Why Web-based ERP Software is the Wave of the Future

With business constantly moving forward, it is important to keep up with new innovations and technologies. One technology that is on the front lines of change is the use of web-based applications, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). The SaaS business model has been used to deliver many software applications, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions.

Choosing a SaaS ERP solution provides companies with many advantages over client/server technologies for managing their businesses. If a company chooses to ignore this technology, it will very likely fall behind its competitors.

Flexibility of Web Based ERP Software

The greatest advantage SaaS solutions provide to the customer is the flexibility it allows in your capital budgets. There is no huge license fee to access SaaS software. Instead, under most business models, users simply pay a monthly subscription fee and subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. There are no implementation costs because the service provider hosts the software on its servers. Depending on the vendor and solution, customizations may be available for at little or no costs.

The SaaS business model allows companies to initiate an ERP “pilot project” at any time, with basically no planning, and for almost no cost. If the pilot is successful, the company has the option to continue its subscription, expand it with additional users, or with some vendors, migrate to a licensed version of the software that it hosts on-premises.

Improved Communications

Using web-based ERP software enables better communications – between departments, team members, and with customers. An obvious enhancement is the ability to remotely access the system from anywhere with only an Internet connection and browser-enabled device, including, with most solutions, access via smart phones and other mobile devices. The ability to see real time information away from the office is a huge advantage that will enable executives to make better informed decisions.

Being able to use a computer to share spreadsheets and invoices makes organization of data simpler, which leads to fewer mistakes. Communication is not only improved within the organization; it also enhances customer service responses. Company service representatives have instant access to real time customer account information and service records so that responses can be provided in seconds. It is a huge improvement over current methods and can offer better, more personal customer service, which creates more loyal customers and leads to repeat business.

Financial Benefits of Web Based ERP Software

The financial benefits of using web-based ERP software accrue in many different areas. A major benefit versus client/server technology is that a company does not require a long and expensive implementation period. New clients do not have to orchestrate major overhauls of existing business processes to migrate to a new ERP system. The web-based ERP software vendor supplies the software, maintenance, version updates, network connectivity, technical support, and data security, which saves your time and resources.

The web-based versions are also a lower cost alternative. The web-based systems provide a standard Windows-like user interface so that employees adopt the system quicker and become more productive sooner. Because it’s easier to use, training costs are lower.