ERP software is a powerful tool to manage most of your business processes. It has two types i.e., premise and Cloud-Based ERP – depending on how they are deployed. Both of these systems have their pros and cons. It is hard to decide which one is the best ERP software. In this article, we will put forth some of the major advantages of both ERP types. What it does is help you choose the one which fits your business requirements.
Let’s begin the voyage.
Cloud ERP system
Cloud ERP is such a software which you can access online. You just have to pay subscription fees to avail the services. You don’t have to bear any purchasing or licensing fees. If you belong to SMBs, this should be your preference because cloud computing platforms simplify business processes.
You receive a maintained server, network and software without installation and hosting. It can take your business to the next level with new technologies. For example, if you are dealing in a manufacturing business, then cloud-based manufacturing ERP systems enable you to protect and control your data end to end.
Points of Differentiation Between Cloud and On-Premise ERP
A comprehensive discussion is laid out to facilitate you in making the choice between these two software types.
- Deployment
Cloud ERP is a software as a service (SaaS) solution which is hosted on cloud server and you can use it through your web browser. The vendor at the backend is responsible for the software maintenance. The demand for a cloud ERP is on rise due to its customization and configuration features.
Talking about its fees, you can pay it monthly or yearly to use it which encompasses software upgrade as well.
- Ownership
In the case of cloud-based ERP, the software provider owns the license. Does it mean that the vendor owns your data? The answer to the question is neutral. It is a matter of shared ownership. Your data can be accessed by a vendor doesn’t mean they own it or share it with someone.
You have instant access to your data without insecurity of any sort of infringement. A point of caution is you have to go for a credible cloud-based ERP system.
- Security
One of the other considerable aspects in cloud ERP is to have a check that your organization data is protected. If you are using cloud ERP, then cloud providers will be taking care of security issues. They manage potential threats; they detect the security threats and make users worry free from data violation.
This benefit is included in the subscription fees. In addition to this, cloud ERP doesn’t make you wait for the approval of management to upgrade the software. It does this automatically and therefore no chance is left for hackers to access the data.
- Training
What about employee training while using cloud-based ERP systems? Adopting a cloud ERP for streamlining your organizational procedures will also assist in personnel training. In liaison with the cloud service providers, there could be an online or on-site training session.
This session will guide the end-users in detail about the software usage and will vanish their queries as well.
On-Premise ERP
The ERP software which you purchase and install on your systems is categorized as on-premise ERP. It is maintained on the servers which are in-house instead of hosting it on the web. Although you have control of the software, you will still have to bear additional costs.
You cannot access this software online and outside the workspace but will be available on handheld gadgets. In the subsequent sections, we will discuss the distinguishing aspects of this type of software.
- Deployment
In contrast with cloud ERP deployment, on-premise ERP is installed on the computer hardware using the company’s servers. This system is managed by the IT personnel of the company. The company is responsible to implement it without the intervention of any third party.
It could be time-consuming because you don’t have any tech consultant to guide at each and every step. You have to upgrade it timely and maintain it to make the most out of it. However, it would be costly because you have to pay a heavy amount for acquiring a license.
- Ownership
There is no involvement of ERP vendors since you are the one having full rights of this software. A large amount of your company’s information is in your hands and no concept of shared ownership is applied here. Besides this, you have to make use of powerful servers, databases, and operating systems in order to keep your data organized and protected.
It also offers customization options and you can integrate it with other necessary modules and tools. You can also customize it and devise a plan to implement it all over.
- Security
Your business data with on-premise ERP software remains confidential. It is available on site only. It can’t be accessed by any third-party. You don’t have to be worried about its infringement since it is only accessed by organizational members.
This full control of data gives you peace of mind. Last but not the least, you have to ensure a centralized and encrypted server network for storing your information.
- Training
As we talked earlier about training in cloud-based ERP, software vendor assists the employees in operating the software. But this is not the case in on-premise ERP. Vendors are not supposed to do that. It might be difficult to make your workers a pro in handing the software.
You will have to hire a dedicated team of IT professionals who know the ins and outs of ERP solutions. It would lead to extra expenses as well. You either have to involve a trainer to guide your personnel or look for the experts by paying the high fees. You have to cater to all sorts of issues arising in ERP systems on your own.
Concluding Thoughts:
We have taken into account both the types of ERP systems. It is very much evident that both have unique features. You can prioritize the one which fits well in your business type.
