Unit4 is a major player in this arena, offering a purpose-built platform that empowers public organizations to reimagine how they operate, serve, and adapt in an increasingly complex world. Its platform integrates core capabilities such as Financials, Budgeting and Financial Planning & Analysis, Fixed Assets, Procurement, Human Capital Management (HCM), Payroll, Travel Expenses, and Project Lifecycle Management. This comprehensive suite is delivered through a single, unified system—eliminating siloed tools and rationalizing the back-office technology landscape. 

By consolidating functions on one platform, organizations can reduce the total cost of ownership, increase operational transparency, and improve service reliability. The consistent user experience and centralized data architecture enable faster decision-making, easier compliance with statutory requirements, and better cross-departmental collaboration. 

Unit4 supports digital transformation by automating routine transactions and streamlining back-office functions, allowing organizations to shift their focus toward higher-value, citizen-facing activities.  

“The migration has reduced the time spent on manual routine work, making finance teams more productive, and offering an enhanced user experience,” said Duncan Squires, Finance Systems Manager at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which deployed Unit4 ERP in 2020. 

Crucially, Unit4’s flexible architecture supports interoperability with other systems, enabling seamless data integration and simplifying statutory reporting. Its open approach ensures that public sector organizations can evolve their technology stack without disrupting critical operations—an essential requirement in today’s fast-changing environment. 

Modernizing internal systems is only part of the equation. Unit4 also helps public sector organizations build a more engaged, digitally empowered workforce. With embedded tools for talent management, training, and recruitment, the platform supports workforce development and retention initiatives while providing employees with easy-to-use tools that improve productivity and morale. Built-in predictive analytics and contextual insights help decision-makers understand operational dependencies, allocate resources effectively, and adapt to evolving demands. 

“A manager can see that they have spent 60% of their budget, right down to individual cost line items and expenses. They can look at the labor by employee, by team or function. Armed with these insights, they can better plan how to allocate the balance of the budget, ensuring they don’t overspend,” said Tyson Ganske, Finance Planning Manager at the City of Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada, which deployed Unit4 in 2021. 

At the citizen level, Unit4’s platform enables rapid reconfiguration of services to meet changing needs, enhancing agility in areas like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and housing. By automating administrative processes, organizations can redeploy staff and resources to improve front-line services. Importantly, the platform ensures that sensitive data is managed securely and in compliance with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. 

What this means for ERP Insiders 

Unifying operations on a single platform reduces complexity, improves control, and lowers costs. Many public sector organizations struggle with fragmented systems and siloed processes across finance, HR, procurement, and planning. Unit4’s integrated platform consolidates these functions into a single, cloud-based solution, reducing the administrative burden and IT overhead associated with managing multiple systems. This streamlined architecture enables better data visibility, enhances auditability, and supports more consistent decision-making—while also lowering total cost of ownership through simplified support and maintenance. 

Automation and integration free up resources to improve citizen-facing services. By automating time-consuming back-office processes—such as payroll, budgeting workflows, expense tracking, and compliance reporting—Unit4 allows public institutions to shift focus from transactional tasks to mission-critical outcomes. The platform’s ability to integrate with existing systems and technology stacks further ensures smooth data exchange and reduces manual intervention. As a result, teams can reallocate capacity toward areas like public health, education, and infrastructure, enhancing the quality and responsiveness of citizen services. 

Modern tools enable agile planning, scenario modeling, and long-term resilience. Public sector leaders need tools that support proactive planning and rapid adaptation. Unit4 delivers capabilities such as predictive analytics, in-context reporting, and what-if scenario modeling, allowing organizations to simulate budgetary outcomes, manage financial risk, and forecast resource needs. These features help decision-makers build more resilient operations, ensure accountability, and stay aligned with evolving policy and community demands. 

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Ava is the culmination of a decade of innovation at Unit4 in digital assistant technology. Unlike fragmented agentic AI approaches, Ava consolidates functionality into a single interface to streamline interactions and enhance user experience. Built on Unit4’s microservices-based, cloud-native architecture, Ava is designed for interoperability, extensibility, and scalability—giving organizations the flexibility to evolve alongside AI capabilities. 

“It is clear AI is going to dramatically change how users interact with ERP systems, as it will enable people to focus on more meaningful and rewarding work,” said Claus Jepsen, Chief Technology Officer at Unit4. “Ava isn’t just smart – it’s pragmatic, purposeful and deeply attuned to the real challenges people face.” 

Unit4 takes a pragmatic approach to AI, using it to reshape ERP workflows into intelligent, adaptive, and user-centric experiences. Ava empowers users by handling routine, repetitive tasks while providing timely insights that allow people to focus on the kind of work only humans can do. 

“That’s why we have built Ava as one interface and agent,” Jepsen added, “as this will create an integrated platform making it easier to add functionality and avoid siloed AI Agents.” 

Today, Ava is capable of managing task assignments, performing data searches, and offering contextual help. It also supports advisory functions, such as anomaly detection in payroll and generating suggestions for invoice approvals or project creation. 

