As Chicago-area enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultants, we’re always on the lookout for innovations that can help our clients. Whether it’s the latest shortcuts, tips, or hacks, or updates to SYSPRO and Sage 300 ERP that help our clients do more faster, and better, we’re on it.

Right now, the buzz is all about artificial intelligence (AI). When AI is part of ERP software, it can work magic. Let’s take a look at how you can leverage this powerful new technology as part of your ERP platform.

Why AI Matters in ERP

ERP systems can keep track of your supply chain, manage your people, and watch your finances. However, most traditional ERP platforms still depend on people to initiate tasks. Manual data entry may also be necessary.

AI changes the picture. It acts like a silent, tireless employee. It can spot problems and alert you to them before they become big headaches. It can save you time, create better forecasts, and provide information for better decision-making.

Automation That Saves Time

The first thing you'll notice with AI in your ERP is how much time it saves. Manual tasks that used to eat up hours now happen automatically. Take invoice processing, for example. AI can match invoices to purchase orders, spot discrepancies, and route approvals through the right channels without anyone lifting a finger.

What about inventory management? Instead of employees manually walking through the warehouse to check on stock levels, the system watches stock levels in real time and reorders supplies when needed. You can avoid both empty shelves and warehouses stuffed with products you can't move.

Customer service benefits, too. AI chatbots can handle the routine questions instantly, which means your team can focus on the complicated questions that need a human touch.

When you free your team from these repetitive tasks, they can spend their time on work that actually moves the business forward.

Improved Forecasting for Better Planning

Forecasting is essential, but as many of you reading this have probably experienced, it can be hard for a small business to accurately forecast sales and inventory. AI makes forecasting easier by pulling together information from everywhere: your sales history, supplier records, marketplace data, even weather patterns if they matter to your business. This means you can plan production more effectively, negotiate better deals with suppliers, adjust your staffing before you need to, and catch seasonal trends or shifts in customer behavior earlier than your competitors.

With AI handling the heavy lifting, your planning becomes smarter and more confident instead of just educated guesses.

Smarter Decision-Making

Your ERP system already collects mountains of data. AI turns that data into answers you can use right now. It shows you which products and which customers actually make you money. It catches weird spending patterns before they balloon into real problems. Your sales team gets to see which leads are most likely to close, so they can focus their energy where it counts instead of chasing dead ends.

The best part is that these insights show up when you need them, not days later when it's too late to act.

What This Means for Small Businesses

When you're running a small business, you never have enough time or people. AI in ERP takes the grunt work off your plate, makes your planning more accurate, and gives you the information you need to grow strategically. This isn't about replacing your team. It's about giving them better tools so they can focus on the work that really matters.

Getting Started with AI-Enabled ERP

If you're already using an ERP with AI features, start by figuring out where automation and better insights will help you most. If you're shopping for a new system, look for platforms that have AI built in from the start, can grow with you, and won't require a PhD to operate. Whether you're working with ERP software Chicago providers or evaluating national vendors, try starting small with something like invoice automation or demand forecasting. A focused pilot project helps you build confidence and shows you what's possible before you roll it out across the company. 

PositiveVision: ERP Software Chicago Area Consultants

PositiveVision is an ERP software Chicago-area consulting firm dedicated to helping clients find the right software for their business needs. Let’s talk about how AI can boost efficiency and productivity, especially when it’s part of your ERP. Contact us today.

Linda Baran

Linda Baran is in charge of the people side of PositiveVision. Linda’s background includes working in a variety of industries including investment, manufacturing, and information technology.