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Cloud ERP systems for real-time data access

Streamline your business processes and enhance your performance with a cloud ERP system that integrates all your core functions in one platform.

What is cloud ERP software and how does it work?

A cloud ERP system brings key business processes within your organisation - like finance, inventory, and operations - together in one powerful solution.

With real-time visibility and access from any device, your team always have the latest information to make informed decisions. Your trusted ERP software business partner handles updates, security, and maintenance for you, saving time and reducing costs.

Cloud ERP systems revolutionise how businesses operate by offering centralised access to tools and data. They empower organisations to stay agile, competitive, and prepared for growth.

At Sage, our cloud ERP software adapts to your business, offering the flexibility and expert support you need to succeed.  

Key features of cloud ERP software

Online business management software can help you improve your productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction - and it means you can access your data and operations from anywhere, anytime, on any device. The advantages of a web-based ERP include:

Optimise collaboration with cloud-based ERP tools

Cloud-based ERP systems are designed to streamline collaboration and enhance efficiency across your organisation. Key features include:

  • Real-time data access: ensure your teams can update and share accurate, up-to-date data from any device, anywhere, enabling faster, more informed decisions.
  • Integrated workflows: break down silos by automating cross-departmental tasks with seamless workflow tools.
  • Task automation: save time and reduce errors by automating repetitive processes, such as approvals and reporting, improving overall accuracy.
  • Document management: store and organise files securely in one place, with version control and easy access for enhanced teamwork.

Screenshot: Sage X3

Centralise operations with integrated ERP systems

A cloud ERP system unifies core business functions, giving your organisation full visibility and control over your operations. Key features include:

  • Cross-functional integration: link inventory, financials, HR, and more into a single platform, improving communication and eliminating duplicate work.
  • Custom dashboards: create personalised views to track KPIs and performance metrics tailored to specific roles, empowering better decision-making.
  • Scalable architecture: add users, locations, or new functionalities with ease, ensuring the system grows alongside your business.
  • Flexible role-based access: protect sensitive data and ensure employees only access what’s relevant to their role, improving security and focus.

Screenshot: Sage X3

Make smarter decisions with real-time ERP insights

Cloud ERP software equips your business with the insights needed to adapt quickly to change. Key features include:

  • Advanced analytics: monitor trends and performance in real-time with built-in tools that offer actionable insights.
  •  Automated reporting: save time and boost productivity with instant financial and operational reports delivered when you need them.
  • Secure access: safeguard critical business information with robust security measures and role-based permissions.
  • API integrations: connect your ERP seamlessly with other business systems to extend functionality and improve efficiency.  

Screenshot: Sage Intacct

Why choose cloud ERP software?

Cloud ERP software transforms how your business operates. With lower costs, built-in AI, scalability, and robust security, our ERP systems empower your organisation to adapt, grow, and thrive.

Lower upfront costs

With our cloud ERP system, there’s no need for expensive servers or IT infrastructure. The subscription model eliminates large upfront costs and significantly reduces ongoing maintenance expenses, freeing up capital for strategic initiatives.

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Smarter decisions with built-in AI

Our ERP systems leverage AI to analyse trends, predict outcomes, and identify opportunities. From optimising inventory to enhancing financial forecasting, AI-driven insights empower your teams to make smarter, faster decisions with confidence. 

Scalable for growth

Our ERP systems grow with your business. Add users, locations, or new functionalities easily, without major disruptions or additional IT resources. This scalability ensures your ERP adapts as your needs evolve.

Automatic updates and robust security

Your trusted business partner will take care of updates, backups, and compliance, ensuring your system always runs on the latest technology. With enterprise-grade security and AI-enhanced monitoring, your business data is protected 24/7, allowing your team to focus on what matters most.

Faster implementation

Get up and running quickly with our cloud ERP software. With no need for complex hardware setups, implementation is faster, minimising downtime and enabling you to see value sooner.

Access from anywhere

Empower your teams to work efficiently from any device with an internet connection. Real-time data access ensures your organisation can collaborate seamlessly and make informed decisions, no matter where they are.

Drive your business forward with Sage cloud ERP systems

With our cloud ERP solutions, you get tools that adapt to your needs, simplify your work, and give you the confidence to make better business decisions.
Sage Business Cloud

Intacct

An award-winning cloud financial management platform that enables organisations to do more and do it better. Customers of all sizes and industry rely on Sage Intacct's award-winning best-in-class cloud financial management platform to deliver efficiencies and insights across their organisations.

  • Automate complex financial processes and multi-dimensional data analysis
  • Automated workflows, smart revenue recognition, and seamless data flows that streamline the revenue cycle across your organisation
  • Multiple entities, currencies, geographies – consolidate it all in minutes
  • Core financial dashboards and reporting software that turns data into insight
  • Access over 200 specialised software providers to deliver the most powerful solution to your organisation
  • Open APIs that make interacting with data not only possible but relatively simple
Sage Business Cloud

Sage X3

International or local, mobile and web, in the cloud or on-premise - whatever your needs, we offer enterprise management tools to help you simplify complexity and drive growth.

  • A single solution for managing core business processes including inventory, sales, customer service, finances, and workforce
  • Collaborate across divisions, countries, multiple sites, languages and legislation
  • Manage financial operations with general ledger, cost accounting, and budgeting
  • Control procurement, cash flow and business purchases
  • Get a 360° view of your customers across sales, marketing, customer service and support
  • Ideal for manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and service processes

Real customers, real reviews

“Sage X3 gave us a blank sheet of paper. So we were able to do a degree of database cleansing…the old system had grown in a way that veered out of control.”

