As your legacy systems age, it may be time to start thinking about implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. While your list of requirements for new software may include items that are feature or module specific, it’s also critical that you take the time to decide on which deployment option is right for your business.
Below, we highlight the advantages of choosing a cloud-based ERP solution over an on-premise one.
1. Cloud ERP allows you to migrate off of outdated systems quickly, easily and more affordably
Installing on-premise ERP applications is daunting. It often requires downtime and always means significant time and effort with choosing a system, negotiating a price, installing, troubleshooting and maintaining the system. Cloud-based ERP is different. It requires no extensive installation and the workload can usually be migrated immediately, meaning no lost downtime. Many cloud ERP applications often offer a straightforward pricing structure, which is also a huge plus.
2. Cloud ERP reduces the workload of internal IT staff
After the system is up and running, most of the support comes directly from your cloud ERP partner. If you need changes made, have questions or experience issues, there is no waiting around for IT to have time to fix the problem or answer your questions. For businesses where IT is already overloaded (which includes most companies nowadays), cloud software is incredibly helpful in reducing the stress on IT while keeping workers productive.
3. Cloud ERP is available anywhere, anytime
A cloud-based solution is not dependent on your internal infrastructure, so workers can access the system anytime they need it from anywhere they happen to be. This means that they can work from home, work while traveling and work during hours when systems are normally down for maintenance (such as over the weekend or late at night). Even if your entire IT infrastructure is lost in a fire or natural disaster, your data and workflows remain intact and accessible via the cloud.
4. Cloud ERP is compatible with other tools
A common problem found in many legacy ERP systems is a lack of compatibility with other systems, especially as you upgrade to new software. Cloud-based software often employs standard tools to quickly facilitate integration with other technology so that you can stream data from other systems into your ERP for a more complete, accurate, up-to-date view of your company’s data.
5. Cloud ERP always gives you access to the latest version
Updating and upgrading on-premises software is costly, time-consuming and sometimes just doesn’t get done. Updates generally bring downtime, which most companies can’t easily afford. An upgrade is expensive, and also comes with downtime, troubleshooting and all of the issues your IT department faces when installing any new software package. Cloud-based ERP gives you constant access to the latest version, without paying more or shutting down production for an installation.
6. Cloud ERP means you’ll never face a software licensing audit
Software companies have gotten more aggressive in recent years about auditing the businesses that use their software. Even if your business is compliant with licensing requirements, it is expensive and a hassle to go through the auditing process. With a cloud platform, there is no in-house software to audit. You never have to worry about getting one of those dreaded audit notification letters.
If your business is struggling with an on-premise solution or legacy software and is ready to learn more about how cloud-based ERP can help streamline your operations, we’d love to chat. Acumatica Cloud ERP and NexTec provide best-in-class business software for companies like yours. To learn more, reach out to us. We’d love to chat.