Enterprise resource planning (ERP) has long been one of the most popular options for businesses that want a versatile, adaptable, and scalable software solution. It allows for customization according to each company's unique needs, which has helped this type of software remain competitive in an increasingly crowded tech market. But just because ERP is a tried-and-true option for operational efficiency doesn't mean it can't keep up with the changing times. Here are some of the trends you can expect to see in ERP software in 2019.

Cloud Functionality

When ERP software was first developed, there was not yet an option to store data in the cloud. But today, the option to access data from anywhere at any time is a must for many businesses. As a result, more ERP software companies are offering the option to migrate data to the cloud for easier access. Some companies are even looking for a tailored solution that allows for cloud storage of only certain types of data, with the rest being stored on-site for tighter control over specific aspects of the business. This option will become increasingly common for ERP software systems in 2019.

Social Media Tools

ERP software usually focuses on the most critical aspects of a company's operational needs. That includes everything from accounting and financial reporting to human resources, sales, and customer service. However, some ERP systems are beginning to offer optional modules in emerging areas of marketing, such as social media. With more than 2.77 billion social media users worldwide, it has become a marketing necessity to tap into this audience of potential customers.

With new ERP systems, you may be able to incorporate modules that help with digital marketing by gathering links, tracking customer activity, and analyzing customer engagement with different types of social media posts. This new feature is sure to be quite popular, especially for companies that want to try out the world of social media but need advanced tools to measure their results.

Solutions for Smaller Businesses

ERP systems were originally marketed toward major enterprises with incredibly complex reporting, logistics, financials, and data to keep track of. But today, you don't have to be a huge company to take advantage of the benefits of using ERP software. In fact, some newer systems are specifically designed with small and mid-sized companies in mind rather than huge corporations.

One standout example in this category is Sage 100cloud. While Sage X3 is aimed at larger businesses, Sage 100cloud is designed with somewhere between 5 and 50 users in mind. Sage 100cloud is great for a company that may have outgrown QuickBooks and needs a more sophisticated system for tracking its finances. It's built to grow with the company as well, so if you're starting out as a very small operation, you can add modules to get the services you need as your business grows.

ERP is ready to go to the next level with exciting new features. If you're looking for the best in ERP software in 2019, make sure to keep an eye out for these trends.