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Cloud-based ERP software for real-time data access

How to find the best ERP systems for your business

What is cloud ERP software?

Like any ERP system, cloud-based ERP software helps organisations manage crucial business processes and resources.

Unlike on-site ERP solutions, cloud-based ERP software stores information in the cloud, so you and your employees can access it using any device from any location, at any time. All you need is an internet connection.

With an online ERP system, you can easily access real-time insights, so you’ll always have the latest information about your business operations. ERP in-cloud solutions are also typically cheaper to adopt and implement than on-site ERP systems. It’s no wonder that cloud-based ERP software is the preferred choice for many business builders. 

We’ll help you find the best software to make implementing an ERP plan easy and straightforward for your business.

 

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 online business management software 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-premise ERP

Typically, the size and type of a business dictates whether cloud-based ERP or on-premise ERP is the right choice. For example, a relatively new small 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% percent 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, more flexible business management solution. You can expect to increase productivity, save money on overhead, and find more customers.

Additional ERP and business management resources

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

Get practical business management advice

Read our articles, guides, expert tips, and more.

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