Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software has long presented a frustrating polarity in its functionality. Solutions have been either extremely customizable (and costly) or extremely simplistic. The latter type has tended to be lower priced, but arguably of lesser value to businesses. For smaller companies in particular, the choice has presented a dilemma: make a big investment in customizable ERP or live with more limited functionality and flexibility. The cloud is changing these old rules. With cloud ERP, it is now possible to make gains in customization, along with accessibility, ease of use and optimization—without having to make significant capital investments (CapEx) or sustain high operating costs (OpEx).
The Benefits of Cloud Computing for ERP
Cloud ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that runs on the ERP provider’s cloud platform instead of the customer’s on-premises network. The provider hosts high-functioning applications safely and securely on remote servers. Users access the software over the Internet using web browsers. This approach enables customers to rent, rather than buy processing resources and storage. They no longer have to purchase hardware and stand up on-premises infrastructure to run ERP.
Accessibility becomes easier with widespread Internet availability and the proliferation of low cost of mobile devices. Cloud ERP users can work from almost anywhere. This capability has been useful during the COVID period, but it seems that remote work will increasingly become the norm. Remote access to cloud ERP also helps branch offices and workers in the field. Everyone can work directly with the same data set and application functionality in real time. This benefits the business operationally.
In terms of cost, software licensing expenses are eliminated. There are fewer resources required to maintain on-site infrastructure and support installed ERP software. Data center costs go away, for the most part, with cloud ERP.
Security improves, too, with fewer attacks on centrally hosted, hardened servers. The cloud ERP provider generally has greater security capabilities than the client. Data is not stored locally, either, and cloud-based disaster recovery plans help with business continuity.
The cloud also delivers greater flexibility and customization. With the software centrally hosted and open for integration using standards-based application programming interfaces (APIs), it becomes much easier to alter one’s ERP instance and connect with other systems. The old constraints that held back customization and integration in traditional, on-premises ERP systems are much less prevalent in the cloud.
The Acumatica Cloud ERP Solution
Acumatica Cloud ERP, a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses, brings out the potential in cloud ERP with a robust, accessible, and configurable cloud ERP solution. With a simple web interface, it offers ease of use that outstrips the user experience (UX) available on legacy ERP. It integrates and automates essential business and financial operations into a single source of data. Users sometimes call this a “single source of truth,” which helps people get their jobs done with a minimum of confusion and wasted time.
The Acumatica Cloud ERP solution enables optimization of productivity through its modular design. Customers can add modules for Customer Relationship Management (CRM), warehouse management and so forth. The solution also offers a flexible data visualization and reporting function that goes far beyond what is available in traditional ERP systems.
Businesses can leverage Acumatica cloud ERP to track and manage inventory in real-time. They can enhance cash flow by automating customer orders from order placement to invoicing and receiving payments. An integrated CRM allows tracking of customer interactions and service from initial contact through service and support. Critical real-time critical data is automatically provided for financial analysis and forecasting—all accessible anywhere on any device.
Get the Most Out of ERP With Advanced Solutions & Consulting
Advanced Solutions & Consulting Co. is an MVP VAR and an MVP Developer with offices in Southern California, San Francisco, and Chicago. Our team of ERP experts implements Acumatica and Acumatica ISV solutions designed to optimize business processes and give you the most from modern technologies. And this is why we are among the best of the best—we help customers realize the benefits of the “Digital Transformation” Acumatica offers.
Whether it’s implementation or development, when you work with ASC, you’re leveraging the collective experience of a team who brings 23 years of results and more then 350 implementation projects. Don’t wait any longer. To learn more about how Acumatica can help your business, schedule a free consultation or give us a call at (858) 755-9200.