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Cloud-based ERP software for real-time data access

How to find the best ERP software for your business.
Discover ERP software

What is cloud-based ERP software?

Cloud-based ERP software refers to enterprise resource planning tools and applications that users access through the internet. Unlike with desktop ERP, you can manage every area of your operations from anywhere.

 

What is on-premise ERP software?

On-premise ERP software, rather than storing data in the cloud, stores information within a company’s internal server infrastructure.

While this type of ERP system provides companies with more custom options, it tends to be more expensive than cloud-based ERP systems. It also needs to be updated and serviced to stay current, in addition to taking longer to implement.

New and small businesses without clear business procedures and sophisticated IT infrastructures are likely to find on-premise ERP software cumbersome, complicated, and expensive

The only real advantage of on-premise ERP software is that it can be customised, which may provide greater ROI for larger businesses with complex needs.

Advantages of cloud ERP

The advantages of cloud ERP include:

Reduced hardware maintenance and energy costs

Support for collaborating on business-critical information in real-time.

Less time spent on upgrades and backups

Options for creating additional users quickly and easily

Access to the latest cloud tools and technologies

Cloud-based ERP vs. on-site ERP

Typically, the size and type of a business dictates whether cloud-based ERP or on-site ERP is the right choice. For example, a relatively new business that doesn't have many well-defined business processes or sophisticated IT can implement a cloud ERP solution quickly and easily. However, an older, larger business may need a customisable solution that takes longer to implement.

Why cloud-based ERP is becoming more popular

Today, businesses of all sizes, across a spectrum of industry sectors, are using cloud software to manage almost every area of their business.

CIO, in conjunction with Sage, carried out a survey of 100 CIOs and senior IT decision-makers to find out about their cloud usage and views on cloud-based business software.

We also garnered the best advice from the ones who have been using enterprise cloud applications for several years. We discovered that a huge majority of our respondents (71%) are using business-critical cloud applications, with most of them praising cloud for its efficiencies and ROI. 90% of the respondents say they have had a return on investment from cloud implementation.

Of the respondents who use business-critical cloud applications, such as ERP, 54% say they invested in them less than two years ago. A significant chunk (46%) have been operating business cloud apps for more than two years, and a tenth of them for more than five years, indicating a reasonably high level of maturity among organisations.

Collaborate with different teams in different locations

Create efficient processes across teams, offices and geographical locations using a shared database that supports the way your business works.

See what's happening in every area of your business

Unparalleled insight into all areas of the business, including inventory and order management, accounting, human resources and customer relationship management (CRM). Harness the cloud to bring together real-time information on the company’s inventory and financials for faster, more informed decision-making.

Make better decisions using real-time data

Adopt a faster, simpler and more flexible business management solution. You can expect to increase productivity, save money on overheads and find more customers.

Additional ERP and business management resources

Sage X3 helps you gain oversight into all aspects of your business.

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