The Benefits of Cloud-Based ERP: What You Need to Know
As we become more accustomed to performing transactions online, more and more businesses are becoming receptive to moving their operations online. Cloud-based ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems are thus becoming increasingly popular.
These systems offer a range of benefits over traditional on-premises ERP solutions. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the key benefits of cloud-based ERP, and what you need to know if you’re considering making the switch.
Lower initial costs:
One of the biggest advantages of cloud-based ERP is that it’s typically less expensive than on-premises solutions. With cloud-based ERP, you don’t need to invest in expensive hardware or pay for ongoing maintenance and upgrades. It is not uncommon for companies to have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in hardware and infrastructure cost before the implementation even begun.
Instead, you pay a monthly or annual fee to access the software, which can be a more cost-effective option for many businesses.
Increased flexibility:
Cloud-based ERP systems offer increased flexibility compared to on-premises solutions. Because the system is hosted in the cloud, you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection. This means you can work remotely, collaborate with team members across different locations, and easily scale your operations up or down as needed.
Faster implementation:
Implementing an on-premises ERP system can take months or even years. With cloud-based ERP, you can get up and running much more quickly. The software is already pre-configured, so all you need to do is customize it to your specific needs. This can help you start seeing the benefits of the system much sooner.
Improved security:
Security is a major concern for any business, and cloud-based ERP systems offer a range of security features to protect your data. Cloud providers typically have robust security measures in place, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and encryption.
Additionally, because your data is stored in the cloud, it’s less vulnerable to physical threats like theft or natural disasters.
Automatic updates:
With on-premises ERP, you need to manually install updates and patches to keep the system up to date. With cloud-based ERP, updates are automatically applied by the provider, so you always have access to the latest features and security patches. Most on-premise ERP may require additional hardware, downtime and sometimes even reimplementation when an upgrades is required.
Scalability:
As your business grows, you need an ERP system that can grow with you. Cloud-based ERP offers greater scalability than on-premises solutions, since you can easily add new users, locations, and functionality as needed. This means you can adapt your system to meet changing business needs without having to invest in new hardware or software.
Better access to data:
Cloud-based ERP offers real-time access to data from anywhere, which can help you make better, more informed decisions. You can easily track key performance indicators, monitor inventory levels, and analyze sales data, all from a single dashboard. This level of visibility is crucial for businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cloud-based ERP such as NetSuite offers a range of benefits over traditional on-premises solutions, including lower costs, increased flexibility, faster implementation, improved security, automatic updates, scalability, and better access to data. If you’re considering making the switch to cloud-based ERP, it’s important to choose a provider that can meet your specific needs and help you get the most out of the system. As a Netsuite Solution Partner, we’re here to help you make the transition to cloud-based ERP as smooth and seamless as possible.
About the author:
Meet Kuan Boon Lim (林观文）, the Netsuite Proselytizer wanabee! who is dedicated to spreading the good word about seamless business management and NetSuite to all who will listen. With years of experience in ERP pre-sales, implementation, he is fully equipped to help businesses of all sizes take their operations to the next level.
He is currently the GM of Pre-sales for BlackOak Consulting Sdn Bhd.
