Technology:
ERP, CRM and HR systems
The number of businesses deploying SAP solutions and newly evolving ERP technologies is growing rapidly. Flexible skilled professionals with expertise in the enterprise software market continue to be in high demand. Richard Brook, director, ERP transformation at Investigo, highlights the market outlook for 2024.
Here are the key areas leaders need to prepare for in 2024:
A busy year ahead – pushing ahead with planned greenfield implementation projects and upgrades.
Emerging technology – understanding how the latest innovations in AI evolve and integrate with SAP.
Hybrid approach – why are companies looking for a flexible approach in both hiring and the workplace?
Poor market conditions? Nobody hiring? Clients don’t have any budget? Or is it simply just a case of the market returning to normality after 2022 – one of the strongest years for tech recruitment in the last decade? The indications suggest this is likely.
The ERP sector and SAP in particular continues to be a dominant player in the enterprise software market, with a high demand for professionals with SAP skills. With the end-of-life date looming for ECC6, many organisations are transitioning to SAP S/4HANA and adopting cloud-based solutions.
Professionals with expertise in these areas will remain sought after, and 2024 is set to be a busy year, with most clients pushing ahead with greenfield implementations or upgrades.
Modern SAP systems are increasingly integrated with emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), so professionals with skills in these areas may have a competitive advantage.
Technology is continuing to evolve, with AI further becoming integrated with ERP and SAP solutions. Organisations across industries are looking to stay ahead in the AI-enabled revolution, with competition remaining high for those with the expertise and capabilities to roll out new projects in 2024.
Remote working is moving more towards a hybrid approach, with most companies requiring contractors to attend office locations once or twice per week as opposed to fully remote a few years ago. We are also noticing an increase in clients looking for a more statement of work (SoW) driven approach to staffing their programmes, where teams of associates are deployed rather than individual contractors on a time and material basis.
Our consulting offering, Definia, is now being recognised as a market leader in this space. We look forward to continuing to support our clients with this solution as we move into 2024 and beyond.
With upgrades planned for many clients in 2024, the demand for skilled professionals will remain high. Those with specialist expertise in new and emerging technology areas will be especially sought after.
Like many digital-based industries, the nature of working in SAP and ERP lends well to freelance work. Companies are increasingly seeking a flexible approach, not only in terms of workplace location but also contracts.
As companies race to stay ahead of technological advancements, the outlook for SAP and ERP professional recruitment looks better than ever in 2024.
