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Why your ERP needs to move to the Cloud

From increasing flexibility and performance to strengthening overall availability, learn why your ERP needs to move to the cloud.

How to choose the right Cloud ERP solution for your business

Why Your ERP Needs to Move to the Cloud

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions have been around for years. When introduced, they were a welcome business management tool for companies, of all sizes, that had been inefficiently scraping by with disconnected systems and manual processes. By connecting departments (e.g., accounting, sales, marketing, HR, and more) through the ERP solution, these companies had access to updated, accurate data in a single database. Visibility into their operations increased, and their efficiency improved with automated, streamlined processes.

Prior to cloud computing, ERP solutions were implemented on-premises, meaning that companies invested in both software and hardware and stored the hardware onsite. Their IT departments were responsible for all updates, upgrades, and security measures.

On-premises solutions are still widely used today, even with the advent of the cloud and cloud ERP systems. If your business is relying on an on-premises solution, it may be time to move to the cloud.

What is Cloud-Based ERP, and Why Is It Important?

A cloud-based ERP solution, or cloud ERP software, is accessible over the internet. Employees have remote access to the synchronized database from the office, on the road, in the field, or at home—which guarantees that daily operations will not be disrupted. Beyond “anytime, anywhere access,” the decision to move to the cloud is important for your business in terms of cost. Investigating cloud ERP systems, you’ll find that you will invest significantly less time and money for a cloud ERP implementation than for implementing or maintaining an on-premises solution.

For example, you don’t need to buy hardware—a huge upfront expense—and you won’t have to store it onsite. The cloud ERP vendor is responsible for the hardware in an offsite data center. Upgrades, updates, support, and security/compliance measures also fall under the vendor’s purview.

Because the cloud ERP vendor takes care of the IT requirements, including the security of your all-important data, your infrastructure costs are lowered. Your IT team can refocus on more strategic, business-growing activities.

Additionally, cloud ERP software offers greater overall availability and uptime. Even in unsettled times, the system will be up and running for you and your employees, wherever they may be.

"We are growing on all fronts. With Acumatica as our platform for growth, we can bring on new product lines to expand the business without worrying about the tools or integrations needed since Acumatica scales right along with us."

Caleb Harris, Senior Vice President Business Development

Ink

Why Should You Use Cloud ERP Software?

Cloud ERP software is quickly replacing on-premises solutions. According to a G2 article, “62.7% of organizations go with cloud-based ERP systems over on-premises software.”

Why should you join the many businesses choosing a cloud ERP implementation? In addition to competing successfully in the digital economy, there are a host of benefits.

Mobility for your workforce ensures increased productivity.
Collaboration and unity are established when employees have access to the same data at the same time.
Visibility into the business with real-time data offers the insights and information needed for smart decision-making.
Scaling the business is simplified and less expensive because there is no need to purchase/install new hardware or secure additional software licenses.
Streamlined operations increase efficiency and profitability.
Security/compliance, uptime, and backups are safeguarded by the ERP vendor.

Cloud ERP systems give businesses the flexibility needed in a constantly evolving market. They can also be customized to your specific business management needs.

Cloud ERP Software in Action

There are multiple use cases of businesses in all industries successfully completing a cloud ERP implementation. Let’s look at a few.

The manufacturing industry is dealing with unprecedented challenges, including the pandemic, supply chain issues, and offshoring (though reshoring is making an appearance). These circumstances require businesses to be agile. Companies that have implemented cloud ERP software have this agility. With a single, integrated solution and powerful inventory management, they can make decisions based on updated, accurate information. Business processes are automated and efficient, and the front office and shop floor can communicate quickly and easily.

Erickson International, a manufacturer and distributor of window films for multiple markets, also implemented Acumatica’s cloud ERP solution. CFO Elena Mheidze says, “If you are a midmarket business that desires to grow and has the need to unify your locations, Acumatica brings this amazing gain; it connects people. In today’s world, we need communication, and Acumatica provides the ability to have information at your fingertips that’s unified and delivered fast.”

For the retail and eCommerce industry, explosive growth—though good—has brought its own set of challenges. The pandemic forced many people to shop online, adding to those who already found online shopping a convenient option. Managing growth, fostering a consistent omnichannel commerce experience, and staying on top of commerce trends can be a full-time job. However, the load is lightened when businesses implement a cloud ERP solution. The system integrates with commerce software to connect every aspect of the business, from accounting and sales to inventory and fulfillment, offering a 360° view of the whole organization.

After implementing Acumatica’s cloud ERP software, Clive Coffee, a leader in the luxury home espresso market, has met the industry’s challenges head-on. CFO Amanda Datte says,

“The world is your oyster in terms of possibilities for efficiency and having seamless operations. We feel like we are prepared by using Acumatica for whatever the market has to offer.”

How Acumatica Can Help

Your decision to move to the cloud is the right one. Now, you need to find the right cloud ERP software by thoroughly researching and evaluating options. That’s what Erickson International, Clive Coffee, and thousands of other businesses did, and they chose Acumatica Cloud ERP.

Acumatica’s award-winning, cloud-based ERP solution gives businesses in every industry the flexibility, mobility, and usability required to make it in today’s digital economy. With its integrated general (Financials, Project Accounting, CRM, etc.) and industry-specific (Construction, Manufacturing, Distribution, etc.) applications—as well as its ability to seamlessly integrate with third-party applications via an open, future-proof platform—Acumatica’s cloud ERP system is the comprehensive tool you need to manage your business processes easily and affordably.

To learn more about the importance of moving to the cloud and how Acumatica can help, contact our team today.

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