If you've used any type of software recently, you’ve probably noticed that there’s been a shift towards the cloud. Big names such as Microsoft, Adobe and Amazon have pivoted to a software as a service (SaaS) model that makes their product easier to access, more secure and more convenient for users.
The same can also be said for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), which has evolved significantly. Today, cloud-based versions of the software offer a viable alternative to on-premise options, where the software is installed on local servers using the infrastructure that your organisation owns.
As a business, it’s important that you remain agile and open to innovation. After all, the alternative is stagnation, being stuck with outdated software, siloing your operations, and your competitors overtaking you. Which nobody wants.
With that in mind, it could be time for you to make the switch to a cloud-based ERP. Alternatively, if you’ve never had an ERP before, a cloud-based option offers you a suite of convenient benefits that might convince you to make the leap.
Lower costs, more convenience
One of the biggest benefits of making the switch to a cloud-based ERP is the savings for your business. As anybody who’s done it knows, the initial costs of having to purchase servers and infrastructure to store your ERP can be expensive. Add in maintenance and IT support, and there’s a compelling case for making the switch to a cloud-based ERP solution on cost alone.
Once you’ve made the move to the cloud, all you need to worry about is the month-to-month cost of the software. This is especially beneficial if you’re a smaller business that finds it hard to justify the high upfront expense of on-premise ERP.
No upkeep. No maintenance. No worries.
Scale up (or down) as needed
When you use cloud-based ERP, you’ll pay a simple monthly fee. It doesn’t require extensive setup, so you can become more agile, scaling up and down as the situation warrants.
Let’s say you’re preparing for a trade show or bringing in a new product and need to onboard some temporary staff to help with the surge. With a cloud-based ERP, you eliminate any stress about large expenditures or inconvenience with getting them set up. All you need to do is provide them with a computer, and they can access the ERP through the cloud.
And once the hump is over, it’s just as simple to downgrade back to where you were before.
Safety first, all the time
With high-profile data leaks associated with the cloud and SaaS, businesses may be reluctant to move to a remote ERP. And yes, it’s true that if your ERP is running on an on-premise server, it’s harder for nefarious parties to locate your company and compromise your data.
However, it’s also important to note that the safety measures of cloud-based options are considerable, with the latest encryption measures, multi-factor authentication, and other security factors built into every aspect of the software.
And as new dangers emerge, cloud-based developers will be able to respond to them, ensuring protection gets even better with time. Compare this to an on-premise ERP, where you’ll need to continue iterating and updating security measures to ensure you remain safe.
Say goodbye to updates
Having your ERP on-premise can mean that you constantly have to update it, potentially slowing down your business and adding unexpected delays if something goes pear-shaped (not to mention unexpected expenses).
But with a cloud-based ERP, you don’t need to worry about constant updates. Because you’re running in a program located in the cloud, you’re always using the most recent version of the software.
Making the switch, made easy
If all this talk of updating and transferring data has you nervous about downtime and the hassle of switching services over, you might be surprised to know that moving to the cloud is that it’s a pretty seamless experience. All you need to do is take a backup of the on-premise data and – depending on the version of the ERP you’re using – it will automatically be uploaded. It’s a seamless one-time task that will have you set up for success.
And if you’re new to the ERP world, the process is similarly streamlined. In fact, where an on-premise solution could take a year to get up and running, cloud-based options are ready to go in around three to six months. We don’t need to say that’s a whole lot of potential headaches – and financial strain – negated.
Why going cloud-based is the way forward
Whether you’re new to ERPs and looking for a solution, or you want to update your existing on-premise fit-out, there’s a compelling case to be made for going cloud-based.
After all, as a business, you’ve got to stay ahead of the competition. Cloud-based ERP allows you to do just that, with access to the latest technology and tools to keep you on the cutting edge.
All while keeping costs down and giving you more time to focus on the things that matter to your business.
This migration to SaaS is why we introduced SAP Business One Cloud. An affordable way to power your business via the cloud, SAP Business One Cloud gives you all the functions that are included in SAP Business One, with the added convenience of cloud computing.
With a single subscription fee that includes software, service, and support, you’ll be in the perfect position to take your business forward.
To learn more about how SAP Business One Cloud can take your business to the next level – while also saving you money and offering more convenience – click here to learn more or contact our team.
