Essential Guide
Planning a safe journey to ERP in the cloud
Introduction
For businesses facing the challenges of a fast-paced, global marketplace, the cloud has become an appealing alternative to traditional on-premises deployments. Opting for cloud-based ERP, particularly software as a service (SaaS) ERP, can save manufacturers time and money while giving them access to the capabilities they need to stay competitive -- including anywhere, anytime access to ERP data.
As the cloud ERP software market expands and matures, organizations would be wise to evaluate the cloud's effects, now and in the future. But despite the benefits of flexibility, cost savings and scalability, putting ERP in the cloud is not yet the best choice for every organization. Many continue to proceed with caution, often because cloud-based ERP requires moving data outside company walls. While the benefits may eventually outweigh the risks, it's a good idea to devise a plan for data security and governance, or even consider a hybrid deployment that leaves the most sensitive data in-house.
In this guide, learn more about major trends and vendors in the ERP market, discover some best practices for getting the most out of a cloud deployment, and read some real-world examples that explore the ups and downs of the journey to cloud-based ERP.
1Trends-
Trends in cloud-based ERP
Despite the buzz surrounding cloud-based ERP, adoption has been cautious and slow, but the cloud shows no signs of killing off ERP, as some predicted. In fact, ERP may take off in the cloud as the benefits become clearer. The articles here explore the ERP landscape, from burgeoning trends to vendor developments.
Taking a cautious approach to cloud ERP
As security and integration concerns persist, some manufacturers are taking a gradual approach to balance the perceived risks of the cloud against the risk of being left behind. Continue Reading
Cloud and mobile technologies simplify ERP installations
Why do ERP deployments take years to complete, especially when so many of them don't deliver the expected benefits? Or can cloud and mobile technologies usher in a new world of nimble, flexible ERP that better supports the business? Continue Reading
Infor outlines ambitious vision for the cloud
Following Infor's release of a new cloud platform and applications in 2014, it's clear that while users are tempted by cloud features, concerns about security, data protection and lack of customization continue to hold them back. When will companies be ready to make the move to the cloud? Continue Reading
Infor shakes up the cloud market with CloudSuite
Interest in cloud applications is growing, and competition between cloud ERP vendors is fierce. Infor has joined the fight with CloudSuite, a line of hosted applications available on the Amazon Web Services cloud. Continue Reading
Is ERP experiencing a rebirth in the cloud?
The cloud, rather than making ERP unnecessary, could give it new life, providing organizations with complex finance functions and helping to break down information silos. Continue Reading
2Best practices-
Finding the best path to cloud-based ERP
A major part of the cloud ERP decision is calculating return on investment (ROI). As companies come to terms with the inevitability of the cloud, they strive to find the approach that will offer them the best payoff down the road. The articles in this section explain the many forms of cloud ROI and the various ways to approach the cloud. Even organizations that decide to keep ERP on-premises for now should recognize that the cloud remains on the horizon, and should plan accordingly.
ERP in the cloud may be inevitable
The debate over cloud's value continues, but it seems that cloud-based ERP will soon be a reality for many companies because of its relatively easy networking and scalability, and because of the social, mobile and analytics capabilities that cloud alone can deliver. Continue Reading
Does SaaS ERP always beat on-premises ERP?
To calculate the true long-term ROI of SaaS ERP vs. on-premises ERP, look beyond early savings and account for the cost of ownership over time. Continue Reading
Finding the value of ERP in the cloud
With the right approach, the ROI of ERP in the cloud can be realized quickly and in many forms, from faster deployment to reduced maintenance fees, to simpler training of users. Continue Reading
How cloud-based ERP cuts management costs
For companies that need to implement ERP rapidly and on a budget, cloud-based options may be the answer. Here's how to overcome fears about security and functionality, and benefit from ERP in the cloud. Continue Reading
Cloud considerations for on-premises ERP deployments
Even organizations that intend to keep ERP on-premises for the time being should design their infrastructure with the cloud in mind. In the future, hybrid environments may be the key to managing scalability needs and costs. Continue Reading
3Real-world examples-
Cloud-based ERP in the real world
Many manufacturers have made the cloud work for them, despite initial obstacles such as cultural change management. Here are real-world examples from companies that have realized some of the benefits of cloud-based ERP.
Overcoming cloud ERP culture shock
When companies move from familiar on-premises ERP systems to cloud ERP, the transition can be challenging. How are companies handling the change, and how is it paying off? Continue Reading
Unionwear outpaces the competition with cloud ERP
For American apparel manufacturer Unionwear, a cloud ERP system from Rootstock was the best way to follow lean manufacturing principles to stay competitive in an increasingly global marketplace. Continue Reading
Manufacturer makes first foray into cloud a success
Sports collectables manufacturer Aminco decided to move its ERP processes to the cloud with Trek Global. Here's how the move benefited the company. Continue Reading
Modernizing processes with cloud ERP
When metal-stamping manufacturer Chirch decided to move from in-house ERP to Epicor Express cloud ERP, the shift streamlined communication and collaboration within the company. Continue Reading
A small manufacturer turns to the cloud
For companies that don't have the resources for large IT departments, the cloud may be the best way to implement effective ERP and stay in business. Continue Reading
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