Cloud ERP Software Helps Businesses Grow: Hype vs. Reality

Cloud ERP Software: Separating the Hype from Reality

Over the years more and more businesses are moving to ‘the cloud’ and switching to cloud ERP software solutions.  Perhaps you are curious about the claims that the cloud will help you save money on IT infrastructure, networking and software licensing. Better yet, the cloud will help your business boost productivity and profits with increased efficiency, streamlined operations, remote access and real-time reporting. Whenever there are such bold claims in a product or solution, it’s natural to be skeptical.  It’s hard to wrap around and inspect something like the cloud, it’s not like you can get out and kick the tires with something as intangible as the cloud. So let’s explore how much of this is marketing hype and how much of it is reality?

As ERP consultants, cloud solution specialists, and hosting providers with over 20 years of experience, at I-Business Network (I-BN) our clients and potential clients rely on us for much needed advice and consultation when it comes to the cloud. More importantly, our clients rely on us as trusted advisors to help sort out what solutions will improve their business processes allowing them to focus on tasks that enable growth. They appreciate us because growth means more money, right? In a recent article published by TechRepublic, “Do Small Businesses Make More Money with the Cloud? New Study Says Yes” supports this claim.

The survey by Exact and Pb7 Research shows that in a study of small companies, all with fewer than 50 employees, “small businesses that have made the move to the cloud doubled their profits and achieved 25% additional revenue growth compared to their cloudless contemporaries.”

At I-Business Network, we emphasize improving business processes and reducing your investment in IT. “The economic benefits are typically related to the improvements in business processes enabled by the cloud and less about the technical aspects,” said Gary Feldman, president of I-Business Network. “Whether it is process automation, integrated eCommerce or just better access to information, companies need to think outside the brick and mortar.”

In support of this study, we have seen this dramatic type of growth, especially from our small business clients, by moving to the cloud. The following examples illustrate three clients that have used SAP Business One to address different pain points that has allowed them to grow.

3 Cloud ERP Software Clients Grow in the Cloud

1. Utilizing SAP Business One, one distribution company has grown from startup to $10 million in revenue in only eight months.  This growth was driven by integrated cloud eCommerce combined with process automation
2. Another distribution client trimmed three days of lag time from their inventory and sales reconciliation. Now with bar code scanning and automation, inventory levels are accurate within seconds. This company is looking to continue its growth with plans to integrate e-commerce into their business solutions, allowing them to serve their customers quickly and accurately.
3. This client went from startup to $25 million and 40 employees in just four years utilizing a broad range of ERP functionality in SAP Business One from CRM through after the sale service model.  Migrating from Salesforce.com and Peachtree into a single integrated platform with cloud based CRM and field service this organization gets the full 360 degree view of its business anytime from anywhere.

Using connection tools like the I-BN 2SimpliConnect automation platform, cloud to cloud exchange of data is automated, fueling new routes to market and process efficiency.

The Cloud has clear advantages when it comes to data insight, automation and integration. As stated in the TechRepublic article, “It’s efficiency brought about by a full cloud system that is bringing greater profitability for small businesses.” Additionally, it is startup businesses and very small businesses that benefit the most, according to Forrester Research, as they are not dependent upon legacy systems and have the agility to begin with the cloud and integrate new solutions as needed.

For more information about how the Cloud can change the way you do business, please contact Jan Lawrence, Solutions Consultant, at jlawrence@i-bn.net or 678-627-0646 ext. 249.

About I-Business Network:

Before you move to the Cloud or purchase an add-on for your system, give us a call and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. I-Business Network has more than a decade of experience hosting a variety of ERP software and add-ons. We can walk you through the environmental needs of your software, what add-ons are recommended, and what you should expect from a Cloud provider.

Visit us at I-BN.com or contact Bob Tobey at 678-627-0646 ext. 231 or btobey@i-bn.net for help evaluating your ERP options. Whether you are outgrowing QuickBooks, another entry level accounting software, or if you need to move to cloud hosting with a cloud ERP solution or hosting your existing ERP software.

I-Business Network (I-BN) is an ERP and cloud solutions provider since 1999. Established by professionals in the accounting and software industry, I-BN has provided cloud hosting and business solutions including industry-specific solutions for distribution, light manufacturing and professional services. I-BN specializes in sales, implementation and cloud hosting for ERP software. We have deep experience and knowledge of Sage 100 ERP and SAP Business One software and understand its unique requirements and the support that you will need. Our national network of business software solution providers enables us to provide a local presence for training, implementation and support.

I-BN hosts a large number of cloud accounting software (ERP) applications including:

• Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP and NAV
• Sage BusinessWorks
• Sage CRM
• Sage FAS
• Sage MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500
• SAP Business One
• Yardi

Click below for our Cloud Buyer's Guide:

 
Another version of this blog was previously posted on the I-BN Blog: Radical Claim! Small Businesses Grow More with the Cloud

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net by Stuart Miles