The Evolution of Ava 

Over time, Ava will evolve into a fully autonomous AI agent, providing four core capabilities: 

• Centralized orchestration, integrating and coordinating workflows within ERPx and Microsoft Teams. 

• Intelligent automation, autonomously managing routine tasks to reduce manual workloads. 

• Advanced augmentation, offering actionable insights and tailored recommendations to assist with specialized activities. 

• Proactive and predictive operations, identifying issues, forecasting needs, and dynamically adapting workflows to support business goals. 

Initially, Ava is embedded into Microsoft Teams due to its broad adoption across Unit4’s customer base. Users can communicate with Ava through natural language, and the agent translates those requests into ERP actions. This integration ensures consistent access to enterprise workflows directly within the tools employees already use. 

By building Ava on a flexible architecture with open APIs, Unit4 ensures the agent can quickly incorporate new AI functionality as technology evolves. Ava is not just a tool—it’s the cornerstone of Unit4’s self-driving ERP vision, designed to bring efficiency, personalization, and intelligence to everyday enterprise processes. 

With Ava, Unit4 reinforces its mission to deliver people-centric, future-ready ERP solutions to more than 4,700 organizations globally. 

What This Means for ERP Insiders 

AI-driven ERP agents like Ava are poised to significantly reduce operational overhead.
Unit4’s launch of Ava reflects a broader market trend toward automation within enterprise software. According to a 2024 study, organizations using AI-powered digital assistants have reported up to a 35% increase in employee productivity and a 25% reduction in time spent on repetitive tasks. By automating routine functions such as payroll validation, project creation, and workflow coordination, Ava enables mid-market organizations to shift resources toward higher-value strategic work. 

Centralized AI interfaces improve user adoption and consistency across ERP systems. Fragmented AI implementations can create silos and increase complexity for end users. Ava’s design as a unified interface integrated with both Unit4 ERPx and Microsoft Teams provides a streamlined user experience that supports enterprise-wide adoption. Research from Deloitte found that 72% of businesses cite user adoption as a primary challenge in ERP modernization efforts—suggesting that intuitive, conversational AI tools embedded into familiar platforms can accelerate successful digital transformation. 

AI orchestration within ERP platforms is critical for scaling automation across the business.  By 2026, 75% of large enterprises will adopt AI orchestration platforms to manage cross-functional workflows and drive digital efficiency. Ava’s ability to centralize workflow coordination, deliver proactive insights, and dynamically adapt to business needs positions it as a strategic enabler for companies seeking scalable, AI-enhanced operations. As organizations build AI-ready workforces and IT ecosystems, integrated agents like Ava offer a pathway to sustainable automation. 

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Cloud Adoption Accelerates Across Key Industries 

The company concluded fiscal year 2024 with significant momentum in transitioning major customers from on-premise ERP systems to Unit4’s cloud-native platform. Recent migrations include organizations across diverse sectors such as Boo Energi, The Carbon Trust, Education Development Trust, UWE Bristol, and BWH Hotels GB, showcasing Unit4’s broad industry appeal in public sector, nonprofit, education, and energy. 

Simon Paris, who recently took the helm as CEO following the departure of Mike Ettling, emphasized the market’s growing appetite for agile ERP solutions. “There is a real recognition among our customers that cloud-based applications are the fundamental building blocks to provide them with the agility they need to modernize, thrive and drive innovation through AI,” Paris said. 

New Service Tier Offers Greater Flexibility 

To support a wider range of customer needs, Unit4 launched Success4U Advanced, a new tier within its Success4U services portfolio. The offering provides an intermediate level of support between Essentials and Professional, giving customers with less mission-critical workloads access to flexible, cost-effective service options. Early adopters include Middlesbrough Council and Aston University. 

Executive Team Expanded to Drive Global Strategy 

Alongside service innovation, Unit4 has strengthened its leadership team. Vera Batyalova joins as VP of Partner Sales to oversee the global partner ecosystem, and Magdalena Teschemacher steps in as Sales Director for the APAC region, tasked with expanding Unit4’s footprint and driving cloud ERP adoption across Asia-Pacific markets. The company also recently announced that Jennifer Sherman will be joining as Chief Product Officer. 

Supporting Diversity and Skills Development Worldwide 

Unit4 also reaffirmed its commitment to community partnerships and inclusion, citing recent collaborations with Generation Girl in Indonesia, Talenti in Poland, and the Top Young 100 program, which nurtures young talent in supply chain and logistics. 

As ERP transformation accelerates globally, Unit4’s continued investments in cloud delivery, customer success, and inclusive growth are positioning it to meet the evolving needs of mid-market service organizations navigating digital change. 

What This Means for ERP Insiders 

Cloud ERP adoption is accelerating across industries. Unit4’s recent migrations—including organizations in energy, education, and hospitality—mirror a broader trend: enterprises are rapidly transitioning to cloud-native ERP systems. The global ERP software market is projected to grow from $149.53 billion in 2024 to $165.55 billion in 2025, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. Notably, cloud ERP solutions are gaining prominence, with the market expected to grow from $87.73 billion in 2024 to $172.74 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 14.5%. 

