As we move into the second half of the year, many organisations are taking stock of their ERP programmes.

Some are preparing for new implementation phases, others are refining existing platforms, while many are assessing how emerging technologies and changing business priorities should influence their next investment.

Across Europe, one thing is clear: ERP transformation remains high on the agenda. But the focus is evolving. Organisations are looking beyond successful go-lives and placing greater emphasis on optimisation, long-term value and building systems that support future growth.

While every business has its own priorities, we've seen several consistent themes emerging across the IFS, Infor and NetSuite markets.

IFS: Cloud maturity and operational excellence

IFS continues to gain momentum, particularly among asset-intensive organisations where operational performance and service delivery are business critical.

Industries such as manufacturing, aerospace and defence, energy, utilities, construction and field service remain active, with many organisations progressing from initial implementations into optimisation programmes or wider cloud adoption.

Rather than simply replacing legacy systems, businesses are increasingly looking at how IFS Cloud can help improve asset management, service operations and decision making across the organisation.

This shift naturally changes the skills required.

Many projects now demand consultants who understand both the technical capabilities of the platform and the operational realities of the industries they support. Architects, senior functional consultants and professionals with experience of complex stakeholder engagement remain particularly sought after, especially for multi-country programmes.

Infor: Industry expertise continues to make the difference

Infor has long differentiated itself through industry-specific solutions, and that remains one of its greatest strengths.

Across sectors including food and beverage, industrial manufacturing, distribution, automotive, chemicals and fashion, organisations continue to invest in CloudSuite migrations, modernisation programmes and platform optimisation.

These projects often involve more than technology upgrades. Data quality, integrations, business process improvement and regulatory requirements all play an important role in successful delivery.

As a result, demand continues to favour specialists who combine technical knowledge with genuine industry experience. Businesses are increasingly looking for consultants who understand the nuances of their sector, rather than general ERP expertise alone.

NetSuite: Supporting growth and international expansion

NetSuite remains a popular choice for growing organisations looking for a scalable cloud ERP platform.

Across Europe, we're continuing to see activity from technology businesses, SaaS organisations, professional services firms, retail and wholesale distribution companies, as well as private equity-backed businesses preparing for their next stage of growth.

Many programmes are focused on supporting international expansion, managing multiple legal entities, improving financial reporting and creating greater visibility across the business.

As organisations scale, implementation teams increasingly need professionals who can bridge finance, operations and technology. Technical capability is essential, but the ability to translate business requirements into practical ERP solutions is becoming just as valuable.

Regional trends across Europe

Although ERP investment remains strong across the continent, the drivers often vary by region.

In Germany, demand continues to be supported by advanced manufacturing, industrial engineering and automotive suppliers, with ongoing investment in cloud transformation and operational efficiency.

Across the Nordics, asset-intensive industries, utilities, renewable energy and defence continue to create opportunities, particularly within the IFS ecosystem.

The Benelux region remains active across logistics, technology and distribution, where organisations are investing in cloud platforms that support international operations and supply chain visibility.

Meanwhile, businesses across Southern Europe continue to modernise legacy systems as digital transformation programmes mature, while organisations in France remain focused on manufacturing, aerospace and retail transformation initiatives.

Despite these regional differences, organisations across Europe share a common objective: delivering greater business value from their ERP investment.

The growing importance of specialist ERP talent

As ERP programmes become more sophisticated, the skills required to deliver them are evolving too.

Today's projects rarely involve technology alone. They require professionals who can work across multiple business functions, communicate effectively with stakeholders and understand how ERP supports wider organisational goals.

Whether implementing IFS, optimising an Infor environment or scaling NetSuite internationally, organisations increasingly recognise the value of specialists who bring both platform expertise and commercial understanding.

In a market where experienced ERP professionals remain in high demand, building the right team early can have a significant impact on project outcomes.

Looking ahead

The second half of the year is expected to bring continued investment across the ERP landscape, with many organisations moving from planning into delivery.

While each platform serves different industries and business needs, one trend remains consistent across Europe: businesses are seeking experienced specialists who can help maximise the value of their ERP investment, not simply complete another implementation.

For organisations planning the next phase of their ERP journey, understanding market trends and securing the right expertise will continue to be key factors in delivering successful, long-term transformation.