Feature: How digital empowerment will prove key to business success in 2025

With continued turbulence, pressure is mounting on businesses to find ways to future-proof operations. As decision-makers seek to raise their game in an increasingly challenging market, NexSys shares more on why there has never been a better time to boost productivity with fit-for-purpose ERP.

Make UK has set a goal of increasing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from 10% to 15% by the end of the next decade, generating an additional £142bn to the UK economy. Unlocking innovation through accelerating digital adoption and automation will be key to that transition.

In part, 2024 was a challenging year for businesses seeking continuous improvement. A lack of clarity discouraged many decision-makers from making critical investment decisions. Political and economic uncertainty have been record-breaking. More than 2 billion voters helped decide elections in 50 countries around the world. In addition, international conflicts and geopolitical volatility continued to disrupt trade and increase operational risks.

Our movers and makers are feeling the strain, but savvy organisations have taken the initiative by building their digital infrastructure. Over the last year, we have worked with various businesses to ensure their ERP systems are fit for purpose. Whether helping new customers supercharge their operations through digitalisation or keeping existing customers up to date to leverage new functionality, we have been encouraged by the growing recognition that business as usual is no longer an option.

The key to operating within uncertain times is to drive efficiencies and develop new capabilities to gain competitive advantage. That is what our products are all about. Alongside SYSPRO and our partners we worked hard during 2024 to continue developing our solutions to respond to our customers changing needs. This has included the release of SYSPRO 8 2024 and ongoing additions to our own products.

Highlights include NexSys expanding our solution for manufacturers with a service business offering through a partnership with a Field Service solution software provider, Service Geeni. In addition, we are supporting business drive towards paperless operations with the introduction of a light document management system which we are currently testing.

2024 also saw the successful completion of a digitisation pilot project to integrate machine data directly into our Manufacturing Operations Management system through our DataSwitch IIoT solution. Working closely with a Midland’s based prestigious tap manufacturer, our team has automated data capture and empowered the business with data to fuel their continuous improvement journey. We also continued to optimise and update technology in our purpose built system integration and data manipulation tool DataSwitch, HR product Equator and the HMRC-recognised Making Tax Digital Solution.

NexSys enters 2025 starting a new chapter. In December, our business was acquired by SYSPRO as part of a drive to expand its global footprint. SYSPRO’s Chief Executive Officer Jaco Maritz said in a statement: “The NexSys team brings exceptional talent, deep industry knowledge, and proven solutions and capabilities, which align seamlessly with our customer-centric approach and strategic vision. By combining our strengths, we enhance our market position to deliver even greater value to the manufacturing and distribution sectors.” We are excited about how this new relationship will help us expand our capabilities and provide an even more comprehensive customer offering.

We are determined to maintain that momentum in 2025. This includes expanding the rollout of facial recognition in our HR product Equator, improving the performance of Orchard Warehouse Management and introducing SYSPRO’s new 2025 release. There will be increased investment in automation, both for machinery and back office processes. We will look to expand the rollout of DataSwitch’s IIoT module to capture machine and sensor data into usable and actionable insights (machine integration). We anticipate a further drive for businesses to automate back office functionality with SYSPRO’s cognitive services leveraging AI.

Leveraging AI will be a key trend for 2025. Our clients are asking how they can use AI to their advantage and developing factories of the future requires the adoption of these types of disruptive technologies. As an ERP with embedded AI capabilities, SYSPRO will lead the charge in helping manufacturers raise their game.

We also anticipate an increased focus on near and reshoring to prepare for increased tariffs and global shifts in trade agreements. This will mean businesses want closer and tighter knit relationships across supply chains and SYSPRO’s supplier management and sourcing policies will support that transition. Alongside that, tighter stock management remains a key priority and can be addressed with SYSPRO Inventory Management and the real-time visibility available through our mobility and scanning solution TransLution.

Predictions are a dark art yet what we can be sure of is that 2025 will be another unpredictable year. We are yet to see how manufacturing will fair under the new Labour government, and shifting global forces are making planning a major challenge.

The key to survival is building a digital backbone that allows businesses to maximise their performance, manage costs, quickly respond to a changing landscape and capitalise on new opportunities. Find out more about how NexSys can support your digital transformation through the power of industry-built ERP here.