With the 4th Industrial Revolution upon us, more and more companies are looking at their legacy business software with a critical eye. Companies are finding that they have redundant systems that don’t communicate with one another, or their ERP system is outdated and is putting them at a competitive disadvantage.
Should You Have Your Data in the Cloud?
ERP users want the ability to access their data anywhere, at any time. As a result, ERP vendors have realised that a web-based system is essential for them to compete in 2019. In order to make customers’ data available when and where they want it, systems now have to allow for access through a web browser on any device. Ten years ago, it was acceptable to have a terminal server connection to allow employees to connect to an ERP system remotely, but that is no longer good enough.
While some are concerned about the reliability of a web-based system, most ERP systems now guarantee at least 99% uptime. The benefits of a cloud-based system tend to outweigh the concerns when customers take into account the convenience and reduced IT cost. The IT cost savings can be significant as customers no longer have to continually purchase new workstations and servers to keep up with ERP software updates. Additionally, having software backups and updates completed automatically saves companies countless hours each month.
Mobile Technology and Your ERP
As a society, we continue to do more and more with our phones. Why should ERP be any different? While many of the large ERP systems have adopted mobile technology, very few of the programs designed for SME manufacturers have kept pace. Whether it is on a phone or a tablet, an Apple or Android device, users want the ability to access their data and manage their shop.
If you are working offsite and want to record labour time against a job, wouldn’t it be great if you could do that right from your phone? Or what if you were walking through your stock room and realised that your inventory quantity was incorrect? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could quickly adjust the on-hand quantity without going back to your desk? These are just some of the things that you can now do on mobile apps for ERP systems.
Future Advancements
With advancement in technology, we are now able to do things that we would have never thought possible. More and more mobile applications are being developed based on what the market demands. As a result, it is not hard to imagine a time when your ERP system can be operated entirely through apps. With all the developments in technology, your ERP system should be a tool that allows you to keep up with the times and be more efficient - not an anchor that is weighing you down.
About Shoptech
Established in 1984, Shoptech Software is a leading provider of Shop Management Software for SME manufacturers. Shoptech has been honored by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. for eight consecutive years. Shoptech has over 8,500 customers worldwide and is growing fast. Shoptech has forged strategic alliances with business partners, garnered recognition in business and shop trade magazines, and gained a reputation as consistently being on the forefront of technological innovations to best serve the various manufacturing markets.