Planning Your Move to Cloud ERP? What to Consider Before Speaking to an ERP Partner

 

According to Gartner (2026), finance organisations using cloud ERP applications with embedded AI assistants are predicted to see a 30% faster financial close by 2028. 

This highlights the potential opportunities available to organisations moving away from legacy systems and towards modern cloud ERP. With continued innovation in AI and advanced analytics becoming more embedded within cloud ERP systems, there is even more reason for organisations to consider whether their current systems are suitable to support their goals and growth objectives for the future. 

If you're looking to start the process of moving away from your existing solution, the first question is often, “Which system should we choose?” 

However, before comparing platforms, features or implementation partners, it's important to lay the groundwork and understand exactly what your organisation needs from its next ERP system. 

This blog highlights some of the key areas to consider before starting your journey to cloud ERP.

 

Understand why you're considering a new ERP 

Before going into the details of the ERP systems that could be the right fit for your organisation, it's important to understand what is driving the need for change. 

This could include frustration with manual processes, slow reporting cycles or a heavy reliance on spreadsheets. You may also be looking for greater visibility across your organisation, something that can be difficult to achieve when relying on legacy technology or disconnected systems in place. 

It is important to identify the “why” before starting your ERP project as it will help you establish your key requirements. This puts you in a much stronger position to evaluate potential solutions and clearly communicate your priorities when speaking to shortlisted implementation partners.  

 

Consider your organisations future roadmap and how your new ERP will help  

Will your new cloud ERP system still meet your goals and objectives in five years' time? 

This is an important question when considering your future ERP system, as it should not only support today’s requirements and goals, but also have the flexibility and scalability to support where your business is heading. Before starting your ERP search, consider your long-term business growth plans, such as whether you are looking to expand internationally, increase headcount and require additional users or introduce more entities.  

Thinking beyond what you need from your ERP system now will help you choose a system for the long term that supports your organisation as it grows and becomes more complex. 

 

Identify your integration requirements  

It is helpful to understand your integration requirements before starting your ERP search. This includes identifying the systems you currently have in place that your new ERP will need to connect with, such as your CRM, payroll, expense management, and other critical applications your business relies on. 

This is a key area to identify early, as it will help your implementation partner understand your wider technology landscape and provide guidance on how your existing systems could integrate with your new ERP solution. 

 

Review your data 

Reviewing your data is one of the most important areas to cover before starting your search for a new ERP system and consider what will need to be migrated. Think about where your data is currently stored, whether information is duplicated across different systems, and whether the data is accurate and consistent. You should also consider your reporting requirements and what information your teams need access to on a day-to-day basis. Reviewing these areas early will help you better understand your data requirements and ensure you're in a stronger position when discussing your migration with potential implementation partners.  

Additionally, to get the most out of AI-powered ERP capabilities and ensure these features work effectively, you need to ensure your data is accurate. Reliable data helps ensure that AI-generated insights, reporting and recommendations are correct and provide genuine value to your organisation. 

 

Speak to an experienced ERP partner 

Here at Nolan Business Solutions, we support you at every stage of your search for your next ERP system. As the UK's leading NetSuite and Business Central partner, we provide no-obligation, impartial guidance to help you identify the solution that's the best fit for your organisation. 

Our role is to help you gain the confidence and clarity needed to make an informed decision that you feel comfortable with, both at go‑live and long after the system is in place. If you're ready to start your journey towards an AI-powered ERP, get in touch with the Nolan team today! 

In the meantime, take our short ERP assessment survey to help identify which cloud ERP solution may be the best fit for your organisation.