The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) will change the way we interact with enterprise software and, in particular, enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications. But for this to be possible, generative AI must first become a practical solution. To do this, it is important to determine which problem we actually want to solve with generative AI, such as ChatGPT. Knowing this will allow us to fully utilize the technology.

What problems arise when considering enterprise software? When we take a closer look at ERP systems, they are mainly classified as slow and cumbersome. Additionally, they require manual and repetitive processes, are not intuitive, create information silos, and are not designed for collaboration. New frameworks and technologies such as AI, design thinking, microservices and cloud applications can be a solution to these problems. ERP architects can evolve these to contribute to more user-friendly and intuitive ERP systems.

Use of ERP applications

To achieve this, it is first important to identify how employees use ERP applications for their work and within their IT environment. They often choose personalization: they use shortcuts and workarounds, customize data entry methods, and use the applications from different devices.

Identifying these behavioral patterns helps to better understand the application scenarios of ERP applications, which in turn provides guidance for the use of generative AI. This includes customizing drop-down menus based on user profiles, previous interactions, and general responses. But there are many other ways to use generative AI, such as detecting anomalies, providing intelligent recommendations, and predicting input values.

Ultimately, what you want to achieve with the use of AI is a user experience that automatically adapts to the context. This allows routine tasks to be automated, allowing professionals to work more focused and apply their skills to tasks where they make a difference. Additionally, AI can also help make the right decisions by providing employees with the right insights at the right time.

Make it clear to your employees what AI can mean

However, there is a “but” to this story. It is abundantly clear that AI will radically change business processes. This also changes activities, which of course also has an impact on roles and functions within organizations. That’s why it’s important that employees know what the use of AI means for them. Not just for her career, but also for the (positive) consequences for her endless to-do list. In addition, it is important that employees are clear about what (new) knowledge and skills they and their organization need to use AI. For example, think about:

• Data integrity: Data integrity is becoming increasingly important. Organizations are vulnerable to bias or erroneous results if the AI ​​application makes decisions based on incorrect data.
• Data protection and information security: It is important for companies to ensure that they do not lose control of their data and that no business-critical information is exposed to cyberattacks.
• Knowledge of the limitations of AI: It is important to understand the limitations of AI to understand what the technology can and cannot be used for.
• Interpretation of the results: How exactly should employees interpret the AI’s answers? Can they be considered truth? Without knowledge of how the AI ​​application makes decisions, this is difficult.
• Testing AI results: In line with the previous point, it is important that someone within the organization oversees the process. This person must review the AI ​​application’s decisions and ensure that it is safe to use.

Competency map

It is crucial to map the human and technical capabilities in your company. Human skills such as question-asking, creativity and emotional intelligence are essential for the effective use of AI. Employees also need to be prepared to work with AI and be able to deal with changes. Only then can organizations be innovative and develop new strategies.

AI and automation tools are constantly evolving. In addition, they will become more established in the next few years, which will influence the development of ERP systems. It is important that we do not lose sight of the end consumers. Your needs must be at the heart of any innovative AI application. If this succeeds, the technological future is promising.

This is an unsent post from Sara Portell, Vice President of User Experience Product Director at Unit4. Click here for more information about the company.