Nucleus ERP Value Matrix finds Usability Is Key for Leaders Oracle, Infor and Epicor

Rapid development cycles accelerate new features, but also create new complexity challenges in ERP — a trend Nucleus is seeing across all enterprise software

 
BOSTON – December 3, 2013 – Nucleus Research has released the 2013 second half Technology Value Matrix for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, finding vendors across the Matrix investing in usability including mobile capabilities. Nucleus predicts those vendors that provide automation to simplify feature-rich ERP solutions will pull away from the pack and establish an industry lead.

“The ERP space has never been more competitive and vendors continue to add new features and capabilities, particularly in industry verticals and analytics. While this is ultimately good for end users — adding new functionality — it also increases complexity to the point of confusion for many. The ability to simplify ERP and focus on user productivity is emerging as the new defining differentiator and has the ability to significantly shake up the Value Matrix going forward. This is the new front in the ERP war,” said Rebecca Wettemann, VP of research, Nucleus Research.

In fact, the leading vendors in this Matrix, Oracle, Infor and Epicor, face a crowded space as other top competitors gain ground and approach parity by adding new features and investing in usability. Functionality has continued to improve, putting a renewed focus on usability and the need to reduce overall complexity for the end user while maintaining functionality. This includes on-premise solutions and cloud-based services that have evolved with rich features, but also complexity.

The Value Matrix is based on functionality and usability, the two core measures that Nucleus has found indicate an application’s ability to deliver initial ROI and, ultimately, maximum value over time. Learn more at nucleusredev.wpengine.com/research.

About Nucleus Research

Nucleus Research is a global provider of investigative, case-based technology research and advisory services that provide real-world insight into maximizing technology value. For more information, visit NucleusResearch.com or follow us on Twitter @NucleusResearch.