Business future-proofing is very important while companies continue to navigate turbulent waters. With numerous external pressures on businesses today, it is those who have put measures in place to cope with these challenges that are most likely to survive.
The term ‘digital transformation’ has been around for a while as an umbrella term that covers the use of advanced technology to automate processes across all business areas. It increases efficiency and decreases overheads, while providing the insight to support strategic decisions that affect the future of the company. Cloud technology and advanced software solutions eliminate duplication of data and manual administration, while allowing staff to access critical business systems from anywhere, increasing the flexibility and adaptability of the business.
Companies that had already begun their digital transformation were able to adapt overnight at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic last year. As we saw, it was those businesses who had already embraced technology that found it easiest to adapt to remote working when the world went into lockdown, with little disruption to their processes. As one of our customers, David Brownsey at Abbeydale Direct, says “when the UK was put into lockdown last year, all of our staff were able to work from home the very next day without a single interruption to our operations.”
How can cloud technology help?
One of the biggest benefits to cloud technology is that it allows people to access critical systems from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows for business continuity and means that employees don’t have to work from company premises to do their jobs effectively. Cloud-based solutions provide access to the latest technology and functionality at an accessible price point.
Hosting essential business systems in the cloud with world-leading providers, such as AWS, guarantees the security of your data. With a Tier-4 top security level and guarantee of 99.9995% reliability and uptime, customers can be sure that they can access their systems at all times.
Scalability
Another advantage of the cloud is its scalability, meaning that customers only pay for the cloud resources they need today. This is unlike on-premise servers, which are typically bought for a lifetime of three years, meaning that customers are paying for the storage they will need much further into the future even if they don’t need it at the outset. Cloud resources can easily be scaled up, or down, as business requirements dictate, meaning that customers can be assured that they’re not spending money on resources they don’t need.
Reduction in overheads
The use of cloud technology can have a significant impact on IT overheads. Not having to rely on in-house resources, with on-premise software solutions, hardware and networking, can save a substantial amount of IT expenses. This can support the businesses’ cash flow or be invested in operational improvements, amongst many other things, helping to future-proof the company.
Advanced software solutions
Advanced software solutions, such as SAP Business One and SAP Business ByDesign, can help future-proof businesses by providing deep insight into every aspect of the business. Advanced reporting at the touch of a button means that managers have the information they need to support their decision making. It can help with forecasting peaks and troughs in supply and demand, helping to optimise manufacturing and warehouse resources, and therefore keep stock overheads at an optimum level.
Accessing the ERP system in the cloud ensures business continuity, especially when coping with external factors that are beyond the company’s control. One of the biggest benefits of cloud deployment is its subscription licensing model, which turns the investment in your ERP solution into an operational expense rather than a capital expense. Fixed monthly fees enable more accurate budgeting and forecasting. This gives access to world-leading solutions for an affordable monthly fee, which is particularly beneficial to smaller companies for whom cashflow issues can be a problem.
For more information on how Ascarii can help you future-proof your business with advanced software solutions and cloud technology, please contact our friendly team.