According to a recent study by Gartner, cited in the Manufacturing Business Technology magazine, cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are becoming more proficient at offering the services manufacturing companies need. The study found that a significant number of businesses are planning to move their ERP systems to cloud-based hybrid software as a service (SaaS) solutions integrated with business process outsourcing.
Cloud-based technology has several advantages over traditional ERP deployments, including scalability and accessibility to users. SaaS technologies, the basis of cloud-based systems, offer both cheaper entry price ranges for companies wishing to expand or full-scale industrial solutions for fully established organizations.
As technology grows, so do the business systems it supports. Cloud-based systems give manufacturing companies quality control and easier user access. Data from ERPs in the cloud is often more easily accessible than data housed in-house.
Cloud-based ERP systems require different things from a business than an in-house ERP build. Internet infrastructure is a must, with a high-speed connection an absolute necessity. As your business grows and needs to access the cloud from different locations, additional data centers and hosting locations may become necessary. Since each location and each employee has access to the same cloud-based ERP, a strong infrastructure is of utmost importance.
As ERPs go to cloud deployments, business systems must change to meet the new requirements. Although the number and location of facilities limits manufacturing, there are many business processes that can be outsourced and automated through a cloud-based ERP. Data management will give you tools to create quality processes without intense costs from labor and capital.
There are many advantages to any enterprise resource planning system, but moving to the cloud can enhance them and make them more affordable.
As cloud-based ERPs grow, your business has many opportunities to grow and develop. Please contact Oates & Company for more information about cloud-based ERPs.
