When It Comes to ERP Software, Are You A Thought Leader or a Follower?  by Rebecca Gill

Merriam-Webster defines a "follower" as one that follows the opinions or teachings of another individual. Not yet recognized by Merriam-Webster is "thought leader", which is defined as one who is recognized among their peers as an innovative thinker. So what does this have to do with ERP software you might ask? In the world of ERP, there are without doubt, followers and thought leaders. And the more I think about this topic, the more I realize this includes both ERP developers and end users.
 
So ask yourself, are you and your company considered thought leaders or followers?
Let's talk about Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs as defined in his 1943 paper on A Theory of Human Motivation. I think about our "thought leaders" - how they are really at the top of Maslow's pyramid.

But let me start at the lower end of Maslow's pyramid, which includes our basic needs - or those companies I'll place in my 'follower' category. For the ERP developer, this equates to minimal functional upgrades that are enough to keep users on annual maintenance and are inline or playing catch up with competitor ERP packages. For end use companies, this equates to the basic organizational tasks of taking orders, shipping, and invoicing. Notice I do not mentioned anything in regards to actually performing any of those tasks well, as the mere goal is to maintain or survive.

Let's now move up the top of the pyramid, which is the portion devoted to self-actualization or those companies I would consider thought leaders. For the ERP developer this equates to dedicating significant resources to product improvements, customer satisfaction, and overall success for both the developer and its end use customers.
 
These product improvements would be ones that are not yet on the market, that the competition has yet to think of, and that end users would die to get their hands on in a real-world production environment. For end user companies this equates to exceeding expectations for your customers and stockholders by using technology to deliver superior products and services, using technology to be at the forefront of your industry and well above your competition. It means being on top of the pyramid and at the top of your game.

Are any of us at the top of the pyramid where we can truly classify ourselves as thought leaders? As an ERP developer, I'd have to say no. I can personally say my company tries to be a thought leader and technologically advanced enough to focus solely on that coveted level of self-acquisition. But in reality, it doesn't always happen for us or our competition. The ERP industry has been plagued with so many acquisitions and consolidations over the last few years, that I don't know if any of us anywhere are close to being there yet.

So tell me, when looking at technology vendors (not necessarily just ERP) who do you think of as a thought leader? Look past mere name recognition and branding and think about true innovation, execution, and product or service superiority. Is anyone a thought leader or are we all simply followers masquerading as something else?