ERP Speeds Up Company Processes By Up to 50%, Says Michal Fedorko

“If finance teams don’t trust the system, leadership won’t trust it either,” he says in an interview for the business platform Roklen24. In the interview, he also discusses how ERP implementations work today, why companies often hold back their own digital transformation, and what AI is really bringing into practice.

Thanks to modern ERP systems, companies today can complete monthly financial closings up to 50% faster. What helps drive this change, and what are the benefits for top management?

The fact that companies can now complete their monthly closing in, say, seven days instead of fifteen brings a huge advantage to top management. They gain earlier access to accurate and consolidated data, which means faster and more informed decision-making. In a dynamic environment, the ability to respond in real time is critical.

The key to achieving this kind of transformation is the right combination of people, processes, and technology. Automation can speed up most routine steps, but real success depends on whether people, especially within finance teams, are willing to adopt the new system, learn to use it effectively, and trust it. Without their trust, top management won’t trust the data either. And without trust, fast data is useless. In short: technology enables change, but it must start with people.

ERP implementations used to take years. Today, a six-month rollout is realistic. What has changed, and what do companies need to have in place to make it work?

ERP implementations used to take years, now we can complete them in just six months. The shift lies in the fact that instead of tailoring the system to the company, companies are now aligning with proven best practices already built into ERP systems. This significantly accelerates the process.

Additionally, AI helps analyze and optimize business processes faster. But the real key is being ready for change and willing to adapt to new ways of working. We’re experiencing this firsthand with the ongoing implementation of SAP S/4HANA in our own organization.

What are the most common barriers to digitalization in Czech companies, and where are they losing the most time and money?

There are two major barriers to digitalization in Czech companies.

1. A reluctance to adapt to the standards of modern systems.
   This mindset prevents them from unlocking the full potential of modern technologies.
   
   
2. Viewing digitalization as merely transferring paperwork into a computer.
   For example, instead of redesigning a process, they simply convert a form into a PDF. But that doesn’t address the root issue, inefficiency and unnecessary steps.

What’s often missing is the courage to rethink processes and truly innovate. Digitalization should be about simplifying work and improving the user experience.

Real value only comes when technology drives a change in mindset and the company is willing to adapt its operations accordingly.

Where is AI already helping in ERP systems, and which features are still more marketing than reality?

AI is already having a real impact in ERP systems, mainly through virtual assistants. Users no longer need to know how to navigate the system. They can simply ask in natural language, e.g., “What were last month’s sales?” and the assistant displays the data.

AI can also perform specific actions, such as creating a purchase order or a job contract, again based on a simple text command. This significantly simplifies work, especially for non-technical users.
Another valuable area is data analysis and forecasting, for example, predicting future demand or stock levels. In many ERP systems, this is now standard functionality.

On the other hand, some features remain mostly on paper or in marketing materials. For instance, fully voice-controlled ERP without login credentials isn’t a reality for most companies yet, but it’s expected to arrive soon.

How long after ERP implementation can companies expect to see ROI, and how can success be objectively measured?

Return on investment in ERP systems typically falls within three to five years. However, measuring it isn’t always straightforward, as many benefits aren’t strictly financial.

ERP improves internal processes, reduces errors, and frees up employees from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic work. That doesn't mean reducing headcount, but rather making better use of internal talent.

Beyond financial ROI, modern ERP systems bring long-term value: greater flexibility, easier business development, and the ability to drive innovation. Legacy systems often hold companies back, hindering growth. A modern cloud-based ERP can accelerate digital transformation and strengthen competitiveness both locally and internationally.

How are ERP systems addressing rising cybersecurity and regulatory demands, such as NIS2?

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important in ERP systems, especially as companies move to the cloud. In the past, the focus was often just on performance, but today, data protection is critical.

Major cloud providers now offer robust security measures that comply with strict regulations. However, the biggest risk remains the user, human error often leads to data breaches or access mismanagement.

Modern ERP systems are already helping mitigate these risks. They monitor suspicious user behavior, leverage AI to detect unusual activity, and help identify potential issues early.

Is the future of ERP moving toward compact “all-in-one” solutions or modular platforms with external integrations?

We believe the future of ERP lies in a combination of both. Companies need a strong core system, especially those with complex manufacturing or development processes. That core provides a solid foundation.

At the same time, businesses often need to integrate specialized modules for customer service, e-commerce, or other functions. The ideal setup is a robust all-in-one core paired with flexible modular extensions that cover all business needs.

How does ACTUM Digital differ from large global SAP implementation partners, and why are companies increasingly choosing local partners?

Companies often choose local partners because they want a team on-site and communication in their native language. In the Czech Republic, this remains very important. Local partners also understand Czech regulations, tax systems, and market specifics, something global players don’t always fully cover.

At ACTUM Digital, we differentiate ourselves through our approach. We’re highly adaptable to the client's culture, working style, and business needs. We don’t try to impose our processes, instead, we become part of the client’s team. This makes change management and system implementation much smoother, because we’re working from within.

Clients appreciate this approach because it’s more convenient and effective. They feel that we truly understand them and provide tailored solutions, which is often lacking with large global firms. That’s why they choose us as their partner.

The interview was originally published on the Roklen24 (in Czech).