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• Are you only using 20% of the ERP you’ve paid for?
• Could Phase 2 of ERP adoption be where the real value lies?
• What if the tools you already own could save time and margin?

If you’ve implemented ERP but stopped after the basics, this episode is for you.

Many mid-sized businesses install ERP systems, survive go-live, then hit pause. The system runs, but the value stalls. In this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast, John Downes speaks with Dianne Semmens, CEO of Acacia Consulting Services. Dianne explains how most organisations miss out on mobile functionality, automation, and AI-driven decision support already included in their ERP licence. CEOs will learn how to unlock this “second wave” of ERP and avoid leaving value on the table.

What You’ll Learn:

== Why most businesses plateau after ERP go-live

== How mobile ERP apps streamline expenses, time-tracking and approvals

== Simple workflow automations that cut rework and protect margins

== How AI is already embedded in ERP and what to switch on today

== Why post-implementation reviews matter to capture new functionality

Highlights

00:00 Why most CEOs underuse ERP

02:00 Five next-level ERP functions

03:00 Mobile apps for expenses and pay-on-glass

05:30 Automations that boost service and reduce margin loss

07:30 Business alerts and stock management

09:00 MRP and manufacturing planning

10:30 AI integration into ERP

13:00 Natural language queries in ERP

17:30 Efficiency vs headcount: creating capacity

19:00 Post-implementation reviews and missed opportunities

21:00   #CriticalFewActions™ for Senior Leaders

The #CriticalFewActions™ You Can Do Today

When I work with successful business leaders, I often see ERP value stall after go-live. The basics work, but advanced capability sits idle. So think about these three insights I took from the episode:

The first Insight is about mobile ERP apps. Many businesses miss them. The problem: wasted time on manual forms.

So, what can you do?

• Check if your ERP has a mobile app tailored to your versions
• Pilot simple functions like expenses, timesheets, or pay-on-glass sign-off.
• 
  

The second Insight is about workflow automations. Manual processes eat time and margin.

So, what can you do?

• Start with small wins like automated order confirmations.
• Review ERP workflows already available but not yet enabled.
• 
  

The third Insight is about AI-driven ERP decision support. Many teams still export to spreadsheets while AI sits unused.

So, what can you do?

• Ask your ERP provider what AI tools are embedded.
• Enable natural language query features to answer questions without coding.
• 
  

 If you found this conversation valuable, please hit the Subscribe / Follow button, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve organisation performance and value.

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Final Thought

Unlocking ERP’s second wave isn’t about new software. It’s about using what you already own. CEOs who do this free capacity for better work and stronger customer service. Where in your organisation are you paying for capability you’re not yet using?

References:

• McKinsey Digital. Getting an ERP transformation back on track. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/getting-an-erp-transformation-back-on-track
• McKinsey & Company. ERP systems face a world of change: Here is how to get their transformation right. www.ft.com/partnercontent/mckinsey-and-company/erp-systems-face-a-world-of-change-here-is-how-to-get-their-transformation-right.html
• Gartner. Latest Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Insights. https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/topics/enterprise-resource-planning

 #CriticalFewActions #CEOMasterclass #ERP #DigitalTransformation #AI #BusinessEfficiency #MidMarket #Automation #Leadership #Manufacturing