Cloud Computing And The New Era Of ERP Software Functionality

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) has moved away from core functionality and to a new era of technical, integrated solutions. The advent of Cloud-Based ERP solutions has provided smaller companies with access to computing power that was previously only available to large organisations. What does this mean to your business and how can you use this to your advantage?

In this article, we are going to review some of the main changes that the Cloud has brought to the ERP market and how businesses like yours can benefit from such innovations.

Leverage the Cloud to make ERP the centre of your universe

Why would you want to move your ERP software solution to the Cloud?

First of all, with the advent of Cloud-enabled applications, you can get more computing power than you have ever dreamed of and you can rent it monthly. Secondly, it opens up your business to a universe of new functionalities that can be integrated more easily and cost-effectively into your core ERP software. As always, I am a huge believer in business benefits. There is no point moving your ERP solution to the Cloud unless there are real, everyday benefits. Some of these may include:

• Improved cash flow;
• Quicker quote to cash times;
• Improved customer satisfaction;
• Better information for decision making.

One integrated system to manage every aspect of your business

There is a move away from ERP being a non-technical, functional solution and towards total integration across multiple platforms, technologies and function set. Cloud computing has opened up a new world for developers. As an example, if you want to develop an app for sales or a solution for expense management, you can rent infrastructure in the Cloud and can start to develop your apps, quickly and cost-effectively. This is opening up a whole new world where the customer can choose to integrate multiple different apps and solutions for a fraction of the price that would have been paid several years ago.

Think about the following point solutions that can be added to your core ERP solution:

• AP automation
• Expense management
• Timesheet billing
• Job Costing
• Service management
• Mobility based Sales order taking
• E-commerce
• BI

Ten years ago, when selecting an ERP solution, you looked to have all of these requirements inside a single system because back then, integration was time consuming and expensive. Today, in a Cloud connected world, your ERP application is fast becoming the centre of this connected universe with options to easily integrate point solutions as and when required.

This breaks down the barriers to ERP adoption for small and medium businesses. Instead of embarking on a single, huge ERP project across the entire enterprise, a modern ERP application for SME businesses allows the organisation to add best of breed winning solutions to the core ERP application as and when required.

Technical Transformations Driving the Industry

What are the transformations in the ERP industry that are facilitating the new era of Cloud enabled ERP software functionality?

• Better Web Integration Technology: Modern protocols allow different systems to communicate instantaneously.
• Easier Cloud Based Development Platforms: Smaller development companies can now build and deploy applications without massive infrastructure costs.
• A Shift to a More Connected World: Businesses now operate with an expectation of quick time to value from their technology investments.

Conclusion

The new age in Cloud enabled software is great news for small to medium sized businesses wanting to implement an ERP software solution. Now more than ever, customers can choose the applications they want, when they want it, and easily integrate them into their ERP systems to extend their capabilities

If you are evaluating possible Cloud ERP options for your business, call 1300 045 046 or email [email protected] to speak to one of our consultants.