Although all ERP software systems offer a way to integrate a range of processes and functions, traditionally, these systems were created for enterprise businesses and are considered costly and time-consuming to set up. Luckily, in the last 10 years, cloud-based ERP software offers businesses an affordable and accessible alternative.
The Problem With Traditional ERP Software
Aside from notoriously being costly to businesses, traditional ERP software exists in the form of computer software. These systems are acquired via a license model and are loaded onto your internal servers and computers.
Whenever you purchase an ERP system, your worries do not end there. No matter what solution you deploy – traditional or cloud-based ERP software – it must be constantly maintained and upgraded.
Because everything is set up in-house with a traditional ERP software system, it’s up to your business to maintain both the infrastructure and the platforms. As you absorb the costs associated with server upkeep and the space these servers take up in your office, you are also financially responsible for the maintenance required to keep this complex software running smoothly.
Although an ERP system is meant to help your business streamline operations, a traditional solution brings about new problems to struggle with – and, this typically results in another drain on your resources.
There’s Got To Be A Better Way: Cloud-Based ERP Software
Sure, cloud computing is a modern trend. But it’s also had a significant impact on ERP software that’s proving to work very well for non-enterprise business.
As a hosted solution, cloud-based ERP software is accessed from a common browser over the Internet, while offering computer, network and storage capacity that helps your business in ways traditional ERP software simply cannot:
- Hardware management is essentially non-existent to your business
- You only incur costs as a fixed operating expense
- Infrastructure capacity is completely scalable
Most cloud-based ERP solutions only comply with the first and third points. However, for the most beneficial cloud-based ERP solution for your small or mid-sized business, it must comply with all three of the above key requirements.
Incurring a fixed-cost operating expense is important, because without this type of pricing model, you end up with a lot of hidden costs due to deployment, maintenance and upgrading your ERP software.
Traditional ERP software solutions typically always have hidden fees. With cloud-based ERP software offering a fixed-cost pricing model, the costs are totally transparent, meaning you receive total control over your investment.
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.