Ian Butterfield, Finance Controller
Thatcham Research

“As a newly independent entity, we were essentially starting from scratch... We worked tirelessly with the team at Sage Intacct to make it fit our unique needs. It has paid off in spades.”

Matthew Joynes, Head of IT
Isio

“We've had Sage X3 since the early 1990s, and we've seen it evolve into a flagship solution. The quality of people at Sage very much mirrors what we look for amongst our own people so we've built very strong working relationships, particularly on the technical side.”

Graham Heaven, MD
Burbidge

Cloud ERP systems FAQs

Choosing the right cloud-based ERP software depends on your business’s unique requirements. Here are key factors to consider:

  • Industry-specific capabilities: look for cloud-based ERP solutions designed to address the challenges of your industry. With Sage, you’ll find solutions that are adaptable to industries like manufacturing,  distribution, retail, and professional services.
  • Role-based accessibility: ensure the software provides tailored tools for every user. Our intuitive dashboards offer managers clear overviews, detailed financial reports for accountants, and user-friendly tools for team members to stay productive.
  • Integration options: a reliable ERP system should seamlessly connect with your existing tools, such as CRM or e-commerce platforms. Sage makes integration simple with APIs and native connectors to streamline your workflows.
  • Scalability and flexibility: select a solution that evolves with your business. Sage cloud-based ERP systems scale effortlessly, allowing you to add users, expand features, or support additional locations without disruption.
  • Training and support: a trusted ERP provider doesn’t just offer software - they provide ongoing support and learning opportunities. Additionally. Sage University equips your team with the knowledge and skills to make the most of your ERP system, while expert support ensures you’re never on your own.
  • Cloud ERP pricing and security: evaluate subscription costs and ensure robust security measures. With Sage, you’ll benefit from enterprise-grade security and predictable subscription pricing that aligns with your budget. 

Adopting a cloud ERP system can involve some initial challenges, particularly for businesses transitioning from on-premise systems. However, with the right provider, these challenges can be effectively managed:

  • Migration complexities: transitioning from legacy systems requires careful planning and expertise. Trusted business partners provides expert implementation support to ensure a smooth and efficient migration tailored to your business needs.
  • Resistance to new solutions: teams may feel uncertain about shifting processes and infrastructure to the cloud. Sage and your trusted business partner helps with comprehensive onboarding, ongoing support, and access to Sage University—a dedicated learning hub to build confidence and capability across your organisation.
  • Regulatory and compliance concerns: businesses with strict data privacy and security policies may worry about hosting sensitive information in the cloud. The Sage cloud ERP system meets industry-leading compliance standards, including GDPR, and offers secure, location-specific data hosting to give you peace of mind.

While these challenges can arise, the tools, support, and expertise available through Sage make the transition seamless, helping your business unlock the full potential of cloud ERP.

The choice between cloud ERP vs traditional ERP depends on your business’s size, needs, and IT strategy.

Cloud ERP: hosted and managed by the vendor, cloud ERP provides flexibility and requires minimal IT resources. It operates on a subscription model, with the vendor handling updates, security, and maintenance. This solution is quick to implement and scales easily as your business grows, making it a cost-effective and agile choice for organisations looking to modernise.

On-premise ERP: installed on your own servers and managed by your IT team, on-premise ERP is ideal for businesses with highly specific requirements or stringent regulatory needs. It offers extensive customisation and control but involves higher upfront costs for licensing, hardware, and infrastructure, along with ongoing maintenance and security expenses.

Sage also offers both cloud ERP solutions hosted by our trusted business partner community to meet the diverse needs of businesses. While both options deliver robust functionality, cloud ERP provides greater scalability and lower long-term costs, making it the preferred choice for many modern organisations.

Yes, cloud ERP solutions are designed with robust security features, often providing stronger protections than on-premise systems. Here’s how they address key concerns for security-focused roles:

  • Advanced security measures: cloud-based ERP uses enterprise-grade encryption, multi-factor authentication, and 24/7 monitoring to safeguard sensitive data.
  • Proactive updates: automatic updates ensure the system is always protected against the latest security threats without relying on manual intervention.
  • Reliable disaster recovery: off-site, redundant backups support quick recovery in case of breaches, disasters, or accidental data loss.
  • Specialised security teams: expert teams monitor and manage security, offering advanced protection beyond what many in-house teams can provide.

Cloud ERP solutions minimise vulnerabilities, making them an excellent choice for professionals tasked with maintaining secure and compliant business systems. By partnering with a trusted provider like Sage, businesses can ensure their data is secure, accessible, and aligned with regulatory standards.

Cloud ERP systems come in several types, each offering different hosting and management options:

  • Public cloud: shared platforms like AWS or Azure host ERP systems, keeping each organisation’s data private.
  • Private cloud: a cloud dedicated to one organisation, ideal for businesses needing enhanced security and control.
  • Hybrid ERP: combines on-premise systems with cloud services, providing flexibility during the transition to the cloud.

Understanding these foundational concepts can help you navigate the world of cloud ERP:

  • Deployment: ERP can be deployed on-premises or as a cloud-based service. Cloud ERP is quicker to implement but requires planning, data migration, and training.
  • Cloud-based ERP: hosted offsite on the vendor’s servers and accessed via a web browser. It operates on a subscription model.
  • On-premises ERP: installed locally on company servers and managed by in-house or outsourced IT teams.
  • Hosted ERP: managed by a hosting provider but not a full cloud "as a service" model.
  • End-to-end security: encrypted connections protect data between the vendor and users.
  • Subscription licensing: regular fees (monthly or annually) cover access, updates, and maintenance.

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Get practical advice on cloud ERP systems and management

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