ERP from the Cloud: Get started with eight tips!

Such figures prove that cloud usage is only now really taking off. But companies are not blindly migrating to the cloud; they place a high value on IT security and data protection. This is the basis for the caution that the information should remain in the country and be subject to the strict regulations here.

The data in the ERP system is particularly sensitive and must be protected to the maximum, as it contains company- and production-specific information. If this is guaranteed, outsourcing ERP applications to the cloud can be an attractive alternative or supplement to an on-premise solution. This is because the flexibility of ERP from the cloud helps to react to market requirements faster and more agilely.

Rapidly growing SMEs

The software is hosted in the provider's data centers, eliminating investment costs in software and hardware. The applications are always up to date, as updates and backups take place automatically. Access to the ERP system is independent of location and device. And the cloud provider guarantees high availability and performance, while the customer saves on operating and maintenance costs.

Two user groups in particular benefit from the innovative solution: fast-growing medium-sized companies that have little IT capacity, as well as companies that want to quickly connect their subsidiaries to their ERP system. Here, as well as in other cases, hybrid solutions can also make sense.

However, not all cloud offerings are created equal. Therefore, companies should consider the following tips for their entry into the ERP cloud:

• High-security data center in Germany: The cloud provider must demonstrate strict protective measures with corresponding certificates such as ISO 27001. The location in Germany ensures compliance with the strict regulations on data protection and security that apply here.
• High performance and dynamic scalability: This can also be achieved through regional proximity as well as broadband connections and sufficient capacities.
• Failure safety: The constant availability of data and services should be guaranteed. Hybrid solutions enable almost one hundred percent fail-safety as well as fast recovery of data.
• Solution for every need: Ideally, different cloud models are available. A combination of hosted private cloud, rental model and operation in your own data center meets all requirements.
• Networking down to the workstation: A holistic solution includes the operation of the ERP application, the connection of the workstations via the network and support for the employees via German-speaking contact persons at eye level. This increases user satisfaction and the company receives everything from a single source.
• Calculate costs: Instead of high initial investments, the company only has to pay precisely calculable costs per user. These are based precisely on the actual usage. In addition, the rental solution offers tax advantages, as the expenses for the cloud are not subject to depreciation.
• Always up to date: Automatic updates and backups are a matter of course. This saves the company internal operating and maintenance costs, as cloud providers guarantee the updating of their offering through service level agreements (SLAs).
• Access from anywhere: Internationally active companies in particular should ensure that their employees can use the ERP cloud from anywhere in the world. However, medium-sized companies that are predominantly active in Germany also benefit from simple mobile applications, for example for field staff or service employees.

With these tips, ERP from the cloud leads to success. Learn more here