mobile-logo

3 Mistakes To Avoid When Evaluating A Cloud ERP Solution

02 Feb

3 Mistakes To Avoid When Evaluating A Cloud ERP Solution

by SMB Suite
in Managed IT, SMB Blog
Comments

Mistakes to avoid when evaluating cloud erp solutionsWhen it comes to choosing between an array of business software, options have traditionally been limited. Businesses today have far more options, but few recognize or seize them.  

Avoid these three (3) common mistakes when evaluating your next Cloud ERP solution, and you’ll be well on your way to reaping the maximum benefit from your investment.

The days of software service “estimates” are over, and the cost and risk presented to you, the Business Owner, went with it.

The process of traditional ERP implementation is incredibly invasive – it’s very expensive financially, but it also takes a significant toll on your time and resources.  Whether you have a fully staffed IT department or just a handful of tech-savvy employees, your staff’s time is dedicated almost exclusively to setting up your new business software and having to maintain and support it. 

Avoid the hassles of infrastructure management and hardware investment by looking to cloud ERP.  It is not only easy to deploy, because all the setup is done “behind the scenes” while your business runs as usual, but a true cloud subscription should also include the support and set-up for the application as well.  As your partner takes care of it all with application management tools at their finger-tips, it frees you up to focus on more important things like running your business.

Improperly calculating the cost of the new system.

To accurately calculate the overall cost of your business software, you have a few things to consider: implementation, training, setup, upgrades, licenses, equipment, maintenance, add-ons/ integration, configuration and support.  Fees and payment plans are oftentimes unpredictable “estimates”, changing year after year, and usually inaccurate (not usually to your favor). 

With a true cloud subscription, everything you need is rolled into one all-inclusive monthly fee.  You don’t need to worry about added costs for business software upgrades and system maintenance, and the subscription plan is billed in fixed monthly installments protecting you from inflation.  This essentially turns a crippling upfront capital expense into a manageable operational expense, so the cost you agreed to upfront is the same number you see on your bill each month.

Misunderstanding the lifetime of the software.

Traditionally, business software was generic and limited in its functionality and stability.  Many businesses were forced to use one system, simply because it was the only one developed for their respective industries.  When companies settle for sub par business software because it’s cheap, niche, regional, entry-level or new, they feel – often immediately – the constraints of missing functionality and proper support.  This often leads them to an emergency switch that is costly and detrimental to productivity, and any momentum expected or gained is completely lost by a halt in operations. 

Avoid this costly mistake by choosing a cloud ERP solution that leverages the best, most proven business software technologies available, such as Microsoft Dynamics. These solutions have virtually infinite lifetimes, friendly integration capability, and the only augmentation you may need comes in the form of ready-to-use functionality or additional user profiles as you simply “turn-on” or “turn-off” as you see fit along the way.  A true cloud subscription offering should relieve you from being “forced” into system changes or alterations that don’t entirely support your business.

In the competitive SMB market, any solution that helps you avoid the mistakes your competitors are making is a solution that propels you forward.

Ready to learn more about the cost-effective benefits of deploying cloud-based ERP software? Download our free eBook, An Insider’s Guide To The Best Cloud-Based ERP Software, by clicking below.

 {{cta(‘4bb269c3-ff39-4fff-93dc-553fbd5d8455′,’justifyleft’)}}

No Comments

Post a Comment

Comment
Name
Email
Website

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Steve’s been with SMB Suite since 1998 and has been involved with nearly every aspects of the Company’s business as a strategist, professional services executive, cloud solutions architect, and senior consultant. In his current role, Steve is responsible for SMB Suite’s revenue and oversees the execution of ERP, CRM and BI projects for customers across a broad range of industries. Steve combines his expertise in MS Dynamics GP, CRM and other Microsoft products with a strong foundation in accounting and business to identify gaps and streamline customers’ processes. Prior to co-founding SMB Suite, Steve was previously Corporate Controller for MEHLE Behr and, prior to that, Audit Senior for Ernst & Young. Steve holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Jeremy is responsible for SMB Suite’s technology vision, strategy and implementation and is the architect of the Company’s Dynamics Cloud Platform. Highly adept in every facet of managed services, ERP systems and e-commerce platforms, Jeremy’s expertise spans the implementation and support of business and financial software solutions, as well as the customization and integration of SMB Suite’s cloud ERP technology stack. He holds numerous Microsoft and industry-related certifications, and was primarily responsible for designing the Company’s progressive business services platform in the early days of the Cloud. Prior to SMB Suite, Jeremy served as the financial analyst, systems administrator, and information systems liaison for a $2 billion financial services corporation.

Monty is responsible for SMB Suite’s day-to-day operation and, most importantly, its customers. As a leader, motivator and mentor, Monty creates loyal high performance teams willing to “walk through walls” to accomplish their goals. Prior to SMB Suite, Monty served as President of The Bradshaw Group (TBG), a global distributor, manufacturer, and repair facility for digital printers. In this role, he was the Company’s ambassador to its most important domestic, European and Latin American customers and TBG achieved a best-in-class Net Promoter Score of 74 for its superb customer satisfaction. Prior to TBG, Monty served as the General Manager of Sam’s Clubs three highest grossing U.S. stores and was named Regional Operator of the Year in 1999. Monty holds a BBA in Marketing from Texas Tech University and is an active member of Business Navigators. He has been active in Vistage International, Executives in Action, the Dallas/Fort Worth Retail Executives Association, as well as, A.P.I.C.S., the leading professional association for supply chain and operations management. Monty also volunteers with Hunger Busters and ManeGait, a therapeutic horsemanship organization.

David is a proven financial and information technology professional with expertise in providing business accounting software and computing solutions. He began his career by starting and managing a successful independent consulting practice for several years. He then launched the local systems consulting unit of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneurial Services Group, leading the office into the hi-tech consulting arena. After successfully developing the unit for Ernst & Young, David founded NextCorp (which became SMB Suite in 2013) to serve the business software needs of clients throughout the US. David has made SMB Suite one of the best cloud ERP providers in the industry. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur and leader, he is a software and technology specialist, holding certifications in various Microsoft and other technologies.