3 read min
In an era where businesses operate across a myriad of digital platforms, the challenge of integrating disparate systems, especially multiple Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, has become increasingly prevalent. This complexity is often magnified by the diverse channels through which businesses operate, such as retail, wholesale, and e-commerce. This blog explores how o9 addresses these integration challenges, from gathering information to applying knowledge effectively.
Understanding the integration challenge
Businesses today frequently face the daunting task of managing a scattered IT landscape, a situation often exacerbated by factors such as mergers and acquisitions. This results in a conglomerate of ERP systems, each serving different segments of the business but failing to communicate seamlessly with one another. The primary concern for many businesses in this situation is achieving speed to value - how quickly and effectively can these systems be integrated to support unified, efficient business operations?
The o9 method for bridging ERP gaps
o9's strategy for tackling the integration of disparate systems is akin to preparing for a comprehensive exam. Just as a student gathers information from various sources to build a coherent understanding and pass the exam, o9 aims to channel multiple data flows into a unified platform, transforming scattered data into actionable knowledge. This approach is not about the quantity of data or the number of systems in place but rather about identifying the functionality needed and ensuring the right data is available at the right frequency.
o9's experience with clients operating across complex IT landscapes has honed its approach to integration, focusing on the fundamentals of data exchange. By prioritizing the relevance and frequency of data, o9 enables the creation of data pipelines that accommodate both structured and unstructured data sources. This methodology ensures a streamlined process that brings speed to value, allowing businesses to leverage their existing IT investments more effectively.
Case in point
A prime example of o9's integration capabilities can be seen in its work with a tobacco manufacturer. Faced with the challenge of 15 different ERP systems due to acquisitions, this client needed to implement distinct planning flows across its diverse business operations. o9's innovative approach to data integration not only facilitated the rapid implementation across five ERP systems within 16 months but also provided a novel method for using transactional data to derive master data, thereby enhancing the overall planning process.
Using the Digital Brain Platform
The analogy of studying for an exam underscores o9's role as the Digital Brain Platform. Just as a student synthesizes information to answer exam questions effectively, o9 synthesizes data from various ERP systems to provide businesses with the insights and knowledge needed to make informed decisions. This process of integration is tailored to the unique needs of each business, ensuring that the functionality sought after is achieved through efficient data exchange and analysis.
Conclusion
The integration of disparate ERP systems presents a significant challenge for businesses seeking to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. o9's approach, characterized by its emphasis on understanding the specific needs of each client and its capacity to create flexible, effective data pipelines, provides a robust solution to this challenge. By acting as a Digital Brain Platform, o9 empowers businesses to transform their scattered IT landscapes into cohesive, integrated systems that support strategic decision-making and drive value.
About the authors
o9
The Digital Brain Platform
o9 Solutions is a leading Enterprise Knowledge and AI-powered platform helping companies build Agile, Adaptive & Autonomous Planning & Execution Models for transforming enterprise decision-making in environments of rising volatility and uncertainty. Whether it is improving forecast accuracy, matching demand and supply and driving collaboration across the multi-tier supply chain to improve resilience at optimal costs and inventory, or optimizing new product and commercial initiatives to drive revenue growth and margins, decision-making processes from long-range to tactical to execution horizon can be made faster and smarter and connected on o9’s Digital Brain Platform.
o9 brings together game-changing technology innovations — such as innovative enterprise knowledge graph modeling, big data analytics, advanced algorithms for forecasting, demand/supply balancing, scenario planning, real time learning, collaboration, generative and agentic AI, easy-to-use interfaces and cloud-based delivery, and innovative management methods — as well as organization, process and change management best practices to transform decision-making speed and intelligence.
