ERP in 2026: Turning Point and Success Factors for Your Organization

Why 2026 is the ultimate moment to act

Are you still hesitating about an ERP decision? Then 2026 is the year in which you can no longer afford to wait. The ‘point of no return’ has been reached: support for legacy systems is ending, security risks are increasing, and standing still means losing your competitive edge. Digitalization and AI are no longer hype, but essential building blocks for future-proof business operations.

These insights come from a panel discussion during the annual Cegeka Advisory Event, where independent ERP selection experts such as Dot to Dot, TriFinance, and Horsum outlined the future of ERP. Their message was clear: those who are still waiting in 2026 risk falling behind.

From postponement to breakthrough

2025was characterized by doubt and postponement: longer selection processes, deferred investments, and limited project scopes. The positive side? You had more time to prepare. The negative side? Legacy systems remain a risk.

2026, on the other hand, offers enormous opportunities:

• Cloud becomes the standard: On-premise solutions are disappearing at an increasing rate.
• AI shifts from experiment to impact, with integrated agents making processes smarter. Gartner predicts that by 2026, more than 30% of companies will deploy AI agents within their ERP systems.
• Hyperautomation ensures that ERP doesn't just process transactions but optimizes entire business processes.
• And finally: data quality and security become crucial success factors. Without reliable data, any digital transformation is doomed to fail.

Four building blocks for a successful ERP transformation

ERP, AI, and digitalization are not goals in themselves, but means to strengthen your business processes. According to the experts, four building blocks make the difference:

1. Reliable data as a foundation Without data quality, there is no successful ERP implementation, let alone AI adoption. Invest in data cleaning and governance before you start.
2. Clear processes and realistic scope Define clear processes and establish an achievable scope. Overambitious projects often lead to delays and budget overruns.
3. Engaged employees and continuous training Technology is only as strong as the people who work with it. Change management and training are crucial for successful adoption.
4. Partners who inspire and guide Choose a partner who looks beyond implementation and helps your organization translate trends into concrete steps.

Your next step: from insight to action
Are you on the verge of selecting a new ERP system? Then now is the time to take action. Start with a thorough analysis of your current processes, data quality, and ambitions. Do you want to get started concretely? Download our free ERP selection guide and take the first step toward a future-proof ERP landscape today.

👉 Download the ERP selection guide