Before Adopting a Cloud ERP
The fundamental point to take into consideration before you adopt a cloud ERP solution depends on whether the implementation is from scratch or a migration from an existing on-premise solution or another cloud solution. The right implementation strategy for adopting a cloud ERP would depend on that.
KEY CONCERNS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE ADOPTING A CLOUD ERP
1. Identifying the best suited architectural and licensing models:
It is the time for these questions to be asked: Is your current on-premise system available on the cloud and what is its performance and customer feedback? What variant of the Cloud ERP architecture and licensing models would suit you best? Are you flexible to modifying your current business processes? Is your business segment too niche for business processes to be modified? Is the architecture of the solution conducive to your business needs? Is the licensing model feasible for your business cash flows? Can the data be easily transferred to the new system without manual data entry or complex procedures required to be done by your staff?
2. Hybrid Requirements:
A hybrid model of deployment is generally used in the manufacturing domain and in deployment of shop floor systems for production control on the cloud. Some questions to ask the solution vendor could be: How will the company integrate shop-floor data collection and production system data into the ‘new’ ERP solution seamlessly?
A hybrid model may not be required in a one stop comprehensive cloud ERP solution if it has the inbuilt capability to address all your business needs. In such a solution you can also avoid the additional cost of on-premise deployment of a private cloud as a part of the hybrid solution. Some of these solutions like the Versa Cloud ERP solution offers e-commerce integration and is mobility ready.
3. Customization:
The questions to ask could be:
How will your existing customizations be moved to the cloud? What happens to them in a change to a SaaS platform? Is the customization capability able to match your business process needs and operability requirements? Are all the process users happy with the work flow, customization capability and functionality offered by the prospective solution?
4. Change Management:
The implementation of an ERP solution in the cloud requires a demonstrated investment and commitment to change management in the way that all stakeholders and business processes will operate in the future. All stakeholders related to the processes must have comfort levels with satisfaction about migrating to the new solution. This can only be done be done by bringing them on board in the selection and the adoption process.
5. User comfort and training:
User training is the most critical point for effective migration and building comfort levels in process users. Some companies provide video tutorials, web meetings and demo & sandbox versions to build familiarity before finally going live. Since digital options for training are cost effective and as per the convenience of those being trained, they play a vital part in filling this gap. Demonstrated 24X7 support and access to help is a USP offered by the better players.
6. Data Security in Cloud ERP is a concern:
The perception of a higher risk level in a cloud solution is way off the mark as there is credible evidence that putting your data on the leading cloud environments (such as Amazon Web Services) offers a higher degree of data security than you could achieve in-house with the same pricing structures for users. Even governments are now using commercial cloud services. Therefore, correctly speaking, it is not a challenge but a concern for shared responsibility by the user and the solution vendor/environment provider. It is important to examine the security competence and protocol of the environment and solution and be satisfied before finally signing on the dotted line.
It is important to address the above concerns systematically and only then go ahead with the right strategy of adopting a cloud ERP.
OUR VALUE PROPOSITION
We at Versa Cloud ERP have created a multi award winning, secure, comprehensive Cloud ERP solution that is e-commerce and mobility ready. The Versa Small Business Cloud ERP dba Versa system is accessible anytime, and on any smart mobile device. It provides support for e-Commerce and Multi-Channel Retail includes integration with 3rd party e-commerce platforms as well as POS systems.
In addition, the Versa Small Business Cloud ERP system includes the ability to remotely manage Master Data on multiple e-commerce and POS systems including product description, pricing, images, etc.
It is affordable and targeted towards SMB’s and is backed by a promise of dedicated support. It is being used by clients in diverse verticals and could help you redefine the way you operate and grow your business.
Our solution is designed for fast growing businesses, between $1-$50 M in annual revenue, looking to upgrade business management solutions like entry-level accounting products or mid-tier legacy on-premise ERP systems or even those looking at comprehensive and affordable ERP solutions.
Built from the ground up on the latest cloud and mobile technology, the Versa Cloud ERP system allows businesses to automate and optimize their operations across multiple companies, countries, and currencies with one integrated ERP system.
We will help you in a structured manner to migrate your data seamlessly from Epicor, Infor, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, MYOB, Sage, SAP Business One etc when you make the decision.
To know more, please visit www.versaclouderp.com or contact us directly.
We’d love to hear from you.
Reference:
Cloud Tweaks report: Top 5 Challenges in Adopting Cloud ERP
https://cloudtweaks.com/2015/01/top-5-challenges-cannot-avoid-adopting-cloud-erp/