Today, modern organizations are changing the way they do business. The decades where pen and paper ruled and spreadsheets were the standard of efficiency are long gone; the current climate has advanced applications, intelligent technology, and mobile dominance driving the push for state-of-the-art ERP systems.
Digital transformation is being embraced by enterprises of every size, with small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) jumping into the arena, taking the time and resources necessary to implement this critical business asset.
The traditional benefits of ERP have stayed the same through the years — offering advanced technology businesses need to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, grow in one scalable and secure environment. What the digital age brings, however, are unique challenges. Deployment of massive enterprise systems with little or no disruption to business operations has become the norm. It is now quite easy for businesses to manage and analyze massive amounts of data generated, as well as to access critical systems from across the world, as mobility is becoming even more prolific.
Cloud-based ERP
More companies are turning to the cloud when it comes to running business applications. With this, they’re leaving outdated legacy systems that are often on-premise behind as they look for better ways to improve efficiency and grow the organization.
Combining ERP with cloud computing gives businesses more advantages to make organic evolution all that much more of a reality. Once a cloud-based ERP system is in place, a business can function with far fewer people doing the work. Expect a minimal learning curve on hardware and software issues, and in little time organizations can truly benefit from cloud technology without having to change processes that relate to management of the system. Retraining or dedicating a large number of resources is highly unlikely. A modern ERP system frees up employees, so that they can better benefit the organization by focusing on matters that truly dictate ROI (return on investment).
Another key feature of cloud-based ERP systems is they serve as a smart disaster recovery solution. Natural disasters do occasionally occur. Having an ERP system based in the cloud ensures that critical business data and applications are safe; in the cloud there is utilization of multiple data centers with geographic dispersity.
Learn more in What to Look for in ERP Software.
Data and Analytics
Businesses are intent on collecting more data than in years past. It’s essential that what’s collected be valuable, which means companies need to collect information from various sources in the same space and with the same method of organization.
By centralizing data and providing end-to-end visibility across operations, ERP systems act as the perfect platform to analyze information for deeper, more actionable insights and by bringing outside data in for even more visibility.
Top-notch systems will include embedded analytics that provide high-level monitoring of overall performance of the enterprise, while also including low-level monitoring that can focus on departmental metrics. Building dashboards for unique departments and users — especially those within the C-Suite — can provide at-a-glance insights that can help small issues remain exactly that; with watchful eyes, there’s less chance for problems to morph into gigantic issues. Dashboards feature helpful graphics that help to reveal trends, highlight goals for employees, and gage performance against targets. Accessibility of this nature makes it much easier for a company to grow revenue, protect margins, and increase profitability.
Mobile Workspace
Modern technology has armed most everyone with a smartphone or other connected personal devices, which have become more and more integrated into everyday lives. As companies struggle with how to better serve their work teams that are working remotely, the answer again is cutting edge technology.
Making the most of mobility, it is easy to turn ordinary mobile devices into business tools that can better help employees perform their jobs. Intelligent ERP vendors are offering companies mobile web or applications that are built specifically for smaller handheld displays and touchscreen interfaces. The modern technology makes it possible to sync these systems with the main ERP — to ensure that everyone is working with the same information and real-time data.
With the opportunity to do business with applications available at the click of a button, employees are able to work better — anytime and anywhere. All that’s needed to have access to content is a Wi-Fi signal or cellular data; this is particularly handy for employees working in the field. Some other useful features tied to connectivity include GPS and proof of delivery applications, which can capture signatures and even photographs showing items have arrived. The ERP system receives updates in real time, which is a true time-saving feature for teams on the go.
Getting Started
Acumatica makes it easy for SMBs to implement a single solution that ties in every aspect of business, including consolidated financials, tracking orders and costs, workflow, document storage, and customer relationship, etc.
With a highly advanced system, customers are able to take advantage of the many beneficial aspects a cloud-based ERP system includes. Acumatica’s Cloud ERP Software is built on the world’s best cloud and mobile technology, so it’s no surprise that it is the fastest growing provider, delivering modern solutions for ERP and CRM. Streamlining processes and gaining improved visibility over all aspects of operations can accelerate business growth.
With a long running history of partnering in software excellence, we look forward to the opportunity to take clients into the future with cutting-edge software technology that delivers results. Contact us to learn more!