What Is Cloud ERP?

In today’s business landscape, there is one constant across the board. ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning solutions have been vital for streamlining data throughout multiple platforms. Traditionally this was done on a local server, which was engrained in the company’s main computing system. With the introduction of cloud technology, the ERP solution format has been propelled to new heights. Instead of relying on the company’s own server infrastructure, cloud ERP is connected through the cloud and can be accessed across multiple departments at once. The benefits of leveraging cloud ERP technology are clearly evident, and companies are taking notice. Cloud ERP has the ability to integrate a multitude of functions including finances, sales, human resources and warehouse management, all in one convenient and centralized system.

The main crux of cloud ERP solutions is the shared database that hosts a multitude of functions used by different branches of a single business and the ability to connect multiple locations to one central ERP database. This is also true for on-premise ERP systems. With that crucial shared database, employees from entirely different departments can easily access vital information to complete their tasks efficiently. This option also does wonders in saving costs for businesses, instead of having to rely on expensive on-site servers to do essentially the same thing. The benefits of opting for a cloud-based ERP are also found in sheer convenience. When you elect to integrate a cloud ERP solution, you also elect to save your business some costs in the short-run (in general). When you consider how ERP solutions via the cloud are leased out on a monthly basis, rather than purchasing a system for on-premise purposes, the initial savings are obvious. Though this may seem like a tedious notion, the monthly renewal system allows companies to make adjustments to their current offering to fit their specific needs instead of being locked in to a system that no longer suits them. In addition, with cloud ERP, the server is always upgraded to the latest feature set. There is never a need to upgrade the server manually.

The cloud-based format is particularly beneficial for small and medium-size businesses because it offers easy access to applications at affordable prices without hefty upfront costs or the need to introduce additional hardware or software. The beautiful thing about the cloud format is that companies can increase productivity across the board with the same premier solution. In some cases, a cloud ERP solution will refund a part of your credit based on user downtime, and uptime percentage. For example, the solution will take into account the amount of time users are unable to access their account and also accumulate the percentage of user minutes per month, and credit your account for unused time. As far as security is concerned, cloud ERP solutions are considered just as safe and secure as any on-premise ERP solution. With the traditional on-premise or on-site solution, information is consolidated into one centralized server network. Cloud-based ERP solutions are similar, except servers are found in secure locations hosted by a provider who ensures the security of the network remains intact. Businesses often need to make additions to their current solutions with lofty customizations. With Cloud ERP, businesses can customize apps, reports and business processes in the same way they can with an on-premise ERP solution.