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Cloud-based ERP software for real-time data access

How to find the best ERP software for your business

What is cloud-based ERP software?

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

What is on-premise ERP software?

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

While this type of ERP system provides companies with more customisable options, they tend to be more expensive than cloud-based ERP systems. They need to be updated and serviced to stay current. It also takes longer to implement an enterprise resource plan using on-premise software than cloud-based ERP software.

Relatively new and small businesses without clear business procedures and sophisticated IT 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 return on investment (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 or on-premise ERP?

The size and type of a business typically 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. An older, larger business however, may need a customisable solution that takes longer to implement.

Why cloud-based ERP is becoming more popular

These days, 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 a hundred CIOs and senior IT decision-makers to find out about their cloud usage and views on cloud-based business software.

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

54% of the respondents who use business-critical cloud applications such as ERP, say that they invested in them less than two years ago. A significant 46% of respondents 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.

Know every area of your business

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

Make better decisions using real-time data

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

Additional ERP and business management resources

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

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