As 2027 approaches, organizations face a pivotal moment in deciding how to modernize their technology landscape and in particular, their existing on-premise ERP systems and the associated business applications.
The requests and requirements from senior business leaders for improvements in user experience, analytics and dashboards that provide real time glimpse into the business are now required. And sooner rather than later.
Add to that, the need to have a plan to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), compels technology leaders to rethink their current strategy, especially when juxtaposed with current plan presented.
The key question is whether to pursue a technology-driven roadmap or to prioritize business-driven, outcomes-led planning.
The Dilemma: Technology vs. business-driven modernization
Technology-Driven Roadmaps
To date, the only choice for organizations was a vendor led, technology-driven approach of moving their entire ERP system to the cloud or SaaS. This has been the only way offered to access and leverage the latest innovations like AI and analytics. This path requires a complete replatforming of the on-premise system into the new cloud based offering. The appeal resides in the potential to unlock new capabilities, and enhanced user interfaces.
But it comes with a cost.
A complete technology upgrade can be costly, time-consuming, and risky, especially when dealing with complex ERP systems and the impact of the integrations that have been built over the years to better align to the unique needs of the business and operational areas.
The adoption of new technologies into existing workflows often requires extensive retraining of staff and can disrupt daily operations.
Business-driven, outcome-led planning
Conversely, a business-driven, outcomes-led approach starts with defining the desired business outcomes and then seeks the best technological solutions to achieve those goals. This strategy prioritizes aligning IT investments with business priorities, ensuring that every modernization effort directly contributes to business objectives.
By focusing on outcomes such as improved customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, or specifics like cycle times, organizations can make more informed decisions about which technologies to adopt and how to implement them.
This approach also fosters greater collaboration between IT and business units, ensuring that technology investments are well-integrated into the broader business strategy.
The challenge lies in accurately defining and measuring desired outcomes, as well as navigating the complexities of modernizing while maintaining continuity in business operations.
The role of Rimini Street: A balanced path forward
Deciding between a technology-driven or business-driven approach can be daunting.
This is where Rimini Street can become your trusted partner. We have been discussion these scenarios as part of a business driven or composable strategy.
We can guide you on a hybrid approach that brings the requirements of the business and the needs of the market combined with the latest technology advancements from such partners has ServiceNow and their digital workflows for business.
With extensive experience in ERP systems and a deep understanding of the latest technological advancements, Rimini Street offers a unique perspective that blends technical expertise with practical business acumen.
Rimini Smart Path: A roadmap of your requirements
Rimini Street begins with a comprehensive assessment of the current state of an organization’s IT landscape. This assessment considers the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, the technical debt accumulated over time, and the alignment between IT capabilities and business goals. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each client, Rimini Street can help identify the most impactful areas for modernization.
The result is a custom Smart Path roadmap that outlines a strategic plan for modernization. This roadmap is not just about upgrading technology but is carefully crafted to align with the organization’s business objectives. It considers factors such as the need for improved data analytics, enhanced user experiences, and the integration of AI and automation. By focusing on outcomes, the Smart Path roadmap ensures that technology investments are purposeful and deliver tangible business value.
Implementation and beyond
Rimini Street’s experts guide the implementation process, leveraging the ServiceNow platform and can integrate to the other technologies present in your software estate. The goal is to modernize key systems of engagement, action, automation, and AI in a way that minimizes disruption and maximizes value. This includes streamlining workflows, enhancing data accessibility, and creating intuitive user interfaces that improve employee engagement and productivity.
For example, integrating new solutions such as digital workflows from ServiceNow for areas like finance and supply chain, can automate routine tasks, while advanced analytics provide operational insights into business processes.
A critical aspect of this modernization journey is ensuring that the organization can respond swiftly to changing business needs. With Rimini Street’s Unified Software Services, organizations can build agile systems that adapt to new market conditions, regulatory changes, and evolving customer expectations. This flexibility is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced business environment.
The value of a trusted advisor
In times of significant change, having a trusted advisor like Rimini Street can make all the difference. Rimini Street provides not only technical expertise but also strategic guidance that helps organizations navigate the complexities of modernization. Our experience across various industries and deep knowledge of ERP systems, combined with a customer-centric approach, ensure that clients receive solutions tailored to their unique needs.
By partnering with Rimini Street, organizations can confidently embark on this transformation journey, knowing they have a partner who understands their challenges and is committed to their success. The result is a transformed IT landscape that supports business growth, enhances operational efficiency, and delivers exceptional value.
What should you do next?
As we approach 2027, the innovation inflection point presents both challenges and opportunities. The right choice depends on a thorough understanding of the current state, desired business outcomes, and the technological landscape.
Rimini Street offers a balanced approach with our Smart Path roadmap, guiding organizations through the complexities of modernization. See what you can expect as a Rimini Street client.
