Remaining competitive in the market is the primary goal of every business. For SMEs, moving to the cloud can help that dream become a reality, and the tools it opens up can be the difference between failure and success.
ERP systems have become indispensable to businesses that are looking to expand, with 96% of top-performing organizations experiencing growth following implementation. Helping to increase productivity, ERP can offer a complete real-time overview of every process your organisation is currently undertaking.
Partner this overview with the fact cloud services can help small businesses grow 26% faster than those choosing to stay with static on-premise infrastructure, it seems there has never been a better time to combine both technologies.
Unifying and streamlining all of your business processes is a vital part of remaining productive when running an SME, and ERP systems give you the capacity to manage every task that is part of your organisation.
Currently, 10% of smaller organizations don’t use a software solution to help run their business. But from my experience, ERP offers a more efficient way of doing business, moving away from the traditional spreadsheets that many organisations have relied upon by gathering information in a centralised database.
Collecting this data by automating all of the functions within your business, it provides an automatic workflow channel that, when used correctly, can also eliminate the chance for human error in every process.
Cloud ERP products bring all your core operations together in one system. Every marketplace is unpredictable, and from my standpoint the accessibility offered by an ERP system allows you to quickly respond to the needs of clients or customers even if you’re not in the office, as you have the most up-to-date information right at your fingers tips.
Choosing an ERP system for a small business can be difficult. On-premise products are robust, reliable pieces of technology, but for everything to work succinctly, it can require a large amount of capital to be laid down by business owners.
However, by selecting a cloud-based ERP solution, 22% of small business have reported savings, as it removes much of the red tape associated with the cost of implementation and makes ERP platforms more accessible to as it doesn’t require this initial outlay.
This means your business will encounter zero unexpected costs when the bill drops in your inbox, and by only paying for the system you need, it allows you to spend your hard-earned profits in other areas.
Selecting a cloud-based ERP can also increase the speed at which your business can begin using the product. In my opinion, no business is too small for Cloud ERP systems. They’re completely scalable on demand, which means more licenses can be added to your subscription if you require greater user access due to expansion.
To get the most out of your ERP system, I’d recommend training your staff so they know how it works, and how it can help your business grow.
I’d also advise choosing to go with a vendor for a cloud-based system. This will remove some of the heavy lifting from your business, as they’ll install the product for you, perform regular maintenance, and keep it up to date.
You’ll need to maintain a strong relationship with your implementation partner; these experts can make the transition as smooth as possible for all of your staff, and provide training so that all staff know exactly how to use the ERP system effectively.
Getting the most out of a new cloud ERP system will always take time. Your entire business will need to adapt to the process of real-time analysis in both management and on the product floor, but there is a lot to be gained following its introduction that can help small businesses build on the success you’ve already enjoyed in the market.
By Andrew Marsh
