16 Jun, 2022

What Things Need to Be Considered When Choosing the Best Cloud ERP?

This is a time when Industry 4.0 is riding the digital transformation wave. At this juncture, there is a growing need among businesses to optimize operations and ensure seamless visibility and connectivity. This is when the role of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software gains significance.   

Cloud ERP systems are the trend now with thousands of businesses around the world migrating to digital platforms. One of its most outstanding features is its accessibility from anywhere in the world.   

With a myriad of options available in the market, choosing the right cloud ERP solution can be a daunting task. Let’s investigate the key factors to help choose the right ERP for you.

Significance of Choosing the Right Cloud ERP 

It goes without saying that ERP organizes and integrates a firm’s daily activities. They include both operational and administrative—in various sectors such as human resources, finance, services and website security.  

However, the adoption of such a solution comes with its fair share of troubles as well. Bad choices made during selection and implementation can cause significant financial losses. It can also tarnish the prestige of companies, including well-established ones. To avoid pitfalls, one must:

•Resolve Queries Before Proceeding  

You have to ask the right questions before making major decisions. They include selecting the most suitable ERP solution. One also has to gain a thorough understanding of why the company requires it.  

Consequently, leaders must conduct a comprehensive examination of their firm’s models and processes, identifying both strengths and deficiencies. When picking the right cloud solution, you have to take into consideration several factors. They include scalability, customization options, compatibility with existing systems and integration capabilities. They also need to meet specific business needs.

•Choose the Perfect Deployment Model

Cloud ERP solutions provide a variety of deployment options, including public, private, and hybrid clouds. One has to consider the security needs, budgetary limits, and organizational preferences while evaluating each deployment model. Check if your IT infrastructure and business strategy are better served by a single-tenant or multi-tenant design.   

•Check Scalability and Flexibility Option  

Your ERP solution must be able to scale as your business develops and evolves. It should be able to meet evolving needs and expectations. An ideal solution should offer scalability, flexibility, and agility. These qualities are essential to help you expand your operations, whether it's adding new users, modules, or features.  

•Judiciously Select the Right ERP Vendor

After collecting all the essential quantitative and qualitative data about your company, selecting the correct vendor and ERP solution is crucial for successful installation. This process involves evaluating their reputation, customer reviews, case studies, and industry recognition. Examine the vendor's support services, implementation processes, training resources and service-level agreements. You should also scrutinize the overall alignment of their solutions with the unique requirements of your business.

•Check the Experience in Industry   

Although ERP is becoming increasingly popular across various industries, not all products come with long-lasting solutions. Therefore, when choosing one for your business, selecting a vendor with adequate industry expertise is advisable.     

•Analyze the Integration Capability

The ERP solution should enable the highest level of integration across all business processes. It should offer robust data processing capabilities and the ability to propose actions and solutions while optimizing control over traffic flow, results, and other factors. While upholding company security and efficiency, it must incorporate extensive and advanced reporting. Flexibility in integration with third-party systems is an added advantage for data transfer. Look for pre-built connectors and APIs to ensure smooth data transmission and compatibility.

•User Experience and Accessibility  

A user-friendly interface with an intuitive design is critical for increasing user adoption and productivity. Evaluate the cloud ERP solution's user experience, including ease of navigation, multi-device accessibility, and mobile responsiveness. Ensure that the solution provides a consistent and efficient user experience for employees across all departments and roles.  

•Check Chances of Assisting Clients in Future 

As software and ERP technology are rapidly evolving, it is important to analyze whether an ERP solution and vendor is agile in development and has a proven track record of providing clients with new services. Before signing the contract, one needs to evaluate the likelihood of continuing to assist clients in the future.     

•Make a Comprehensive Cost Analysis and ROI 

While making a judicious choice to choose the apt cloud solution, another factor that needs to be considered is the cost-benefit analysis. It examines not only the upfront costs but also the long-term return on investment (ROI) to ensure the chosen solution is in sync with the business’ financial goals. 

•Collect References

Prior to committing to such a software solution, it is advisable for all business leaders to seek advice from other sources about your potential ERP solution. Even if you have answers to all your inquiries, obtaining references or testimonials from previous customers can provide valuable insights to make better-informed judgments. 

Benefits of implementing a Cloud ERP Solution

Cloud ERP solutions offer several benefits over traditional on-premises ERP systems, including: 

•Cost Savings

Purchasing expensive hardware and maintaining on-premises infrastructure are no longer necessary with cloud ERP. This can lead to a significant reduction in initial capital expenditure. It also lowers total cost of ownership for businesses of all sizes.

Increased Scalability    

Cloud ERP systems can easily scale up or down to meet the changing business requirements. It offers scalable resources and flexible pricing plans.

Improved Accessibility

Cloud ERP solutions are accessible from any location with an internet connection. Remote work, mobile access, and collaboration among teams are thus possible.

Enhanced Security

Cloud ERP providers typically have strong security measures to protect your data.  

Automatic Updates

Cloud ERP providers handle software updates, patches, and upgrades. This helps businesses to access the most recent features, functions, and security enhancements.  

Disaster Recovery 

Cloud ERP provides extensive disaster recovery features, such as data backup, redundancy, and failover options, to ensure business continuity and reduce downtime in the case of system failures or natural disasters.

Why NetSuite as a Top Choice in ERP   

This premier ERP solution is widely preferred because of its comprehensive cloud-based platform, offering integrated applications across financial management, CRM, and eCommerce. Its scalability promises seamless growth alignment, and its robust customization capabilities cater to unique business needs. The software also provides real-time analytics and reporting tools, empowering decision-makers with valuable insights.  

With global capabilities, multi-language, and multi-currency support, it's an ideal choice for businesses operating internationally. The platform's commitment to user support further enhances its appeal.   

Conclusion

Selecting an ERP solution is an important decision for your business operations. The guidance and support of an experienced provider can significantly optimize your entire operations, propelling your company forward. However, it's crucial to recognize that this software requires investment in training, teamwork, and productive collaborations to succeed.     

Jobin & Jismi is an official Oracle NetSuite solution provider with more than a decade of experience. Send us your ERP queries and set the ball rolling to transform your business scenarios.