My Journey in the ERP Space: From On-Premise to Native AI

I’ve been in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) space for many years, and I have a story to tell from my personal experiences with ERP and my journey over the years. It all started in the mid-1990s.

The Evolution of ERP

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a software system designed to automate core back-office processes for organizations. These functions include Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, and Sales, creating a single source of truth for data. ERP’s roots trace back to the 1960s with the advent of inventory management, evolving in the 1970s and 1980s to include Material Requirements Planning (MRP), which introduced features like Shop Floor Control, Production Scheduling, and Full Inventory Management.

Entering the ERP Space

My first experience with ERP was through PeopleSoft, where I managed large-scale on-premise implementation projects. These implementations typically took anywhere from one to three years, depending on business complexity. A typical ERP implementation followed these steps:

1. As-Is Process – Understanding the current environment.

2. To-Be Process – Defining the desired future state.

3. Definition – Creating product specifications based on the To-Be Process.

4. Build – Configuring the software.

5. Test – Conducting end-user testing.

6. Acceptance – Obtaining end-user approval.

7. Go-Live – Transitioning to the new environment, including training.

8. Post Go-Live Support – Providing ongoing support to users.

The Definition stage was often the most crucial, as unique business processes required customization. This customization required extensive development, which was costly and time-consuming, involving large teams of expensive developers.

The Shift to Cloud ERP

In the early 2000s, I transitioned to selling NetSuite, which introduced a fundamental shift: it was a Software as a Service (SaaS) ERP application. Unlike PeopleSoft, NetSuite did not require on-premise installation. Instead, users subscribed to the service, reducing the need for dedicated IT teams to maintain infrastructure.

While SaaS offered clear advantages, IT departments initially resisted due to concerns over data control, security, and accessibility. However, as companies realized they no longer needed extensive and expensive development resources, the cost and time savings became undeniable, leading to widespread SaaS adoption.

The App Ecosystem & the "Frankenstein" Effect

By the 2010s, the ERP landscape evolved further with the rise of third-party applications (Apps) within the NetSuite ecosystem. These apps, connected through APIs, allowed businesses to extend ERP functionalities without major customizations. However, this led to organizations assembling a patchwork of on-premise systems, SaaS applications, and third-party apps—a "Frankenstein" technology stack that introduced integration challenges and inefficiencies.

The AI Revolution in ERP

We are now in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI has been in development since the 1950s, its breakthrough moment came with the launch of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022. The world was captivated by AI’s ability to answer complex questions, assist in content creation, and automate tasks.

ERP software providers like NetSuite have incorporated AI as an add-on to streamline repetitive tasks such as data entry and trend analysis. However, these add-ons remain limited because they are not natively built into the system.

The Rise of Native AI ERP

The next transformation in ERP is Native AI—software applications designed and built with AI as their core foundation rather than as an add-on. Unlike traditional ERP systems that retrofit AI capabilities, AI-native systems are built from the ground up with machine learning at their core. This enables:

• Innovation & Profitability – AI-driven insights unlock new revenue streams and optimize financial performance.

• Enhanced Efficiency & Productivity – AI anticipates needs, automates workflows, and improves user experience. 

• Adaptability & Agility – AI-powered systems quickly respond to market changes and evolving business requirements.

Real-World Impact of AI-Native ERP

Companies that embrace AI-native ERP solutions may see measurable benefits. One possible result? Saving a full time accountant headcount — a potential game-changer for their operations.

CFOs, in particular, face persistent challenges such as delayed financial reporting, compliance complexity, and fragmented data visibility. AI-native ERP addresses these pain points by providing real-time data consolidation, intelligent automation, and predictive analytics, empowering CFOs to make faster, more strategic decisions.

The Competitive Edge of Everest Systems

Unlike legacy ERP vendors adding AI as an afterthought, Everest Systems is built natively with AI from day one. This means:

• No need for bolt-on AI solutions—everything is embedded from the start.

• Seamless automation without the integration headaches of third-party apps.

• Self-optimizing workflows that continuously improve efficiency.

  
  

Imagine a future where a business user can add a unique process to an ERP system simply by speaking to AI—without needing developers, without months-long implementation projects, and without the inefficiencies of fragmented systems.

The Future of ERP: AI-Driven and Self-Configuring

Looking ahead, the ERP landscape will continue to evolve with AI at its core. Within the next 5-10 years, we anticipate:

• Self-configuring ERP systems that automatically adapt to business needs.

• AI-driven compliance monitoring to reduce regulatory risks.

• ERP platforms that predict and prevent operational bottlenecks before they occur.

My Next Chapter: Everest Systems

My journey continues with Everest Systems, the first Native AI ERP Software Company. I look forward to meaningful conversations with CFOs about why they no longer need a "Frankenstein" technology stack. Instead, they can leverage AI-native ERP to build their own systems simply by interacting with AI.

About Everest Systems

Everest Systems is pioneering the Native AI ERP revolution. Our founders are industry visionaries shaping the future of enterprise software:

💡 Franz Faerber – Former EVP of Technology at SAP and architect of the HANA in-memory database. A leader in enterprise technology and data processing. 

💡 Sandeep Chopra – Former VP of Product at Veeva, where he led the Quality & Manufacturing Applications Suite. A driving force behind transformative SaaS solutions. 

💡Joachim Fitzer – Former Chief Development Architect for SAP Business ByDesign and Data Hub. His leadership has shaped global business solutions.

About Cameron Ackbury

I am a 20+ year veteran of the software industry, holding a Master of Science in Accounting and a CPA certification. I reside in Silicon Valley with my wife and two teenage children, and I am passionate about driving AI innovation in ERP.

The future of ERP is here, and it’s Native AI. Let’s build it together.