Qualities to Look for in a Cloud ERP

Businesses in every industry and sector are looking for ways to improve efficiency and internal processes to boost growth and, ultimately, profits. Manufacturing and distribution are a couple of areas that are greatly realizing the benefits of a modern ERP solution.

A cloud-based system offers organizations state-of-the-art technology, which is revolutionizing the way professionals work. There are clear advantages that a cloud-based ERP can offer a business.

Top 7 Reasons to Adopt a Cloud-based ERP Solution

1. Budget Savings

Business leaders are often hesitant to move forward with an upgrade or first-time installation, as they worry about cost. There’s good news: moving to the cloud can actually save an organization money. In fact, according to Acumatica, a leading ERP provider, 82% of companies have cost savings when they move to the cloud.

While on-premise ERPs generally require a hefty startup cost, cloud-based systems should prove easier on the purse strings. Decision makers should plan to do some investigative work and steer clear of vendors that charge per user, as those fees can add up and the plan would prove more difficult to adjust as needs evolve. Acumatica, for instance, offers an unlimited number of users and is scalable, adjusting to what suits the customer without added cost.

2. Easy Implementation

Implementing a new system can be daunting, but moving to the cloud makes the process much easier. No longer are companies concerned with finagling servers, installing software, and hoping that the system works well with the supporting network.

A cloud-based system is housed off-premise and can be managed without straining internal employees. The IT department can then focus on much more important matters that can generate increased business and profits. Implementing a streamlined ERP solution that lives in the cloud will make employees’ lives easier, not create issues and more work.

3. Reliability

Business leaders are typically concerned with ensuring that any steps forward will not cause delays or slow down functionality. They can rest assured that cloud technology has been a steady piece of business management for a couple of decades; and it is now proving to be even more reliable than out-of-date legacy systems.

The key is to partner with a solid vendor that has proven results — ideally in the same industry that the company works in. Designate a team from the IT department, as well as those from other departments throughout the organization, to lead the project. They should read testimonials, interview other clients of top finalists, and, if possible, visit their offices to see the system at work.

4. Performance

It’s a common myth that working in the cloud brings with it slower results. Speed is not an issue with a modern ERP — today, cloud-based systems can compete or even beat out on-premise systems.

Improved connection speeds and other advancements in technology have paved a new way forward in the cloud computing ecosystem. While business leaders may express concerns around drops in efficiency and response, they can rest assured that today’s ERP systems are truly industry-best.

5. Easy Maintenance

On-premise ERPs are frustrating to the internal team, as they require server and local maintenance. When a business hosts its ERP solution, it is fully responsible for maintaining its upkeep, which can be extremely time consuming.

There’s also obvious risk of in-house management — if it goes offline there can be dramatic, and even devastating impact, to the operational side of the business. A cloud-based system mitigates the risk that comes with on-premise systems. The business will not be taxed with hiring additional staff to maintain a new server and see it through its ups and downs. Instead, the provider will handle all problems; an employee simply logs in and reports what is needed.

6. Security

The provider will also be able to provide the necessary security the system and business need. While concerns do loom about security in the cloud, it is much safer than most would think.

There are also steps that can be taken in-house, such as safe record-keeping. Make sure the company that is hired includes high standards of certification, compliance, and data backup and recovery. If it is determined that the ERP vendor’s efforts to ensure security aren’t adequate, boost an internal strategy to protect the business from cyber attacks.

7. 24/7 Access, From Anywhere

One of the best benefits of a cloud-based ERP is the opportunity to access important information and data at any time and from any location, as long as WiFi or a browser and Internet connectivity exists. This type of accessibility was unheard of until the past few years.

With this type of convenience, teams can work at full capacity in the field or remotely. Dashboards make function-centric visuals available at the touch of a button, giving the workforce an obvious advantage. Likewise, this frees leadership, which can move approvals along quickly. Customers will benefit as well, as the entire team will be working in real-time, offering consistent updates.

Join the Cloud, Today!

CSS Technology has the knowhow to take businesses into the future by streamlining process management, particularly for Small to- medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that are looking for an opportunity to improve efficiency. Put the power of a cloud-based ERP to work, in a cost-effective and effortless approach.