Back in the day, only giant corporations had access to ERP systems that were only usable on-premise through their data centres; that’s history. Innovations over the years have made it possible for businesses of any size to take advantage of cloud ERP systems, helping them simplify their day-to-day tasks from virtually anywhere in the world.
In this rapidly changing business landscape, small businesses need greater agility, robust implementation, and flexibility to stay ahead of the game.
SAP Business One Cloud and SAP Business ByDesign are the best cloud ERP systems for small businesses by providing a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline and automate their core processes.
Managing a small business should not be a strenuous task; take your business to greater heights with SAP’s cloud ERP solutions.
What is Cloud ERP System?
Cloud ERP is an enterprise resource planning system that is intended for online use and is hosted on the provider’s cloud. It only requires an internet connection rather than locally installed software.
When enterprise resource planning systems were introduced in the 1990s, they were initially designed for on-premise use on clients’ servers, helping businesses automate their tasks to manage everyday business processes.
Then the early 2000s saw some advancements in the world of information technology, and so did ERP systems. It moved toward the cloud, which reduced cost and complexity while adding flexibility for business owners.
Cloud ERP systems for small businesses provide a centralized and unified view of their operations and real-time access to critical data from anywhere and anytime. By leveraging the power of the cloud, small and medium-sized businesses can access advanced features and functionalities without needing significant hardware or software investments.
It’s delivered as a service, “software-as-a-service (SaaS),” where customers don’t own the software; instead, they apply for a subscription on a monthly or yearly basis. Consumers don’t have to worry about maintenance because the vendor is responsible for upgrades, data storage, security, and management of ERP.
Consequences of Operating Small Business Without an ERP
Imagine assigning a task to any department of your business only to discover that they misunderstood the assignment and developed an utterly irrelevant product. Not only this, but you might also have to deal with delayed responses without any record of communication or milestones.
With the help of Cloud ERP systems for small businesses, the processes are centralized, which ensures seamless operations and robust data.
Let’s take a look at the challenges faced by businesses that operate without ERP.
1. Inaccurate Information
Any successful business needs to have seamless inter-departmental communication. Without an ERP, the biggest struggle that a small business will have to go through is the inaccuracy of its company records.
Businesses often use different software for their departments. For instance, the human resources team might have its software, whereas the accounts department uses another solution.
Using multiple front-end and back-end systems and disjointed information increases the chances of redundancy and misinterpretation, leading to inaccurate information.
Without a collaborative approach, there is a lack of communication, which affects performance, and the business falls behind in making informed decisions.
2. Difficulties with Finances
Accounting and financial records play a vital role in any business. If your business is still stuck with silos of paperwork where you manually enter all the data, you’re most likely wasting much of your precious time.
The different departments will be out of sync regarding sales records, refunds, etc., making it very challenging to keep track of all the processes. This demands a larger workforce to handle the information, taking a big bite out of your profits.
Cloud ERP systems for small businesses help automate their manual entry processes and update the data for all departments to avoid redundancy and erroneous information.
3. Slow Processes
Imagine a situation where a customer wants information on a purchase or service that was used years ago, and you only have manual files. You’ll have to go through all the files to reach the desired record.
Speed is everything in an effective business; it helps maximize profits and makes room for new opportunities. Small businesses will have slow response and growth rates without an ERP in place.
Time is money, and ERP helps speed up the processes for SMBs, earning them a better profit.
Uncovering the Benefits of Cloud ERP Systems for Small Business
ERP has become a necessary tool for almost all business infrastructures. Businesses now look forward to a streamlined common interface with centralized data management to ensure optimum performance in operations and create a notable market presence.
An effective cloud ERP allows them to make informed decisions, respond quickly to customer demands, and stay ahead of the curve.
Here are some additional benefits of using cloud ERP systems for small businesses:
1. Scalability
Cloud ERP systems can scale up or down based on the needs of the business, allowing businesses to pay only for the features and resources they require.
2. Reduced Cost
It eliminates the need for businesses to invest in expensive hardware or software, reducing the upfront costs associated with traditional ERP systems.
3. Accessibility
As it’s hosted on the cloud, it can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, enabling remote work and providing businesses with real-time access to their data.
