The use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Augmented Reality in ERP Systems

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Augmented Reality (AR) play an important role in improving and optimizing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, which are key management tools in many companies.

Here are some of the ways these advanced technologies are impacting ERP systems:

  • Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management: Can analyze large amounts of historical data, market trends, and production and supply data to accurately forecast product demand. This allows ERP systems to better manage inventory, minimize excess or insufficient resources, leading to savings and process optimization.

Below we present the use of machine learning in demand forecasting in IFS Cloud based on weather forecasts. This functionality has incredible applications in the food industry: it improves the accuracy of forecasts, allowing deliveries and stocks to be more accurately adjusted to changing weather conditions. Thanks to this, food companies can avoid excessive waste, reduce costs and increase the efficiency of the supply chain:

forecast graph

  • Business Process Automation: allows you to automate routine tasks in ERP systems, such as invoice processing, document management, and customer service. This increases work efficiency, reduces human errors and allows employees to focus on more valuable tasks.
  • User Experience Personalization : Thanks to data analysis, AI can personalize interfaces and adapt the functionalities of ERP systems to the individual needs of users. This increases the usability of the system and speeds up the decision-making process.
  • Decision Support: ML algorithms can analyze operational and business data in real-time, providing decision-makers with more precision and information. This helps you make better strategic and operational decisions.
  • Performance Monitoring and Anomaly Detection: AI and ML enable ERP systems to analyze performance metrics and detect operational anomalies or issues in real-time. This allows for quick response and minimization of risk.
  • Predictive Development: AI and ML can predict potential problems or business opportunities based on data analysis. This allows companies to adapt their strategies and operations to better respond to changing market conditions.
  • IoT: Integrating ERP systems with IoT is a combination of two advanced technologies that can bring many benefits to companies such as asset tracking and real-time monitoring of machines and devices. This data sent to the ERP system allows for better control over resources and their use. IoT provides the ERP system with a large amount of data that can be analyzed and used to make better business decisions. For example, this may include energy usage data, which can be used to identify areas where energy can be saved, leading to lower costs.

An example screen from IFS Cloud used to visualize data downloaded from machines and devices:

machine monitoring and performance

  • The use of Augmented Reality provides additional opportunities – Machine Learning plays a key role in developing applications based on Augmented Reality (AR) that are used in various fields. In training, AR uses ML algorithms to create interactive learning environments, allowing for more engaged and effective learning.

In marketing, AR can provide interactive experiences for customers, allowing them to try on clothes virtually or explore products. Machine learning makes it possible to tailor these experiences to individual consumer preferences.

In the area of customer service, AR can be used to provide tips or technical support in real-time, and ML algorithms allow for the quick and precise solutions of customer problems.

In the service area, AR can enable technicians to access instructions and data in real-time, reducing downtime and minimizing the risk of errors. AR allows for machine recognition, monitoring of their condition and remote cooperation of experts, which speeds up service processes.

The use of AR in the area of service work allows for significant improvement in communication between the customer and the support center:

IFS remote assistance

As a result, the integration of AI, ML and AR with ERP systems significantly improves their efficiency, precision and usability, which contributes to more effective resource management and improvement of business operations in companies.


Author

PhD Katarzyna Grobler-Dębska

Business Architect InfoConsulting