Have you wondered why so many organizations are implementing cloud ERP solutions? When you see how ERP can help international and local organizations, it's not hard to understand.

A look in the rear-view mirror

Remember the olden days? You know, circa 2019, when we dressed in fancy suits, commuted long hours to and from the office, and conducted business face-to-face in crowded meeting rooms.

Then, during the pandemic, businesses were forced online, trying to collaborate with remote employees in multiple locations – and investing vast sums of money to do so.

Fast forward a few years, and not much has changed in how people work.

Unsurprisingly, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions are becoming increasingly crucial in facilitating communications between the now-remote human minds and hands that power the business world.

For many companies, that meant complex changes and expensive upgrades. But for global organizations, the rising adoption of ERP solutions is a boon.

Imagine a scenario

As a manufacturing organization, you have facilities based in the US, India, Spain, and Brisbane. It's mid-afternoon on a Wednesday, and the CFO just told you that she needs a global sales and distribution report on her desk by the following afternoon.

Your colleagues are spread across the globe in different time zones. How are you going to pull that off?

Enter ERP. Your team members will receive any emails you send now when they reach their desks. And depending on your access privileges, you might be able to pull those critical numbers yourself.

Phew. That was a close one.

The CFO gets what she needs, and you didn't waste countless hours on a busy day hunting down the information.

But that's just one situation for one person. Now imagine how your global organization, running 24/7, could be more productive and profitable if everyone had the same flexibility.

What exactly is an ERP system?

ERP systems aid in automating, streamlining, and optimizing organizations by integrating data and information into connected applications across departments, cities, and countries.

An ERP provides a single pane of view for all aspects of the business, regardless of where it operates.

Many businesses need help to keep up with everything from supply chain shortages and rising gas prices to inflation and shifting customer needs. They increasingly need intelligent, automated processes that can adapt to any situation. They require cutting-edge technology to support new business models. They also require real-time – and predictive – insights to steer the ship in the right direction.

Companies that have done so successfully almost always use the same engine: a cloud ERP. This type of software enables super agility and digital transformation, providing numerous advantages to modern businesses.

What's the best news of all? A modern ERP's user-friendly technologies and automation will reduce tedious manual work, boost productivity, and improve employee experiences.

10 cloud ERP benefits – that apply to almost every organization:

#1 Constant innovation

Many businesses are migrating to cloud ERP software to improve operations, replace outdated business models and processes, and introduce new capabilities that support best practices. Cloud ERP improves and accelerates not only finance and accounting practices but also operations throughout the organization - and can even extend to business partners and networks.

#2 Reduced expenses

Cost savings can be substantial, especially with a public cloud ERP deployment. There is no upfront cost for hardware or ERP software with a subscription service. Since the provider handles upgrade and maintenance expenses, ongoing IT and related staff costs are reduced.

#3 Ease of use and automation

A modern cloud ERP allows companies to consolidate legacy applications, integrate and standardize existing and new applications, and eliminate disconnected systems. They can streamline workflows, intelligently automate processes, and increase overall business efficiencies.

#4 Improved functionality

Continuous upgrades, as well as several more significant releases per year, are used by cloud ERP vendors to deliver new functionality and application improvements to all companies that use their software. Updates are distributed to everyone simultaneously, so you never have to worry about downtime while waiting for an ERP system upgrade. Customers can also request changes from the ERP vendor if they identify similar requirements. As a result, the overall rate of innovation is much faster and more responsive.

#5 Insights in real-time

Modern cloud ERP systems are designed to unlock Big Data, allowing you to access information hidden within large and complex data sets. The ability to identify trends, predict changes, and automate processes improves resource utilization and significantly improves customer service. Although there are reporting tools in legacy ERP systems, they do not provide the integrated, real-time analytics available through the cloud, which is essential for better decision-making.

#6 ERP on the Go

Today, mobile capabilities are built into ERP products. Employees, subcontractors, vendors, and customers must now have access to information at all times and from any location. That necessitates the use of secure mobile device support. Users require modern user interfaces (UI) responsive to mobile screens.

#7 Intelligent technologies

Intelligent technologies are being integrated into modern ERP solutions to boost productivity. These allow devices such as machines or sensors to feed data to applications via the cloud for up-to-date status information.

#8 Top-tier security

Cloud vendors typically provide the best data security available; on-premise systems often cause security breaches in large and midsize businesses. With cloud ERP systems, things like security, data backups, and disaster recovery are all handled by full-time, professional security experts. Because cloud ERP systems are more comprehensive, connected, and collaborative, they avoid vulnerabilities at integration points and reduce the risks associated with a multi-vendor landscape.

#9 Quick implementation

Because your ERP provider handles hardware and software installations and provides dedicated staff with data center management expertise, ramp-up for a cloud ERP system is much faster than on-premise deployment. Cloud ERP business applications, like consumer mobile apps, are simple to configure. The app's intuitive user interface makes learning to use it quick and straightforward, allowing businesses to capitalize on opportunities.

#10 Scalability

Scalability is important because growth can be challenging to predict. If you experience rapid growth, you can add more computing power or data storage capacity with a cloud ERP solution rather than incurring a significant capital expense.

ERP has numerous advantages

The benefits of ERP systems are numerous for many organizations. Beyond reducing manual work, for example, automating workflows addresses top priorities such as increasing process accuracy and ensuring compliance.

Advanced analytics can detect inefficiencies and uncover opportunities for business growth by providing data-rich, actionable insights. In addition, the cloud can help simplify multi-vendor networks for supply chain teams to gain a 360-degree view of their ability to meet demand profitably and sustainably.

Cloud ERP systems can provide the modern tools and technologies required by the entire organization, not just finance functions, to move the company forward – and pivot and scale operations to keep up with the relentless pace of change.

Ready to implement cloud ERP?

Whether considering upgrading your ERP or implementing a system for the first time, the Liberty Grove team of ERP consultants can guide you through each step for a smooth ERP solution.

We ensure that your new system receives the attention required to be ready to go in your business environment from the moment you engage with Liberty Grove Software. We'll provide the services you need to guide you through project planning, implementation, testing, training, and ongoing support.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how Cloud ERP can reduce costs and elevate your business to the next level.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.