Software as a Service, or SaaS, enables users to access software applications that run on shared computing resources via the World Wide Web. Those computing resources, like storage disks, are maintained in remote data centers to host multiple applications on different platforms. Cloud computing is a computing model that provides flexibility, accuracy, and accessibility. Implementation and running ERP systems over the cloud offer great advantages and benefits. SaaS and cloud computing disrupt the traditional business deployment model and use enterprise software to open up new methods to add business value with a competitive advantage. SaaS, which has been around for a long time now, is evolving rapidly and is becoming the norm for major IT organizations with new applications. ERP is a category of SaaS application that empowers you to access enterprise resource planning tools. Since these applications are leased monthly or yearly, they are generally affordable for your long-term projects. In addition, these cloud-based ERPs help your team access crucial applications from any part of the world with the flexibility you need. These cloud-based ERPs are much more valuable for small and mid-scale businesses to access all the essential features at nominal subscription fees. If you run a small business or startup, you can save substantially in the initial investment phase and channel the funds into core operations. It can also help you scale your business into different geographical locations seamlessly without compromising your operation method or core value. Accounting and banking transactions are the core competencies of the majority of cloud-based ERP software. Procurement management, supply chain management, project management, etc. are a few cloud ERP software details. The vendor takes care of all with nominally increased subscription fees. If a merger or expansion into a different location happens, you will not require additional complexity to acquire real estate on staff only for data management. Less downtime When you choose to manage your operation without an ERP solution or with in-house cloud ERP software, you are heavily dependent on the infrastructure of your location. Cloud-based ERPs are managed globally with an elite infrastructure, so the chances of unplanned downtime are almost 0.01%. For a small business, vulnerabilities are even higher. Furthermore, it provides you with much-needed data security and protection from any unstable dictatorial regime in politically volatile regions. Flexibility in an upgrade: In today’s fast-paced environment, cloud ERP software provides you with much-needed agility and flexibility. In addition, they help with seamless integration with multiple banking systems and the increasing complexity of business demand. Furthermore, cloud ERP systems tend to integrate well with other cloud-based products, and you can add new modules to a cloud ERP system without downtime or additional hardware. On the other hand, in-house ERP often comes with dated technology and usually requires a complete revamp of the whole system in upgrade. Therefore, cloud ERP provides much-needed agility and flexibility to your business that any in-house server fails to do. Enhance data security: Your cloud-based ERP provides you with better data security and disaster recovery. The service provider has no access to your data, and digital storage secures you from regional problems like a natural calamity. Furthermore, you can remain confident that you are backing up your modules. Depending on the domain and industries, the features are specified further.
Impact of cloud ERPs on your business:
Ease of access Cloud-based ERP provides a centralized ecosystem to manage from any location at any time. It enables employees to access and keep up with the same data, irrespective of the business unit or geography. When your whole team is on the same page without extra effort, decision-making becomes efficient and fast. Cost-effective Usually, smaller and mid-level companies lack the resources to maintain an in-house ERP system; even those more prominent organizations that do find it cumbersome and uneconomical. Cloud ERP software costs way less than in-house ERP as it saves on critical research costs and time. Cloud-based storage also helps you immensely in saving the additional cost of IT staffing and real estate. Since the entire service becomes the vendor’s liability, stakeholders can dedicate more time to the core business. The time factor Most small and mid-level businesses find it hard to meet deadlines as implementing an in-house ERP consumes a lot of time and involves decision-making. Those without an in-house ERP find it even more challenging. However, a cloud-based ERP gives small businesses the much-needed push to keep pace with more prominent players. Easy Scaling With an efficient cloud-based ERP, you will find it much easier to keep track of growing employees or newer business units with more operational information constantly, and your vendor has planned and practiced disaster recovery procedures. The collaborative approach The right tool to collaborate among a globally diverse team has been a priority for most companies today. Enterprise social networking has become essential to creating a collaborative environment for employees, and cloud ERP software solutions are the most efficient tools to incorporate them. In live client support, the support agents must interact with the client in real-time to address complex issues like banking or medical emergencies. Even passive back-office data management requires endorsement of the process in various degrees.
