers, it levels out revenue peaks and valleys for more confidence in research and development.
Who benefits: Businesses wanting cost certainty, flexibility, and bundled pricing.
What the future holds for your business with ERP software
Your ERP software can be the key to maintaining a competitive edge. These trends will shape how businesses operate and grow with their ERP in the years to come.
If you’re curious about how these trends could transform your business, don’t stop here. Discover answers to the top questions businesses have about selecting, buying, and deploying an ERP solution so your business is future-proof.
