Various software have been used by business-to-business (B2B) distributors to reduce cost and manage transactions. With every advancement in business software, the user community has responded with increased skepticism and resistance to change. For instance – Forrester Research expects B2B e-commerce market to hit $1.18 trillion by 2021, although many distributors have failed to keep up with the trend. Surveys have found the 32% of respondents do not offer e-commerce contrary to which products’ buyer’s preference has majorly shifted towards a digital purchasing platform. Only 53% of the whole lot has its e-commerce in place. E-commerce plays a very crucial function in the distribution industry. However, a still more crucial role is played by ERP software. ERP that manages all the core and critical functions of the business, has brought out its biggest weapon – the Cloud. Nevertheless, the distributors are still skeptical about the advanced ERP system. What stands as a hindrance for them is their uncertainty. They are uncertain about the costings that are involved in the installment of the software. At the same time, they are uncertain if the software will at all be compatible with their business. Keeping in mind the distributor’s fears, we explain why Cloud ERP is a one stop solution.
AFFORDABLE
One difference between cloud and on premise ERP system is the cost. Cloud, with advanced technology, is a vendor provided software-as-a-service that is managed via the Internet. Unlike on premise ERP system which is installed in the local hardware and is managed by the in-house staff. Cloud ERP lowers the cost by eliminating the need to purchase server, network and security hardware that is required to manage the platform. Cloud ERP is cost efficient not just in comparison to on premise ERP system but also because it reduces start-up costs and upgrade charges.
RIGHT CHOICE
If the dilemma is between choosing the cloud version versus the on premise, the users can rest assured that they do not have to sacrifice any feature for selecting with the cloud. Just like on premise version, cloud-Based ERP can perform every crucial function of the business from taking orders, managing accounting and distribution of data. It can work as an outsourced part of a distribution business.
FLEXIBILITY
Many distribution companies, even today, use long-tenured sale staff who continue doing the monotonous work for long years. Cloud ERP just shifts the manual base to a more technical base and operates in the same way. In addition to that it contributes to the flexibility by offering an open access to all the employees whenever they need it. Cloud ERP connects and manages functions across all departments unlike on premise ERP system that is generally limited to one department.
USER FRIENDLY
Cloud ERP is so user friendly that it allows the distribution business to move at their own required speed. Most often while migrating to the Cloud, users get to decide at what pace they want to shift from on premise to the Cloud. This gives the users who are skeptical about advanced technology take time and trust the Cloud ERP system.
COMPATIBILITY
Upgrading the software and servers are one of the most time consuming processes that grow upon the distributor. Cloud ERP, with the help of the vendor hosting platform, performs the upgrades independently giving the distributors all the space they require to grow.