Cloud ERP’s are quickly becoming the popular ERP option for companies. The appeal of low IT support costs and quicker implementations makes for a strong business case to move your company’s ERP to the cloud. However, cloud solutions are still lacking in some key areas customers have high on the wish list.
A significant portion of cloud vendors do not build flexibility into the core code, restricting the ability to add key fields and rules. In on-site systems, customizations and coding changes, such as building custom business processes and rules into an application, were quite common. Cloud solutions do not allow code changes as it could impact upgrades, infrastructure, and security. A few cloud solution providers have figured out how to provide a highly configurable solution without requiring code change customizations. However, the majority are still handicapping technology within the cloud and can’t meet unique client processes and requirements.
Most industries have seen a major spike in business users relying on mobile devices to perform various ERP activities (sales invoices, purchase receipts, asset maintenance, and inventory management). Unfortunately, few mobile applications have full functionality without an internet connection or have major limitations. An inventory-heavy organization needs the capabilities to work in the warehouse and look up item locations and quantities without an internet connection. Many firms are investing heavily in mobile solutions that are just a glorified extension of the “www.” These solutions aren’t addressing the main problem, which is a stand-alone mobile tool that works separately from the ERP and only updates in real-time when connected to the internet.
Personal applications have accomplished integration with hundreds of sources, emphasizing ease and simplicity (Mint, QuickBooks, Robinhood, Venmo, etc.). It takes minutes to set up an integrated link between QuickBooks and Wells Fargo. A couple clicks, a password, and you’re good to go. When you spend more money on an application, you would assume it would have more capabilities, not less. Unfortunately, it takes months to set up similar connections in large enterprise systems. Cloud enterprise solutions need to learn from these smaller personal applications and pre-build integration points with the most common applications. Providers achieving this level of ease and simplicity in integration will have a competitive advantage, similar to personal banks who first offered mobile deposits.
Poor application and reporting support are the most common gaps in current cloud ERP offerings. Customers often need go-live application adjustments or assistance in building/fixing reports. Cloud vendors tend to point customers in the direction of third-party consultants or put requests in a low priority que where they are rarely resolved. Customers want a one-stop, customer-focused cloud software provider. The cloud provider cracking this nut the quickest will have the biggest differentiator in the market.
The cloud solution that provides robust business process flexibility, a stand-alone mobile solution, quick and simple integration, and has a customer-focused application and reporting support model can truly say they offer an all-in-one software as a service solution.
Trenegy assists companies with selecting and implementing ERP solutions to ensure maximum value is achieved. Contact us for a free consultation at info@trenegy.com.
