Large companies have been using ERPs or Enterprise Resource Planning software since the 90s. The system allowed businesses to integrate various departments and back office processes into one merged and synchronized database. This streamlined and automated system resulted in increased productivity and efficiency, allowing companies to be globally competitive in a fierce marketplace.
Such ERP systems like SAP used to be exclusively offered to bigger companies because of its initial implementation cost and the required resources needed to keep it maintained and updated. But these days, cloud computing or (SaaS) Software-as-a-Service technologies are bringing ERP to the mainstream—specifically, small and medium scale online enterprises.
SAP Business One is a perfect example of an ERP system that’s user-friendly and portable. It’s deployable on the cloud, allowing authorized access to your business’ real-time reporting and analytics anywhere where there’s an Internet access. As such, SAP Business One’s Cloud-Based ERP is the perfect fit for online businesses and e-commerce sites.
What can cloud-based ERPs bring to your online business?
Cost-Effective Software Solutions – Unlike traditional ERPs, cloud-based systems are paid via cheaper subscriptions. This frees up more of your capital for vital business investments. In addition, you don’t need to keep an entire team to keep the system running. This also frees up your IT department so they can focus on other income-generating projects for your business.
Integrated Database, Applications, and Platforms – What sets ERP apart from other business software application is its ability to integrate with a variety of third-party apps to give you a seamless all-in-one system. Even if your business uses various e-commerce websites for sales, the cloud-based ERP system can be customized to facilitate back-end integration to keep your database updated. Know exactly how much business is generated per channel so you can plan ahead and grow your sales accordingly.
Collaborative Business Process – In today’s society, businesses are no longer tied to one office location. You can have workers on different parts of the globe working together to grow your business. With cloud-based ERPs, physical network infrastructure to connect to workers is no longer necessary. You can have different departments such as accounting, marketing, warehousing, sales, and more accessing the same system and collaborating on the cloud.
Efficient Customer Service – Anticipate your customer’s needs and respond to their inquiries in real-time. Use the system’s accurate data reporting to gain actionable insights about your customers. By catering to your customer’s needs, you can achieve a loyal and long-term customer relationship.
Streamline Your Supply Chain – A complete ERP system not only facilitates Customer Relationship Management (CRM) but also Supply Chain Management (SCM). In the online retail business, it’s important to have stocks on hand or you risk losing customers to the competition. With ERP’s warehouse management system integrated with order management, you can anticipate demands for a product, ensuring you’ll have enough stocks for shipment.
Data Security – One of the inherent advantages of the cloud is data security. Since the data is not stored in employee’s laptops or portable devices, you don’t have to worry about data corruption as well as data falling into the wrong hands. Security experts are employed by the ERP provider to monitor your database and ensure that back-ups are constantly updated and ready if they are ever needed.
User-Friendly Interface – Cloud-based ERPs are built like any other modern app—intuitive and user-friendly. Unlike enterprise solutions of the past, you won’t need to undergo weeks of training to learn how the system runs your business. It’s even customizable to your specific business needs so you can focus on what’s needed to grow your business and not spend valuable time on modules that don’t apply to your organization.
Improved Accounting Practices – One of the challenges of a small or medium online enterprise is the tedious accounting process that must be accomplished. Fortunately, ERPs also streamline that process from generating invoices, processing of VAT returns, and more. Finally, you won’t need to be intimidated by the paperwork come tax day.
Scalability – ERPs are modular and can be customized according to your company’s growing needs. You are free to integrate new platforms and technologies as well as other business processes into the system. As a cloud-based application, it’s not tied to any hardware limitation so you can instantly access your system in almost any new device.
Fast and Easy Implementation – In the past, implementing a new system could take months of planning, development, testing, and training. But with this cloud-based application, deployment and implementation is almost instant. All you need to do is specify what you need for your business and have a bit of training to familiarize your employees with the system and you’re all set.
Succeed and grow your online business faster with the help of cloud-based ERP systems. These easy to use applications provide back-office process optimization, smart analytic technology, innovative database management, and it even helps you develop business relationships with suppliers and customers. Overall, ERPs help transform and evolve your enterprise so you can realize your goals.
