Enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrates your day-to-day business operations to streamline processes via a shared database accessible to multiple business units within your organization such as accounting, marketing, sales, inventory, delivery services, etc. When deciding on an ERP system for business automation needs, you can choose to have it housed either “on premises” or have a cloud ERP software system.
An on-premises system is housed locally and stored on your company’s own servers while cloud ERP is hosted off premises on a cloud computing platform. Cloud ERP software has some distinct advantages over on-premises systems.
Here is a look at 10 benefits of having a cloud ERP software system.
#1 Accessibility
Employees can access cloud software from anyplace at anytime via any devices with internet access including a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. This is an advantage to employees who frequently travel and need to access ERP software from a hotel or conference meeting room.
#2 Maintenance-free
Your IT department wears a lot of hats without adding ERP system maintenance to the list. You won’t need a dedicated staff of IT professionals to maintain and update servers for ERP software. Separate servers may be required for the computer power needed to operate an on-premises ERP system efficiently. This is not the wisest use of your IT department’s time and resources. More servers mean more IT hours spent maintain these servers.
You also won’t have to worry about losing access if a company server goes down. Cloud support takes care of any required compatibility and maintenance requirements issues.
#3 Installation costs
Cloud ERP software installation costs are significantly lower and take less time than having your ERP system on premises, and your IT staff won’t be tied up with getting the ERP system installed and in working order. There are typically no upfront costs, rather monthly payments to maintain cloud access and any software licensing/upgrade requirements.
#4 Enhanced Security
Most cloud vendors use very secure hosting environments with sophisticated data security systems for cloud ERP software. Your IT department won’t be tasked with preventing security breaches and can give priority to your organization’s other business automation needs. With the superior security of cloud ERP, data security is taken out of the hands of your organization’s IT staff. You’ll have less to worry about in the form of data security breaches, which can be time-consuming and costly when they occur.
#5 Energy savings
You will save on energy costs by having your ERP software on the cloud rather than on premises. It takes a great deal of energy to power your on-premises servers to host ERP systems. Cloud-based systems also have greater server capacity than on-premises systems and can handle many more concurrent users.
#6 Employee Familiarity
Millennials are a growing part of the workforce and likely to be the ones accessing your ERP system. This generation grew up on mobile devices and the cloud and they’re already familiar and comfortable with accessing data through mobile and other devices.
#7 Collaboration
It is easy for your staff to access and collaborate through the cloud when on-the-go through their mobile devices. Impromptu meetings can happen anytime, anywhere with access to real-time data.
#8 Scalable platform
A cloud ERP system is a scalable platform, meaning that when you hire new employees, you won’t have to purchase additional software access or make expensive hardware installation as you would with on premises ERP software. Cloud ERP systems are capable of handling unlimited users.
#9 Increased Speed
A cloud-based ERP software system runs as fast as cloud servers can make it. The cloud is designed to perform at top-speeds, whereas an on-premises system can get bogged down and run slowly if you have server failures.
#10 Ready IT Support
Your cloud-based ERP system has a built-in IT team ready to resolve issues quickly. Unless your IT department is willing to work 24/7, this is a definite advantage over on-premises ERP. The support team handles any required updates, security enhancements and implements new features that become immediately available to users.
Cloud ERP software solutions allow your company to work smarter and offer the advantages of saving on costs, flexibility, scalability, security, worry-free maintenance, speed and more. A cloud system is well-suited to small and large businesses alike who are looking to keep upfront installation costs down and want ready access to ERP data. The advantages of ERP cloud systems allow companies to operate efficiently and grow to maximum potential.
Your organization can take control of its data by accessing ERP cloud capabilities. Premier Computing is the premier equipment, process, service, and business automation provider for Utah companies since 1952. We have cloud ERP solutions to fit small and large businesses alike. Contact us and we’ll be glad to have a conversation with you to determine your company’s unique needs and customize an ERP solution for your organization.
