Managing Your Business Remotely In The Cloud
The internet has introduced new ways of doing business for many industries and manufacturing is no exception. Gone are the days of bulky servers and cumbersome ERP packages. It is now possible to manage your entire operation via a web browser, smart phone, or tablet.
Cloud-based ERP solutions are one of the fastest growing segments within the IT industry. In manufacturing, we see a notable shift from on-premise ERP to cloud-based ERP. These new solutions come with a wealth of options, features, and benefits.
Anytime, Anywhere
Availability is the amount of time a system is working at its full capacity during the time at which it is required to do so. With a cloud-based ERP solution, you get 24/7 availability every day of the year. There are no “business hours;” the portal door is always open. You can work from wherever, whenever, and in any time zone without worrying about your company’s network availability.
Rapid Response
Response times are as rapid as your internet connection speed, and all employees are running transactions at the same time. You can access your information without delay. There’s no need to wait for software upgrades, data to load, or for someone to get to work in order to login and see what’s going on. You see what others are doing AS they are doing it because everything happens in real time. If someone scans in a product at 11:30 pm, you will see it in the system at 11:30 pm.
99.98% Up Time
Many cloud-based ERP options offer 99.98% uptime, meaning that their servers are down or going through maintenance less than .02% of the time. So, you don’t need to worry about your data not being there when you want to see it. 99.98% is usually much higher than you would achieve having your own server storage facility because when you are down, you are down until it is fixed by a 3rd party.
It’s Taken Care Of
Cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) systems are managed by the service provider. You will only need an in-house employee who knows how to use the system. You no longer need someone to maintain hardware for an entire network. Updates are done system-wide and most often happen to all users at once. You access the most current version when you login. The service provider monitors the system, protects from hacks, watches uptimes and looks at system peaks and valleys, freeing you to concentrate on what you know best: your business.
Community
Many ERP solutions have user groups/communities in which users can discuss the software, giving you access to a library of information regarding your system. You can connect with other users within your industry and ask questions in a forum-like space. Everyday users, as well as employees of the service provider, log in to assist each other, post training documentation, and discuss current topics or advancements.
A modern, cloud-based ERP solution like the Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform helps you better manage your business. Data is available in real-time which leads to better decision making and reaction times. Manual processes are reduced and non-value added activities can be eliminated. Forecasting, production planning, ordering, sales, and budgeting for your company can all be monitored from anywhere. You will have a complete and total view over the status of your company.
If you would like to find out why Revolution Group has been a trusted Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform consulting partner for more than 20 years, call us at 614-212-1111 or reach us at [email protected]. We would love to discuss how your company could benefit from transitioning to the Cloud.
