Hybrid: The 5 W's of Enterprise Management Systems (and why they matter)

Gareth Ward

This presentation offers a clear and accessible exploration of Enterprise Management Systems using the familiar structure of the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, and Why).

The session begins by tracing the historical development of three foundational enterprise technologies: ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), SCM (Supply Chain Management), and CRM (Customer Relationship Management). Each is examined as a distinct system with its own purpose, evolution, and impact on organisational operations.

Building on this historical context, the presentation then shifts to the current technological landscape, where the once‑separate boundaries between ERP, SCM, and CRM are rapidly dissolving. Attendees will gain insight into how modern platforms increasingly integrate planning, supply chain coordination, and customer engagement into unified, data‑driven ecosystems.

The session concludes with a forward‑looking perspective, exploring emerging trends such as AI‑driven automation, predictive analytics, hyper‑personalisation, and the rise of fully composable enterprise architectures. These developments point toward a future in which enterprise systems become more intelligent, interconnected, and adaptive, reshaping how organisations operate and compete.

Dr Gareth Ward is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director for the BSc Business Information Systems at Canterbury Christ Church University. With a background spanning the video games industry, IT consultancy, and post‑compulsory education, he brings extensive real‑world insight to his academic work.

Gareth has recently completed his PhD, which examined the use of Virtual Reality to support foresight innovation in collaborations between universities and SMEs. His specialist interests include immersive technologies, user experience, digital collaboration, Enterprise Management Systems, human–computer interaction, and philosophies concerning how we measure and experience the world around us.

One of Gareth’s passions is digital entertainment and video games, and he hopes one day to return to working creatively in this field in some capacity.

Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.

This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.

BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society.

Please note, if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via [email protected], and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.

For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.

This event is brought to you by: Kent branch

Supported by Dorset branch and Hampshire branch

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Canterbury Christ Church University, Room VH.0.04, Canterbury, United Kingdom

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