The concept of on-premise systems is fast abating as businesses and customers evolve in their processes and step towards futuristic models of XaaS (Everything as a Service) implementation. Across industries and around the world, forward-thinking companies are transforming to ‘Cloud-enabled platforms’ to conduct business and reap unprecedented benefits in terms of the total cost of ownership, agility, and speed. And it cannot be more true for ERP systems / SAP implementation. Companies like National Grid, Kellogg’s, Western Digital, and FedEx have already made the shift to the Cloud ERP.
Cloud-based SAP implementation is provided as a service by vendors like Wipro, IBM, and Oracle and does not have to be managed by the company’s IT staff. It supports the economies of scale, can be shared equally between multiple users across the globe, and can be hosted internally or by independent third parties. Ultimately, this all allows in-house IT resources to focus on innovating and helping grow the business more effectively.
“SAP Cloud Platform is more than just a tool to program new apps – it can support the transition into intelligent businesses of tomorrow”.
– Dagmar Zoder, Head of SAP Cloud Platform for Middle and Eastern Europe at SAP
Cloud ERP / SAP Implementation – A downpour of benefits
-
- Real-time analytics – Being accessible over the internet anytime, anywhere, Cloud ERP allows data visualization in real-time for improved decision-making and process optimization.
- Security – In Cloud, data is not backed by a third-party and the system tracks all activity and fully encrypts data stored within the ERP to ward off hackers and stay ahead of threats.
- Flexibility – Cloud ERP stores and operates everything remotely enabling employees to input data in real-time from any connectible device in any geographical region. Such features are very attractive for multi-stakeholder domains like long supply chains of utility companies such as National Grid, Navigator Energy Services, and Jaguar Energy Services.
- Low operating costs – There is no need for manual and continuous maintenance or licensing to keep up with hardware and software updates with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models which saves costs on different resources.
- Scalability – Cloud ERP scales easily and adjusts the entire infrastructure to the necessary size for each stage of development. Holistic life-cycle management of all interfaces is possible – be it 2 or 200,000 employees.
- Service Support – For a subscription-based model, service support is available 24/7 without the additional purchase of a support package. Cloud ERP also enables seamless integration of existing solutions and hybrid system landscapes with consistent user experience.
Enabling the winds of change
The key ERP dilemma is not whether you are ready for the Cloud, but is the Cloud ready for you? The solution is simple: partnering with the right SAP technology provider that collaborates closely and eliminates chances of infrastructural glitches.
Case study after case study of ERP implementations tell the same story: the make-or-break factor is the implementation team.
– SAP Insights
Be it the SAP Business One suite or the SAP Business ByDesign, with an experienced managed service partner you can reduce operating costs, improve customer experience, create or support new business models, and accelerate the digital transformation to a smart enterprise. The sought-after attributes while selecting a partner include provisions to integrate workloads with in-house applications, security service level agreements, and customization features.
There are few reigning champions in the managed services industry Oracle that implemented Cloud SAP for FedEx and Wester Digital, IBM for Mitsubishi Motors, AWS for Kellogg’s, and Wipro for National Grid. It is also important to note that the objective and value addition from all these projects was unique and industry-specific. (Cialis online) For instance, National Grid aimed to support supplier growth plans and improve supply chain collaboration while Kellogg’s wanted to reduce the costs associated with managing traditional IT infrastructure.
Think before you migrate
Moving to the Cloud promises enormous advantages of efficiency, scalability, and simplicity. However, it is important to realize that the transition requires commitment and mindset to adapt to change for long-lasting rewards. It is important to view Cloud ERP adoption not in isolation, but as an integral part of the business and IT strategy. Furthermore, if you are concerned about industry-specific restrictions, research and learn how Cloud-enabled SAP has been implemented and benefited businesses across industries like utilities (eg. National Grid), automobile (eg. Volkswagen Sachsen), and even facility management (eg. Mitie). Customize your solution to your needs and use cases for resilience and scalability in the long-run.
