Three Trends Changing Manufacturing ERP in 2026
Manufacturing ERP is shifting from passive recordkeeping to active execution. ERP Today’s senior editor Chris Vavra explains in a recent article how new technologies and regulatory pressures are redefining ERP’s role—from system of record to system of action.
Vavra identifies three converging trends reshaping ERP strategy and day-to-day operations:
- Agentic operations replace AI copilots
ERP systems are moving beyond recommendations to autonomous action. Software agents can reroute production, issue purchase orders, trigger maintenance, and resolve routine exceptions without human prompts. Leaders spend less time entering transactions and more time setting policies, guardrails, and approval thresholds. Early adopters report reduced downtime and productivity gains as agents handle predictive maintenance, scheduling, and high-volume transactional work. - Composable and headless ERP architectures
Instead of large, disruptive upgrades, organizations are adopting modular, API-driven ERP stacks. This allows teams to add or swap capabilities—such as demand planning engines or MES functions—without destabilizing core systems. Executive focus shifts toward integration design, vendor orchestration, and data governance rather than monolithic customization. - The rise of the sustainability ledger
With new regulations taking effect in 2026, sustainability data is becoming as critical as financial data. Emissions, waste, and resource usage must be accurately captured, auditable, and tied to every batch and shipment. Poor data quality now represents a compliance risk, not just a reporting issue.
The message for ERP insiders is clear: success in 2026 will depend on governing autonomous systems, managing modular ecosystems, and treating sustainability data as a first-class ERP workload.
