Managing a startup business is challenging. New entrepreneurs quickly discover that their business is comprised of many moving parts, each of which must run smoothly so that their fledgling enterprise moves forward.
If you are struggling to tend to all those business processes demanding your attention, don’t despair. While spreadsheets no longer meet most businesses’ needs, a cloud computing solution enables companies to operate at peak efficiencies and higher levels of productivity. Specifically, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system integrates and automates all those business functions, giving you better visibility and control of your startup.
Here is what you need to know:
What is cloud ERP?
As large and small companies worldwide are moving to cloud ERP solutions, it’s becoming clear that startups looking for long-term survival will benefit from reduced costs, improved performance, and higher levels of security. But what is cloud ERP?
Also called Software as a Service (SaaS), cloud-based ERP enables businesses to use software applications that operate on shared computing resources via the Internet. The resources remain in remote data centers (rather than on-site) and are dedicated to hosting applications on various platforms.
Cloud ERP typically has substantially lower upfront costs since the computing resources are obtained through a monthly lease instead of an outright purchase maintained on the company’s premises. Business applications are then accessible at any time from any location.
The cloud ERP is especially beneficial to small and medium-sized businesses (SMB’s) that often cannot afford those higher upfront costs for hardware and software or a full-time IT staff to maintain an on-premise system.
Cloud ERP will integrate business processes and provide greater visibility across business functions such as manufacturing, inventory, accounting, supply chain, human resources, finance, and customer relationship management.
With an excellent cloud provider, startups can quickly scale their productivity software as their business expands.
How can cloud ERP solve startup-specific issues?
As a new business owner, you might be going in circles while trying to deal with the many issues you face each day. As a result, you may not have considered whether a cloud ERP solution is right for your startup. Before you tackle one more dilemma, read on to discover four ways that cloud ERP can help you gain control in the early days of your enterprise:
- Cloud ERP is affordable and easy to implement.
As mentioned, cloud ERP is economical and easy to implement, making it the favored option for startups. Without a substantial capital investment and the upfront cost of installing on-premise hardware, startups can gain access to technology that will keep pace with the latest innovations and trends that enable sustained growth.
- You will see increased productivity and enhanced performance.
Using any device and a secure internet connection, any employee has access to company information no matter where they are located. This benefit means that data and reports are available at any time, providing real-time insights into critical business performance and giving you and anyone you designate the ability to make decisions that could be crucial to your startup’s overall operation.
Cloud ERP is also specifically designed for smartphone and mobile devices, allowing for effortless collaboration among workers. Your employees will spend less time on tedious tasks and more time on productive work and innovation.
- Cloud ERP will provide agility and flexibility for your startup.
Cloud ERP offers scalability, accessibility, flexibility, and easy integration, all of which are critical for startups with minimal resources endeavoring to grow. Cloud ERP widens the scope for implementing features to meet specific demands. It is also compatible with technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Cloud ERP plays a critical role in supporting businesses to reach global markets at an affordable cost.
- You can feel secure with cloud ERP
Finally, cloud ERP enables centralized cybersecurity measures for remote access of data, systems that prevent downloading sensitive data, and on-site archival of sensitive information. It prevents data loss and ensures the proper authentication of any user before allowing access to the system.
Also, cloud ERP vendors must comply with standard data privacy regulations and follow procedures to anticipate risks and respond to malicious activities.
Implement the right Cloud ERP for your startup
Startups choosing their first ERP system require expert insights. The entire team at Decision Resources, Inc. has the expertise and experience to ensure your ERP has what it takes to fulfill your company needs and customer expectations. Please get in touch through our website, call 412-562-9660, or email us at info@decision.com.