4. Increased Efficiency
Cloud ERP systems can automate routine business processes, reducing errors and streamlining operations, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.
5. Effective Decision-making
The real-time data insights enabled by cloud ERP enable businesses to make informed decisions and respond to market changes for optimum performance.
6. Better Customer Service
Cloud ERP systems can help businesses manage customer relationships more effectively by providing a 360-degree view of customer interactions and enabling personalized service.
Overall, cloud ERP systems can help small businesses save time, reduce costs, and make better decisions, leading to increased profitability and long-term success.
Also Read: Cloud VS On-Premise ERP System
Choosing the Right Cloud ERP Systems for Your Small to Medium-sized Business
Selecting an ERP system is a critical decision for any SMB that can significantly impact its operations and contribute to its long-term success.
At the beginning of a new venture, deciding which ERP system will suit your needs can be overwhelming. It’s essential to consider several factors, such as mobility, scalability, customization, cost, support, and reliability.
Axxis Consulting is the leading provider of SAP services with years of experience in ERP solutions that take care of all your business operations and help you better analyze your startup for informed decisions.
The best-suited cloud ERP solutions for your small business are SAP Business One Cloud and SAP Business ByDesign.
Industry Specific Requirement
Axxis Consulting aims to deliver the best-suited solution for its customers’ needs by analyzing the nature of the industry and its requirements. It supports a wide range of industries, be it manufacturing or retail; there’s a solution for all.
SAP Business One has remained a popular choice for small businesses. It seamlessly integrates essential business functions such as financials, sales, service, inventory management, purchasing, and HR onto a single platform.
On the contrary, SAP Business ByDesign is a reliable cloud-based ERP system that caters to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses.
It features an array of modules, including financials, sales, customer relationship management (CRM), human capital management (HCM), and analytics, all aimed at improving operational efficiency.
If you find it confusing to decide which solution is best for your business, you can check out a detailed comparison between SAP Business One and SAP Business ByDesign to help you figure out the suitable solution.
Not only this, but you can also take advantage of a free product demo with Axxis Consulting; you only need to fill out a short form with your requirements to get started.
Scalable Solutions With Flexible Subscriptions
The most crucial factor in deciding on the best cloud ERP for your business is your budget, and Axxis Consulting offers flexible options to suit businesses of all sizes. You can also scale up or alter the requirements for your ERP in proportion to your business situation.
Axxis Consulting will take care of your ERP system’s upgrade upon the expansion of your business and help you scale up, saving you time and money.
With SAP Business One, you can start with as little as $98 per user/month. This affordable solution makes it easier to handle complex business tasks and helps boost productivity. The solution is fully configured and can be integrated with just a few clicks.
You can also get an estimate quote for SAP Business One with the help of its quick-and-easy price calculator based on your specific requirements and preferences.
If you are looking for an affordable monthly solution, SAP Business ByDesign offers a base fee of $2,253 per month with three flexible options to suit your requirements.
- Self-Service User: $23 per user/month
- Team User: $119 per user/month
- Enterprise User: $200 per user/month
Furthermore, you can also use the SAP Business ByDesign pricing calculator to get a pricing quote according to your business needs and make an informed decision.
Mobility of SAP Cloud ERP Systems for small businesses
The significant benefit of using a cloud ERP system for small businesses is the mobility and flexibility to use it anywhere. You are not bound to access the system only on-premises; an active internet connection is enough to use the system wherever you desire.
This makes it easier for business owners to stay up-to-date with ongoing business operations on the go and allows employees to stay connected and productive even when they are away from their desks or out of the office.
Helpdesk Support
Axxis Consulting has been providing ERP solutions for years and has a team of certified professionals eager to help you around the clock via phone and email. They also offer regular maintenance to the customers for smooth operations and optimum productivity. Professionals monitor the performance of cloud ERP to ensure smooth operation and a stable environment.
Bottom Line
Managing a small-scale business should not be an arduous practice. All you need is a well-defined infrastructure and an effective ERP to streamline every task.
You can add further flexibility to your business by using a cloud ERP, enabling you to access the system from anywhere you wish. From managing inventories to clients and sales, SAP cloud ERP solutions make management as easy as a few clicks.
In your quest for the best cloud ERP systems for small businesses, you can reach out to Axxis Consulting by phone or email.
