Perhaps you’ve been contemplating upgrading or establishing your company’s business automation systems through Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Is now the right time–with so much upheaval in the global economy? We don’t know what the future holds for tomorrow, next week, next month, let alone next year. One thing is certain, however; when we do get back to business as normal (or as normal as it can), you’re going to need a business automation system that can handle the way businesses operate post-coronavirus. We may never operate the same way again.
Here are a few changes we could see coming along with some ways ERP may be able to assist. These four reasons may help you see why now may be the best time to upgrade to cloud ERP software.
#1. Working remotely will become more than just a convenient option.
Health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other health organizations are recommending workers telecommute if at all possible due to social distancing mandates and limits that have been imposed regarding how many people can be together at one place. Businesses all over the world have accepted the challenge and transformed their businesses to a remote workforce along with all of the technological challenges that process brings.
The thing is, when the pandemic is over or at least under control, it’s not going to be business as usual again. Those social distancing guidelines and crowd gathering limits are likely to remain for quite some time and businesses may find it a necessity to keep workers working remotely.
The good new is that cloud solutions give remote employees anytime access from anywhere to company files stored on the cloud with only a device and an internet connection needed. Valuable company projects and processes won’t have to be put on hold. Team members can collaborate remotely and get the job done.
#2. There will be a strain on business systems to keep up with the new challenges.
Not many things operate normally during a pandemic. Supply chain disruption can put a strain on keeping up with orders, communicating delays to clients, finding alternate vendor services and more. Digital purchasing will be the preferred method of customers opposed to buying goods and services in a physical location due to social distancing concerns. Businesses also have to learn to maximize analytical and reporting tools, analyzing real-time data to be able to immediately respond to critical needs.
Again, ERP software offers a solution to streamline all your company’s business functions to provide real-time data at your fingertips. Integrated tools including forms, reports, inquiries, workflows, and more help you stay on top of business decisions and predict outcomes.
#3. Data security concerns will increase.
With more purchasing conducted online, system security is more important than ever before. Business cyber security systems will be taxed to keep up with the increased flow of customer data and keep it secure.
There is also the increased risk of employees who are not accustomed to working remotely to compromise data by inadvertently using a home computer system with inadequate malware protection. Cyber criminals are still out there ready and waiting to take advantage of these vulnerabilities. Employees will need increased training to keep data safe from cyber security threats.
The cloud is one of the most secure environments for your company’s data. Cloud vendors use very sophisticated data security systems that are continuously updated with any needed upgrades or security patches. Your IT team won’t have to lift a finger to prevent security breaches. This enhanced security will not only give you peace of mind, it will also free-up your IT maintenance personnel to focus on other technology functions to keep your business going during this time.
#4 Computer systems will have an increased workload and require enhanced speed.
Depending on the type of business you have, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the demand of increased orders and service requests. This increased load can lead to weak system performance. Cloud ERP software works at top-speeds which only the cloud allows. It won’t get bogged down due to an increased workload like an on-site system can.
Now is the right moment to consider upgrading your business automation systems. This is no time to lose the functionality of critical business operations. If you’d like to know more about how Premier Computing can help your business thrive during this crisis, contact us and we’ll be glad to discuss how our business automation solutions can help.
