We’ve helped numerous clients transition some or all of their business data and processes from legacy systems into cloud-based ERP solutions. While there are various reasons business leaders choose to update their technology and/or take a new approach to data management, one thing is certain: with careful planning, a major technology change delivers value to stakeholders across the organization. To demonstrate the impact of this transformation—no matter how large or small—here’s a “before and after” look at their ERP software experience:
Before Cloud ERP: Employees Have Limited Access to Software
After Cloud ERP: Employees Have 24/7 Access to Data and Tools
In today’s business environment, employees at all levels depend on getting critical information just when they need it. But when their business systems are built on yesterday’s technology, they’re often left waiting—for numbers to update, for reports to run, or for manual processes to complete. This means they’re working more hours, stuck at the office in front of their computers, and/or dealing with the inconvenience of traditional VPNs when they need to work remotely.
Modern, cloud-based software, on the other hand, has enabled immediate, on-demand answers and access because of its superior processing capacity and speed. Since it’s web-based, connected employees can literally tap into their data and tools anytime, from any place, using any computer or smart device. Cloud ERP vendors like Acumatica and NetSuite offer powerful user-friendly mobile appsthat enable users to make the most of their software, 24/7, with confidence that their data is secure.
Explore these 5 Mobile Office Productivity Statistics You Need to Know and lean more about Empowering Your Remote and Mobile Workers with Cloud-Based Business Systems.
Before Cloud ERP: IT Team Steeped in Tactical Support Work
After Cloud ERP: IT Team Focused on Strategic Projects
IT departments supporting legacy business systems, especially if the systems are outdated or no longer supported by their software vendors, can spend an inordinate amount of time keeping the system and users “up and running.” As new software is added to the computing environment—and as workarounds are created to accommodate bugs and system incompatibilities—IT teams burrow deeper into the minutiae.
When legacy systems are replaced by more flexible web-based alternatives, particularly hosted SaaS solutions, IT teams gain freedom from most of the everyday burdens of managing software and users. Cloud ERP vendors and/or hosting partners manage the software from their remote locations staffed with experts who focus on keeping customers’ software up-to-date, secure, and functioning seamlessly. This leaves the organization’s IT department with more time and resources to deliver value to users, the C-suite, and other stakeholders who increasingly rely on technology to drive organizational success.
For more on this compelling topic, read Visionary Leadership: Thoughts on Building an IT Team for Tomorrow and Growing Together: Cloud-Based Software and Your IT Team.
Before Cloud ERP: Company Limited by (Lack of) Technology Capabilities
After Cloud ERP: Company Poised for Tech-Fueled Growth
Growing businesses that operate in competitive environments thrive on agility—and unfortunately, on-premise legacy systems tend slow them down, for reasons related to what we’ve already discussed. What’s more, as these organizations need new functionality, they’re faced with implementing solutions that may not “sync” with their existing technology or require extensive (and expensive) development to make them work effectively.
Business needs evolve, and so does technology. When these changes can go hand-in-hand, an organization is faced with a win-win—and that’s what cloud-based ERP software solutions, like Netsuite and Acumatica bring to the table. The inherent scalability of the software is one of the key reasons organizations move their business systems “into the cloud.” A growing company can adopt the core technology they need to get started, and then add modules as needed, customizing a solution that grows with them.
Learn about ERP Customizations Made Easy with NetSuite.
If you’re considering adopting cloud-based ERP software to take your organization’s data and processes to the next level of productivity and efficiency, contact us for a free consultation. We can help assess your needs and next steps towards a successful technology transformation.
Explore These Additional Cloud ERP Resources
The 5 Risks of Using An Outdated ERP Solution
How a Cloud-Based ERP System Helps Enhance Your Customers’ Experience
