Every business starts somewhere. In the early days, simplicity feels like the right choice. A small team, limited processes, single location operations and straightforward reporting needs do not call for a sophisticated system. Entry-level ERPs and lightweight cloud applications appear to solve the problem well enough. They are quick to set up, easy to learn and seem affordable.

ERP vendors are not asleep on AI. Serious platforms have been weaving AI into planning, forecasting, control and user experience. AI will not replace a real ERP. It will replace small tools that masquerade as ERP, while making true ERPs faster, smarter and safer.