What is Cloud ERP Software and its Benefits?
Cloud ERP software is a much-needed tool for modern businesses that embrace innovation and technology. It acts like a booster for a business that has been struggling to launch in the direction of growth.
As per the evolution of modern ways of doing business, cloud ERP has started to become a necessity. Due to its intense benefits and cost-effectiveness, businesses like yours have started adapting this technology to revolutionise business operations.
Even, businesses have started integrating AI into their daily business to automate and streamline business operations while enhancing overall productivity and efficiency. We are living in an era where we get to listen to the new AI tools or their different aspects to make a business put minimal effort into performing a task.
Cloud ERP is already a powerful solution, but when it works with AI tools, the overall business performance reaches the next level. It helps a business eliminate system redundancies, automate core processes, reduce errors, and boost a system to achieve goals. Before learning more about cloud ERP or its integration with AI, let’s understand the basic concepts of ERP.
What is ERP?
ERP (Enterprise Resources Planning) is a system that connects and manages different departments of a business without any hassle. ERP can manage everything in a business, from raw materials to the workforce. It is the perfect business solution.
In layman’s language, ERP is a system utilised by businesses to establish successful internal communication between departments. Whereas CRM (customer relationship management) is used to streamline the external communication of a business.
An ERP system connects all operations and departments, ensuring a centralised interface and data repository. However, hosting business data is a matter of personal choice for every business. Whether it is cloud-based or on-premises, businesses can go with any deployment option that suits their needs.
What is Cloud ERP Software?
Cloud-based ERP software is deployed on cloud servers to offer limitless functionality to businesses while being economical in numerous parameters. It comes under SaaS (Software as a Service) products to let businesses avail themselves of the themselves of the advanced capabilities of the cloud while paying cost-effective pricing.
Cloud ERP eliminates the need to install complex hardware and software components in-house, eliminating the need to invest huge amounts of financial resources to set up personal servers. In simple terms, it is a pay-per-use model where you pay for the number of servers you are utilising for hosting your data.
The cloud enables businesses to access their data or operations from anywhere and anytime, ensuring streamlined connectivity between you and the business 24x7.
Is data secure in cloud EPR software deployments?
Data has become the lifeline of modern business. If utilised properly, it enables a business to grow substantially. And, if not, you are losing a lot of business.
Securing data from threats and cyberattacks has become an essential task for decision-makers and business owners. On a daily basis, we get to hear a lot about data leaks and cybercrime due to data theft or breach. In such a scenario, securing data has become an important factor.
The safety of your data totally depends on the hosting partner you choose. If you are going with a reputable brand, like Microsoft, they will take care of your data at any cost.
Microsoft Azure is the official solution that offers data hosting services, is certified with 90+ security certificates, and follows high-end data encryption during the transfer of data from one place to another.
You can rest assured of the data security of cloud-ERP software when opting for Microsoft cloud-based ERP solutions. Businesses around the globe have started opting for cloud-based ERP solutions to scale their businesses and grow more globally.
Different Types of Cloud ERP Solutions
In the market, there are various types of cloud ERP software available that offer different functionalities to cater to a variety of businesses. Some of the major cloud ERP types are:
Public Cloud
The cloud owner owns the infrastructure and shares the hosting with customers based on usage. The cloud owner doesn’t manage the data servers, as they are mostly free. However, you need to pay a fee to opt for server management services from the cloud owner.
Private Cloud
Private clouds are a bit more expensive as compared to public clouds, but they are more safe and secure. In this case, the customer purchases some hosting space, and the hosting provider manages everything, from system upgrades to data security. You can understand the concept of private cloud computing with Microsoft Azure.
Hybrid Cloud
This is the combination of public and private clouds, where you can store highly sensitive data using private servers, whereas you can store other amounts of data using the public cloud. It lets you access both types and helps you decide the best deployment service for the long run.
See Also - ERP Implementation Phases ; Steps For A Successful ImplementationMajor Benefits of Cloud ERP
Cloud ERP has numerous benefits that make a business opt for it regardless of the scenario. Some of the top benefits are:
Enables Scalability
Cloud ERP is easy to scale as per changing business demands. Whenever you are facing any performance issues or you are trying to fit complex operations into an existing system, it’s time to enhance the power of your cloud system. Contact your partner, and they will increase the data hosting servers within minutes. Isn’t it fast?
Fast and Remote Implementation
An ERP solution, like Microsoft Dynamics 365, can be implemented on the data servers using remote access in the shortest amount of time possible. Microsoft ERP partners will configure the entire solution remotely by indicating business requirements.
High Data Security
All high-end cloud ERP solutions come with high-end data security to ensure data security even in the worst scenarios. Also, they offer data backups and disaster recovery to take care of your data in case of a cyberattack, business disruption, or natural disaster.
Cost-effective Pricing Structure
The cloud ERP software runs on a per-user subscription model, which is cost-effective and efficient when compared to on-premises deployments. With the cloud, you don’t need to pay for upfront costs, server maintenance costs, IT team costs, and more related costs, as all such costs come included in per-user pricing and are managed by the hosting provider.
How to Choose the right Cloud ERP solution for a business?
Currently, there are a number of cloud ERP solutions available on the market that claim to be the best. However, you need to put in some effort to choose the best solution among the best choices. At first, you need to analyse your business requirements and identify what you need to grow in this highly competitive market.
Once you have the answer, you can easily choose the ERP solution that matches with your business requirements. However, choosing an ERP partner is a no u-turn decision because a business invest a lot of resources, time, and effort in choosing a partner. So choose wisely and smartly.
If you are having issues choosing a partner, you can contact Microsoft-certified ERP partners to help you select a partner that can supercharge your business growth.