5 ERP Trends Shaping Business Transformation in 2025
By Change & Transformation

Investing in your ERP systems directly impacts cost efficiency, operational agility, and value realisation. In private equity-backed and growth-focused organisations, they’re also critical to enabling M&A readiness, scalability, and accurate reporting. With the right ERP platform, organisations can unlock significant efficiencies, drive innovation, and scale with greater confidence.  

The market for ERP software in the UK is growing, with market volume projected to reach US$3.60bn by 2029 and many providers are integrating new tech such as AI, cloud computing, and predictive analytics into their systems. With so much choice on offer the success of business transformation initiatives will be defined by an organisations ability to make the right decisions. For C-suite executives, Programme Directors, and Transformation Leaders, understanding the latest ERP trends is essential to making those choices, maintaining competitiveness and achieving long-term goals.  

Let’s explore five critical ERP trends that are shaping change and transformation in 2025 and what they mean for leadership, talent, and execution.
 

 

1. Migration to Cloud-Based ERP Systems 

Companies are moving away from legacy, on-premises systems to embrace more flexible, subscription-based cloud solutions for ERP business transformation. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2027, 90% of businesses will be using a hybrid approach, running some, if not all of their systems in the cloud. This shift to cloud-based ERP platforms continues to gain momentum in 2025, and with good reason. Cloud-based systems offer increased scalability, improved accessibility, and real-time data insights that are vital for agile decision-making.  

Other key benefits of cloud-based systems include lower infrastructure costs, automatic updates, and easier integration with other digital tools. Importantly, the cloud model also supports a more decentralised and mobile workforce. Cloud ERP systems are proving particularly transformative in professional services, where mobility and real-time collaboration are key, and in retail, which benefits from improved inventory and sales analytics. 

What this means for hiring: ERP transformations require cloud-literate talent, capable of managing large-scale migrations, maintaining business continuity, and ensuring data integrity. Roles such as ERP Architects, Cloud Integration Managers, and ERP Programme Directors are increasingly in demand.
 

2. Data Security as a Business Priority

As ERP systems become more connected and cloud-reliant, data security has moved to the forefront. Breaches threaten customer data, proprietary systems, and intellectual property and can result in operational disruption, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. To mitigate these risks, ERP business transformation plans must include end-to-end security measures, from access controls and encryption to user training and incident response protocols. 

What this means for hiring: Organisations must recruit ERP and cybersecurity specialists who understand how to embed secure design principles into ERP platforms. CISOs, ERP Security Analysts, and Compliance Leads will play a pivotal role in delivering secure transformation.
 

3. Integrating Emerging Technologies  

AI, IoT, and machine learning are becoming essential components of future-ready ERP systems. AI-powered automation is already streamlining back-office processes such as procurement, finance, and HR. Predictive analytics offers improved forecasting and real-time insights. Meanwhile, IoT integration is transforming industries such as manufacturing and logistics by enabling asset tracking, predictive maintenance, and more accurate inventory control. 

However, evaluating the impact of these technologies and understanding their industry-specific applications remains a major challenge. An ERP solution that is perfect for a retail company may not suit a manufacturing business, and vice versa. 

What this means for hiring: ERP finance transformation leaders with experience in AI integration, data science, and sector-specific ERP customisation will be key. Firms must seek out CTOs, ERP Business Analysts, and Data Integration Leads who can not only manage the technical implementation but also advise on commercial impact.

 

4. Integration Challenges and Modular ERP Growth

Implementing a new ERP system isn’t just about installing software. It requires deep operational change. One of the biggest challenges businesses face with ERP transformations is adjusting current processes to fit with new platforms. Without careful planning, mismatched expectations, delays, and disruption are almost inevitable.

To address this, there is growing interest in modular ERP platforms. These systems allow businesses to integrate new functionality in phases, reducing risk and making transformation more manageable. Modular ERP adoption is particularly valuable in industries like healthcare and financial services, where regulatory needs and departmental silos demand flexible, department-led implementation strategies.

What this means for hiring: Experienced ERP Programme Managers and Transformation Leads are needed to assess current operations, plan any design phased rollouts and ensure seamless integration. The ability to balance short-term disruption with long-term value creation is critical.
 

5. Change Management and the Human Factor 

Technology alone does not drive successful ERP transformations. Successful change and transformation in business depends heavily on people. That means employees must be engaged, stakeholders fully on-board and user experience prioritised. Implementing ERP systems with poor usability ultimately leads to adoption issues and low ROI. Leading businesses are taking a people-first approach to ERP change, including building change networks, investing in training, and designing user-centric interfaces that drive adoption.

What this means for hiring: Roles such as Change Managers, ERP Training Consultants, and HR Business Partners with experience in transformation projects are essential. These roles support cultural alignment and ensure the entire business understands and embraces new ways of working.
 

Securing the Right Talent for ERP Business Transformation 

Delivering a successful ERP transformation demands the right leadership, skills, and governance. With ERP trends accelerating the complexity and scope of software, businesses must adopt a strategic approach to attract and retain that talent. 

At Cedar, we partner with clients across the UK and Europe to secure high-impact interim and permanent professionals who can deliver ERP, EPM, and CRM transformation projects at scale. including through our Statement of Work (SoW) delivery model, which provides clarity, flexibility, and measurable outcomes.  

Whether you’re embarking on a finance-led ERP transformation or course-correcting a failing programme, we have the expertise and an extensive network of ERP transformation talent, to support you at every stage of the journey. 

Explore our Change and Transformation recruitment services or speak to a consultant.