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9th September, 2024

US ERP Market: Staffing Takes Center Stage at SuiteWorld 2024 in Las Vegas

This week, all eyes are on Las Vegas as the ERP industry gathers for SuiteWorld 2024, Oracle NetSuite’s flagship event. As a key indicator of the ERP market's health and direction, SuiteWorld provides a platform to explore emerging trends, technologies, and strategies that are shaping the industry. Among the many themes discussed, one stands out as particularly critical: the importance of staffing. In an era of rapid digital transformation, having the right talent is not just a competitive advantage—it's a necessity

The State of the US ERP Market

 The US ERP market is experiencing steady growth, fueled by the ongoing need for businesses to streamline operations and integrate diverse systems. In 2024, the focus has increasingly shifted towards cloud-based ERP solutions that offer scalability, flexibility, and support for remote and hybrid work models. The US ERP market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% over the coming years, reflecting the high demand for these systems.

 

However, the success of ERP implementations hinges not just on the technology, but on the people who manage and operate it. Staffing is a critical factor that can make or break ERP projects. Skilled professionals are needed to customize, implement, and maintain ERP systems, and the shortage of qualified talent poses a significant challenge. As companies move towards industry-specific ERP solutions, the demand for specialists who understand both the technology and the unique needs of different sectors is growing.

 

#### **Key Themes at SuiteWorld 2024**

 

SuiteWorld 2024 sheds light on the evolving landscape of ERP, with a strong emphasis on the importance of staffing:

  1.  Talent as a Key Driver of Success:** One of the core messages at SuiteWorld is that the right talent is essential for leveraging the full potential of ERP systems. Companies are recognizing that to stay competitive, they need to invest in their people—recruiting skilled ERP professionals, upskilling existing staff, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Without the right talent, even the most advanced ERP technologies cannot deliver the desired outcomes.
  2. AI and Automation: Enhancing, Not Replacing, Human Expertise:** While AI and automation are transforming ERP systems, SuiteWorld highlights that these technologies are designed to complement, not replace, human expertise. Skilled professionals are still needed to interpret data, make strategic decisions, and manage complex ERP environments. This reinforces the need for a robust talent pipeline to support the integration of advanced technologies within ERP solutions.
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  4. 3. **User Experience and Staffing:** Enhancing user experience within ERP systems is another major focus at SuiteWorld, and this ties directly into staffing. ERP systems that are more intuitive and user-friendly reduce the learning curve for new employees, thereby easing the burden on IT teams and minimizing disruption. A well-staffed, well-trained team can maximize the benefits of these improvements, ensuring that ERP systems are fully utilized across the organization.
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  6. 4. **Sustainability and ESG: The Role of People:** As companies increasingly integrate sustainability and ESG metrics into their ERP systems, having staff who are knowledgeable about these areas is crucial. At SuiteWorld, discussions on ESG integration emphasize the importance of equipping teams with the skills to not only track financial performance but also measure environmental and social impacts.
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  8. 5. **Security: The Human Element:** With the rising threat of cyberattacks, security is a top priority for ERP systems, and staffing plays a crucial role here as well. SuiteWorld underscores the need for skilled security professionals who can implement and maintain robust security protocols within ERP environments. Without the right people, even the most secure systems can be vulnerable.

 

#### **Staffing Challenges in the ERP Market**

 

While the US ERP market is poised for growth, staffing remains a significant challenge. ERP implementations are complex and require a blend of technical, strategic, and industry-specific skills. Many companies struggle to find the right talent, and the competition for skilled ERP professionals is fierce. This talent shortage can lead to delayed projects, increased costs, and suboptimal system performance.

 

Additionally, as more ERP solutions move to the cloud, there is a growing need for professionals who understand cloud architectures, data privacy, and compliance requirements. Companies must not only attract talent but also provide ongoing training and development to keep pace with rapidly changing technologies.

 

#### **The Path Forward: Investing in People**

 

As the ERP market evolves, companies that prioritize staffing will be better positioned to succeed. SuiteWorld 2024 highlights the importance of building strong teams that can manage and optimize ERP systems. This means not only hiring the right talent but also investing in training and professional development to ensure that employees are equipped with the skills they need to thrive.

 

Looking ahead, the demand for ERP professionals will continue to grow, driven by technological advancements and the need for businesses to modernize. Companies that can effectively leverage their talent to drive ERP success will have a distinct competitive advantage in the marketplace. As we move into 2024 and beyond, the message from SuiteWorld is clear: in the ERP market, people are just as important as the technology.

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