Considering Cloud ERP with Stephen Corrigan
However, according to Palladium Business Solutions, companies must look beyond the hype that surrounds Cloud ERP and seriously consider it withing the context of an actual business case, including it's benefits, costs and security issues. Stephen Corrigan, MD of Palladium Business Solutions, helped shed some light on the implementation of Cloud ERP.
What are the most significant drawbacks of traditional ERP systems and why is it necessary for organisations to start moving in the Cloud ERP direction?
Stephen Corrigan: Your Legacy ERP systems that use traditional fat client or desktop interfaces are invariably inflexible and clumsy, particularly in a multi-location or branch environment. This restricts users, effectively chaining them to their desk. True Cloud ERP should run through any device from anywhere, giving the user that much more in terms of mobility.
In your opinion, what are the most important considerations that an organisation must make when implementing Cloud ERP?
Corrigan: There are two considerations here. The first, I think, would be flexibility in terms of moving the database to the cloud or hosting it on-premise with the ability to move from one to the other. The other important thing when looking at a subscription hosted model is the accessibility to your data should you decide to leave the service for whatever reason.
What are the biggest risks and benefits associated with Cloud ERP? What can be done to mitigate the risks and maximise the benefits?
Corrigan: Security and redundancy are always critical factors so it is important to ensure that your information is hosted at a credible service provider with the necessary fail over processes and systems.
It is clear that there is no one-solution-fits-all. How should an organisation go about finding a solution that suits them and meets their particular requirements?
Corrigan: Modern ERP solutions are not only highly flexible and parameter driven, but most are now completely modifiable allowing clients to get a 100% fit. Should clients require integrations with highly proprietary applications, modern ERP's ship with complete web services or API's that support the seamless integrations between systems. In todays' age, it is not uncommon for competing products to talk to each other or switching information with each other.
What does the implementation of Cloud ERP mean for the modern workforce?
Corrigan: Complete flexibility and the ability to interact using their own devices, be it a cell phone or from their mobile tablet or PC. They can service their clients from anywhere, anytime. Complete access to information empowers the employees with better information, to give their clients better service 24/7.
