The world is changing quickly and if you want your business to be relevant 10 years from now, you have a responsibility: Make the right decisions now.
This may seem a bit obvious, but many business leaders don’t apply this guideline in all aspects of their companies yet, especially their tech departments. Not that anyone should feel guilty. The tech industry changed quickly and excessively over the past two decades. Now it’s difficult to keep up, understand what you should prioritize and then lobby for the funds to implement the technology.
So, we’re going to provide insight on one aspect: Your cloud ERP. Yes, this MUST be at the top of your to do list.
What is a Cloud ERP?
Your business success depends on how efficiently you can function. An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is one of the best ways to streamline:
- Taking orders from customers
- Storing data (e.g. financial figures)
- Keeping inventory
- Operation scheduling
The focus is on integrating and automating your company’s core business.
But don’t simply pick the first system you come across. You can firstly opt for a Cloud ERP, which will be hosted on the vendor’s servers. Alternatively, there’s an on-premise ERP for which you use your own computers and servers.
So why do we vehemently promote a Cloud ERP?
Reasons to Deploy Your Cloud ERP
It’s Your Safer Option
It’s common to find opposition to new technology and many people feel sending their data ‘up in the air’ is a dangerous notion. The truth is that it’s the more secure option between various storage methods.
Cloud systems have excellent encryption features, such as 128-bit encryption for any data you send into the cloud. When you use a cloud system your paid for services include personnel that are dedicated to keep the cloud secure.
This is much more effective than an overworked IT department on site where a large workload may keep them from ensuring optimum security levels. Can you guarantee that your team can implement and test the necessary features 24/7? It only takes one breach to put your entire system at risk.
It Makes Financial Sense
Of course, you obviously need to consider your budget. You may expect to pay more for a such a professional service, than simply hosing it yourself. Luckily, in most circumstances, that’s a myth.
If you aim to create a top of the range system on your premises, you’ll have to spend a large amount of capital on hardware. This isn’t viable for new businesses who don’t have the funds yet and for established businesses, this is an unnecessary expense.
Added to this is the cost of running servers, as well as time—and money—lost when you deploy new features.
On a cloud system you pay for the use of servers, but this is much more economical than buying them yourself. Thanks to faster deployment and excellent scalability a cloud based system positively affects productivity and therefore revenue.
An on-premise system also demands the presence of on site experts. If you don’t have an equipped IT team a small problem can lead to huge losses while you wait for a professional from elsewhere to arrive. With a cloud ERP you don’t have to grow your IT department if your finances don’t allow for it.
This isn’t only beneficial to your budget now, but also in the long term.
Enjoy a User Friendly System
Because new technology seems daunting to many people you may think it’s the more difficult option to use in your business. Once again, a myth!
A cloud ERP has many user friendly features. First of all, it’s a common feature that cloud ERPs are designed according to systems most employees know already, which include:
- Intuitive dashboards
- Familiar interfaces
- User friendly features
Vendors understand the necessity of not wasting too much time on getting to know a new setup.
If speed is a priority you’ll also pick a cloud ERP for how quickly you can implement it. It’s a fact that they can be deployed in much shorter time frames than on premise ERPs. The benefit here is that there won’t even be much disruption to your normal processes when you start using it.
And now think of how you’re conducting your business. Don’t your team members function more effectively when they have access to business information at all times, no matter where they are? This is easily possible with a cloud ERP, as you only need an internet connection to access the cloud.
Upgrades Made Simple
As mentioned, technology changes quickly. That means your system won’t always function the way it does today. Upgrading an on-premise system is loaded with challenges:
- It adds more pressure to IT departments who in general have too much to handle already.
- Downloading upgrades to computers is bothersome to workers, as it takes time.
- Testing an upgrade can disrupt workers and lower productivity levels.
When upgrades happen on the cloud, most of these challenges are negated. IT personnel can focus on their other work and you don’t run the risk of a possible breach because they don’t have time to work on the new security upgrade.
Staff members don’t waste time on downloading upgrades or testing the software, because it’s done on your behalf.
Upgrades aren’t only simpler, but actually more cost effective, since upgrades to software are usually covered by the premiums you pay.
It Shows Your Concern for the Environment
As much as you value productivity and efficiency, your clients may prioritize one feature even more: your social responsibility.
If your carbon footprint is important to you, realize the value of using multi-tenant systems on the cloud, rather than deploying your own system on site. The latter can increase your footprint by 95%.
Conclusion
No matter where your priorities and business focus lie, there are clear reasons for using a cloud ERP, rather than deploying it on site. We will say it again: Your future success depends on the decision you make today. The only question left to ask is: When will you join the cloud?