Flexible service models are key to ERP modernization. Unit4’s introduction of Success4U Advanced addresses the diverse needs of organizations by offering tiered support levels. This flexibility aligns with the broader shift towards SaaS models, as the global SaaS market is projected to grow from $315.68 billion in 2025 to $1,131.52 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.0%. Such growth underscores the importance for IT leaders to seek ERP providers that offer scalable and cost-effective service options. 

Strategic leadership and global expansion drive growth. With Simon Paris at the helm, Unit4 is poised to capitalize on the expanding ERP market. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, with the ERP market size estimated at USD 71.62 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 114.09 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 9.76%. Unit4’s strategic appointments in partner sales and the APAC region position the company to effectively navigate and lead in these burgeoning markets. 

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Sherman will lead Unit4’s global product organization, with a mandate to align product development with the company’s strategic goals, customer needs, and emerging technologies. Her appointment comes as Unit4 continues to expand its people-centric ERP cloud solutions for mid-market and service-focused organizations.

“Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in building innovative, user-centric products and a deep understanding of what it takes to scale in a fast-moving tech landscape,” said Simon Paris, CEO of Unit4. “As we continue to evolve our product offerings, Jennifer’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of our platform and delivering even greater value to our customers.” 

A Proven ERP Veteran Steps in to Lead Next-gen Product Strategy 

Sherman joins Unit4 from legal technology platform CARET, where she served as Chief Operating Officer. Her previous leadership roles include Chief Product and Experience Officer at NMI and Head of Product Management at Kibo, NAVEX Global, and Aptean. She began her career at Oracle, where she helped design and launch the company’s first Warehouse Management System for its ERP suite—bringing a strong foundation in both product strategy and ERP market dynamics.

The timing of Sherman’s appointment is significant. With organizations prioritizing digital transformation and scalability, ERP vendors are under pressure to innovate with more flexible, user-focused, and AI-enhanced platforms. Unit4’s ability to differentiate its offerings through intuitive design, industry-specific capabilities, and rapid deployment is seen as key to maintaining momentum—and Sherman’s experience aligns directly with those priorities. 

“I am incredibly excited to join Unit4 at such a pivotal time in its journey,” Sherman said. “I have a true passion for technology that supports customers and businesses who serve others, and Unit4 embodies this. With the company’s strong foundations, a talented team, and a clear vision for the future, I’m excited to help deepen customer impact and scale the next phase of growth.” 

As Unit4 prepares to expand its ERPx platform and capitalize on rising demand for agile ERP systems, Sherman’s leadership is expected to help steer product strategy and execution in ways that resonate with mid-market enterprises navigating complexity and change. 

What This Means for ERP Insiders 

Strategic product leadership is critical as ERP competition intensifies. With the global ERP software market projected to exceed $70 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights, vendors are under increasing pressure to differentiate through innovation, usability, and agility. Jennifer Sherman’s appointment signals Unit4’s intent to sharpen its product leadership and accelerate the evolution of its ERPx platform. For technology decisionmakers, this move underscores the growing importance of selecting ERP partners that demonstrate a clear, future-focused product roadmap backed by experienced leadership with a customer-centric mindset. 

People-centric ERP is gaining traction in the mid-market. As organizations prioritize workforce experience, flexible deployment, and business-specific workflows, demand for people-centric ERP solutions is rising. Sherman’s experience in user-focused product design and SaaS scalability aligns with this market shift—particularly in the mid-market services sector, where Unit4 has a strong foothold. Business leaders evaluating ERP options should consider platforms that go beyond transactional efficiency to enable talent management, service delivery, and customer engagement in one integrated system. 

Innovation velocity and scalability are now competitive differentiators. The pace of change in the ERP space is accelerating, driven by cloud adoption, AI integration, and evolving compliance needs. Unit4’s decision to bring on a CPO with experience scaling SaaS platforms and modernizing legacy systems reflects the need for continuous innovation. Technology leaders should assess their ERP vendors’ ability to rapidly evolve and support business growth without sacrificing stability or security. Platforms led by agile, visionary product teams are best positioned to keep pace with today’s dynamic digital landscape. 

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Södertälje Kommun’s existing finance platform struggled to support automation, digitization, and a more efficient way of working, for example. Multiple manual checks and controls bsorbed resources, financial processes were non-standard and finance reporting was slow and labor-intensive, delaying the insights needed for decision making.

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There is much agreement that AI will automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more strategic work. But what does this future workplace look like? How will AI impact the way we work and interact with colleagues, and what will be expected of employees in the AI-fuelled office?

Clearly, AI has much to offer. However, humans perform vital roles, not only as gatekeepers and controllers but also as sources of invaluable institutional memory and intelligence. Today, AI struggles to understand unique and random events specific to a given organization, and it cannot replicate the emotional and serendipitous aspects of employee interactions.

If AI cannot replicate every aspect of our human-to-human interactions, then AI adoption should not only involve a discussion about the technology but also the people-related, cultural, and organizational changes needed to maximize the benefits of AI. This document explores just how this will impact and shape the current and future dynamics of work.

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