Let’s face it, it’s easier not to. The old saying “if it’s not broken, why fix it” comes to mind. However, if you look around you will notice that almost everything these days is already in the cloud.

So, what does migrating your business to the cloud even look like?

In a nutshell it is the process of moving your database, IT and digital assets (files) to an application that is fully accessed using an internet browser. Which also means if you have internet and a laptop, mobile phone, tablet, you can access your data anywhere, anytime.

Cloud = Internet and is 100% necessary. If you don’t have great internet. Don’t do it. Most of us however, do have access to a stable internet connection and to be honest unless you are downloading and uploading massive data files it doesn’t even have to be that fast.

Let’s get back to migrating your business. If you are looking at software that you can run your entire business on, you’re likely looking at an ERP solution. ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning – a fancy name for software that is used o manage the key parts of your business operations. This included finance, operations, sales, production, inventory, assets and everything in between, all on a single database.

An ERP allows users to share information, and enable cross-functional collaboration between different departments, branches and locations. An ERP will increase visibility, productivity, collaboration and efficiency.

Your business may already be managed with an on-premise ERP, in which case you already get those benefits. However, what you don’t get is:

• Geographical accessibility – anywhere, anytime benefits – no server to log-in. All you need is a device connected to the internet.
• Automatic updates – Cloud based ERP solutions are automatically upgraded, just like your mobile phone. You never have to worry about having the latest software – you always have it. With an on-premise solution you need to pay for upgrades to be installed (yet another cost) and it can be disruptive to the business
• SaaS (Software as a Service) is subscription based – Which means no large upfront free for a new licence as well as an annual licensing fee. Instead it is a small monthly fee which you can increase and decrease on demand to suit your current business processes and productivity.
• Security – with cloud ERP, you never have to worry about data getting hacked by a third party, because the system tracks all activity and fully encrypts your data. The costs of managing security are much lower as the software vendor handles security responsibilities.
• Better for the environment – with reduced or no reliability on paper – no more printing and filing. Simply upload the file to the system.
• Reduced overhead costs – with no additional hardware to worry about and no larger licence cost it’s easier for smaller businesses to invest in future growth.
• Scalability for every stage of growth – increase or decrease your users on demand, easily expand to accommodate new employees, acquisitions, additional product lines or business units.
• Compliance – software vendors must be proactive about compliance and take client’s business data very seriously. Following industry best practices and working with government privacy laws, superannuation, payroll, banking and more.

In summing up the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages, increasing the ability to see real-time data, in turn increasing your ability to make sound business decisions instead of guesstimates. Allowing for scalability and increasing the ability for your business to remain competitive – if you want your business to be adaptable to changing market conditions, why wouldn’t you migrate your business to the cloud?

Explore Momentum’s cloud ERP systems here or get in touch with our team of cloud software experts to discuss your business requirements.