AI and automation bring industrial ERP to a new stage
For decades, ERP systems have been at the heart of industrial management. From production to logistics, via inventory and finance, these platforms have become essential for ensuring operational control and the centralisation of information.
But the role of ERP is changing. In an industrial landscape characterised by volatile supply chains, cost pressures and the need for greater agility, it is no longer enough simply to record data and automate basic tasks. Companies are now looking for systems capable of interpreting information, anticipating needs and executing processes more autonomously.
It is against this backdrop that the combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is transforming the next generation of industrial ERP.
Automation integrated into processes
For many years, business automation was implemented using tools external to the ERP system. These approaches required complex integrations, ongoing maintenance and created a dependency on additional layers of technology. Recent developments are moving in a different direction: RPA is now being ‘embedded’ within the ERP platforms themselves and within operational workflows.
Automation is embedded directly within the ERP platforms
In practice, this means that rule-based structured tasks - such as order validation, inventory reconciliation, invoice processing, or updating logistics statuses - are executed directly within the ERP, without the need for external systems.
This model reduces technical friction, improves process consistency, and facilitates operational scalability.
In the case of platforms such as Infor, this approach is supported by an Industry Cloud architecture, where automation is integrated into business applications via the Infor CloudSuite and Infor Velocity Suite ecosystems, combining workflows, RPA and process analytics capabilities within a single operational layer.
The evolution of RPA, guided by experts
The evolution of RPA is also changing the way ERP systems support decision-making. When combined with AI, it enables the analysis of operational patterns, the detection of inefficiencies and the suggestion of continuous improvements to workflows.
This evolution has been recognised by the market. Infor was recently named a Leader in Nucleus Research’s ‘RPA Technology Value Matrix 2026’ report, reflecting the growing importance of embedded automation and intelligent orchestration in industrial ERP environments.
The emphasis on capabilities such as cloud-native scalability, serverless execution and centralised governance demonstrates how RPA has evolved from a peripheral technology to become a structural component of ERP.
What is changing in industrial ERP systems
Among the key trends shaping the new generation of industrial ERP systems, the following stand out:
- Industry-specific automation: Solutions tailored to the actual processes of each sector, reducing the need for manual adjustments and boosting operational efficiency
- Cloud scalability: Cloud-native architectures that enable you to scale up automation without adding infrastructure complexity.
- Greater control and visibility: Centralised monitoring, auditing and exception management become essential as automation scales up.
- AI applied to continuous optimisation: Real-time process analysis to identify bottlenecks and continuously improve operations.
The next step in industrial digital maturity
Intelligent automation does not eliminate the human role, but it does redefine its focus. By reducing the burden of repetitive and administrative tasks, teams can devote more time to analysing, planning and continuously improving processes.
This shift is part of a broader transformation. The integration of AI, automation and industrial ERP is redefining how organisations manage operations and critical decision-making. It is no longer simply a technological evolution, but a structural change: systems are becoming less focused on record-keeping and more oriented towards intelligent execution and continuous adaptation.
At Izertis, we support this evolution through specialised teams in industrial ERP platforms such as Infor, helping organisations modernise processes, integrate automation and accelerate their digital maturity.