As we prepare for our second itSHOWCASE ERP Discovery Day of the year at Twickenham on March 17th, here is a look at the trends currently redefining how UK businesses operate.
1. The rise of ‘Agentic’ AI
In 2024 and 2025, we talked about ‘Co-pilots – AI that could help you write an email or summarise a report. In 2026, the conversation has shifted to AI Agents.
Unlike basic chatbots, these agents are autonomous. They don’t just alert you that a shipment is late; they can analyze alternative suppliers, check your current inventory levels, and draft a revised production schedule for your approval. Modern ERPs from leaders like Epicor, NetSuite, and Microsoft are now embedding these “digital coworkers” directly into the core software.
2. The ‘cloud-only’ innovation gap
A major trend we are seeing across the board is that the “Innovation Gap” between on-premise and Cloud systems is becoming a canyon. Many major vendors have now moved to a Cloud-first (or Cloud-only) development cycle.
This means if you want the latest sustainability tracking, advanced predictive analytics, or AI integration, you can no longer get them on a local server. For many businesses visiting us at Twickenham, the question is no longer “Should we move to the Cloud?” but “How fast can we get there before our competitors out-innovate us?”
3. Sustainability is now a ‘core module’
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is no longer a bolt-on or a marketing exercise. New regulations mean that mid-market businesses must now track their carbon footprint with the same accuracy as their financial accounts.
The newest ERP releases include “Green Ledgers” that track energy consumption, waste, and supply chain ethics in real-time. If your current system can’t tell you the carbon cost of a specific SKU, it’s officially behind the times.
4. The ‘consumerisation’ of the shop floor
The “User Experience” (UX) has finally caught up with the 21st century. Manufacturers and distributors are facing a talent war, and younger workers refuse to use green-screen software that looks like it belongs in the 1980s. Modern ERPs now feature intuitive, mobile-first interfaces that look and feel like the apps we use in our personal lives, drastically reducing training time and human error.
There is no substitute for seeing this technology in action and speaking to the experts who implement it.
Our first ERP Discovery Day of 2026 takes place on March 17th at the iconic Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. It is the perfect environment to jumpstart your digital transformation journey.
- Pre-arranged 1:1 Meetings: No wandering aimlessly. We match you with suppliers who specialize in your specific sector (Manufacturing, Distribution, Finance, etc.).
- Expert Advice: Meet teams from NoBlue2, Epicor, WinMan, Intact, and many more in one room.
The event is FREE for business professionals. Whether you are outgrowing spreadsheets or looking to replace a legacy system that’s holding you back, Twickenham is where your search ends.
Register for your FREE tickets today – click here
