IDC Spotlight: Unlocking Business Agility and Growth for SMBs with Modern ERP and Partner Innovation
Discover why SAP Business One is the perfect ERP solution to unlock growth and agility for small and medium-sized businesses. This IDC Spotlight explores the benefits of modern ERP modernization, cloud deployment, and partner innovation, highlighting how they drive efficiency, scalability, and competitive advantage in the fast-evolving digital landscape. Télécharger le documentSPOTLIGHT
Sponsored by: SAP
Unlocking Business Agility and Growth
for SMBs with Modern ERP and
Partner Innovation
December 2025
Written by: Mickey North Rizza, Group Vice-President, Enterprise Software
Introduction
In today's fast-paced business environment, small and medium-sized
businesses (SMBs) are no longer just keeping up — they're leading the
charge in digital transformation. The days of legacy systems and manual
processes are behind us. SMBs recognize that to stay competitive,
resilient, and agile, they must modernize their ERP systems, embrace
cloud deployment, and tap into the power of partner-driven innovation.
These aren't just technology upgrades — they're strategic imperatives for
unlocking new levels of business agility and sustainable growth.
Key Business Priorities for SMBs
IDC's 2025 Small and Medium-Sized Business Survey makes it clear: SMBs
are laser-focused on growth, efficiency, and innovation. Increasing
revenue tops the list of action items, with 41.8% making it their main
priority. Attracting new customers (35.6%) and improving operational
efficiency (33%) follow closely behind. Productivity gains (31%) and the
development of digital products and services (29%) round out the top 5
priorities. They reflect the reality of today's market — SMBs must be
nimble, customer-centric, and ready to seize new opportunities.
Small and midsize businesses are embracing ERP modernization, cloud, AI, and partner-
driven innovation to achieve business agility, scalability, and drive growth. This advanced
technology and strategic partnerships enable SMBs to unlock new levels of efficiency,
productivity, and innovation.
KEY STATS
SMBs are laser-focused on growth,
efficiency, and innovation. Supporting
mobile workers who work securely from
anywhere is critical. According to IDC's
research:
» 56% of SMBs rank ERP and business
operations tools among their top
technology investments.
» 51.7% look to AI to drive operational
improvements and elevate customer
experiences.
» 80.7% rely on their partners to add value
to their ERP and business applications
through integrations, customizations, or
ongoing support.
AT A GLANCE
Sponsored by: SAP
Unlocking Business Agility and Growth
for SMBs with Modern ERP and
Partner Innovation
December 2025
Written by: Mickey North Rizza, Group Vice-President, Enterprise Software
Introduction
In today's fast-paced business environment, small and medium-sized
businesses (SMBs) are no longer just keeping up — they're leading the
charge in digital transformation. The days of legacy systems and manual
processes are behind us. SMBs recognize that to stay competitive,
resilient, and agile, they must modernize their ERP systems, embrace
cloud deployment, and tap into the power of partner-driven innovation.
These aren't just technology upgrades — they're strategic imperatives for
unlocking new levels of business agility and sustainable growth.
Key Business Priorities for SMBs
IDC's 2025 Small and Medium-Sized Business Survey makes it clear: SMBs
are laser-focused on growth, efficiency, and innovation. Increasing
revenue tops the list of action items, with 41.8% making it their main
priority. Attracting new customers (35.6%) and improving operational
efficiency (33%) follow closely behind. Productivity gains (31%) and the
development of digital products and services (29%) round out the top 5
priorities. They reflect the reality of today's market — SMBs must be
nimble, customer-centric, and ready to seize new opportunities.
Small and midsize businesses are embracing ERP modernization, cloud, AI, and partner-
driven innovation to achieve business agility, scalability, and drive growth. This advanced
technology and strategic partnerships enable SMBs to unlock new levels of efficiency,
productivity, and innovation.
KEY STATS
SMBs are laser-focused on growth,
efficiency, and innovation. Supporting
mobile workers who work securely from
anywhere is critical. According to IDC's
research:
» 56% of SMBs rank ERP and business
operations tools among their top
technology investments.
» 51.7% look to AI to drive operational
improvements and elevate customer
experiences.
» 80.7% rely on their partners to add value
to their ERP and business applications
through integrations, customizations, or
ongoing support.
AT A GLANCE