There have dramatic changes to the way many businesses have been forced to work in recent months. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world has led to the belief that traditional work practices will endanger employees due to the possibility of infection. Work-from-home guidance has become a strong recommendation for many businesses whenever possible.
One of the most significant issues COVID-19 has thrown into the spotlight is the way some businesses have failed to adapt to the efficiencies of 21st century digital infrastructure. Working at an office or other locations can always be done efficiently if enough time and planning are spent on resources within that place. In addition, by migrating to a cloud-based ERP solution, work becomes much more flexible, versatile, and adaptable.
What Is ERP?
ERP stands for “enterprise resource planning.” It is the software used for different components of business that allows a business entity to operate and even expand. ERP software is deployed for corporate activities in various areas, including:
- Finance
- Sales
- Customer Relations Management
- Production
- Distribution
- Procurement/Materials Management
- Intelligence/Analytics
This type of productivity software has become essential for working efficiently in the modern workplace, but the addition of the Internet and the cloud has added new levels of versatility and adaptability to ERP software.
What Is The Cloud?
“The cloud” is the nickname for certain portions of the Internet that are dedicated to addressing the needs of storage and computational resources. After all, the Internet is about more than just hosting websites or providing space to store audio and video files for consumer streaming consumption.
Cloud-based software and processing are now available. Traditionally, software needed to be installed from another source, such as a disc, or downloaded online and then installed. This is considered “local” software, in that it exists on only one machine. If an office worker needs to access that software or the data it has processed, it may not be possible to do so until that they return to their workplace.
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Cloud-based software, however, can be accessed on any device with an Internet connection. This means that even if an employee is at home or traveling for business, the software and its associated data can be accessed as long as proper authentication is given.
That same online flexibility applies to computation as well. For storage or analytics purposes, data no longer has to be stored on a local hard drive, nor is its processing limited to the computational limits of a local machine. Cloud processing means multiple servers and computers online are tasked with storage and processing, making it possible to get things done much more quickly.
Migrating To Cloud-Based ERP Solution
Migrating to a cloud-based ERP solution leads to the use of computers and mobile devices strictly as access points. Software is no longer locally installed, and networks don’t act as local data centers. The ERP software used, the data, and even the processing capabilities for that data now exist in the cloud through the concept of Software as a Service.
This allows for unprecedented versatility and adaptability. Employees following work-from-home guidance can get full access to their software and its associated data from a laptop or desktop computer at home. Those traveling for business can still access the data they need while they’re in another country. They can even perform typical business tasks, such as filling out an expense report, in real time rather than waiting until they return to file receipts and get approval for expenses.
The Benefits of Migrating To Cloud-Based ERP Solution
There are a few critical benefits that migrating to cloud-based ERP can provide, including:
Lower Cost
Computers with sufficient processing power, storage, building and maintaining a suitable environment for servers or a data center, and other related expenses are costly. Cloud-based ERP means high-powered computers and the cost of maintaining an extensive digital network infrastructure no longer have to be on the budget.
Focus On Your Work
The money for high-powered technology is significant, but there is the human resource cost to consider as well. Maintaining a suitable technology infrastructure requires knowledgeable staff. Migrating to a cloud-based ERP means someone else is in charge of that aspect so that you can concentrate on your core area of expertise.
Scalable
With cloud-based ERP solutions, you no longer have to budget your software for how many users you have. As you take on more employees, they will all have access to the software without needing individual purchases and installation. When you scale down, you won’t have unused copies of software in your computers.
Cloud-based ERP solutions give companies the freedom to concentrate on their work while saving money and time. If you are looking to migrate some of your ERP software online, we can help. Contact us today, and we will find the right ERP software suite for you and your business.
