Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions are one of the key software systems that businesses have been using for many years, which underpin every aspect of their daily operations. Initially on-premise, hosted on servers in-house, this has now evolved to cloud-based solutions hosted with hyperscalers or specialist data centres. And soon to become mainstream will be genAI and all the opportunities this brings for companies to automate repetitive admin processes and streamline their operations to increase efficiency. Businesses are consistently evolving as new technologies open up new opportunities for them to operate more efficiently and work smarter.
Selecting an ERP Solution
For most businesses, selecting and investing in an ERP solution is an onerous task. For businesses above a certain size, the process typically involves multiple stakeholders from within the business and can take many months just to decide on the solution that is the best fit for their requirements. Not to mention the financial investment involved with implementing a new ERP solution. These solutions are rarely cheap, and if they are, it is likely that they don’t encompass the full functionality the business needs, which means they have to continue to make do with additional software solutions, or Excel, to plug the gaps.
This is one of the key reasons that companies keep their software solutions for several years; if they have chosen something that fits their requirements, it is unlikely for them to have a compelling reason to change, and this is why SAP ECC is still so common amongst businesses throughout the UK. As an on-premise ERP solution, SAP ECC was SAP’s flagship ERP solution until the launch of SAP S/4 HANA in 2015. It has been announced though that SAP ECC will only be supported by SAP until 2027, which is now a highly compelling reason to change ERP solution or migrate to SAP S/4 HANA Cloud.
Why SAP Business One is the Ideal Choice Over Legacy SAP ECC
The drive towards modern, cloud-based ERP solutions is not slowing down, and as one of the world’s leading business software companies, SAP is at the forefront of innovation. There is no denying that SAP S/4 HANA is an excellent ERP solution, which has been proven to help leading global companies increase efficiency and profitability and further support their long-term success. It goes without saying that not all companies are leading global companies, however, and for many smaller companies under £100 million turnover, SAP S/4 HANA is simply too big and too expensive for them, and the project costs required to implement the solution can be crippling.
There are plenty of smaller companies still using legacy SAP ECC, but for many of these, SAP S/4 HANA may not be the best upgrade fit due to the cost of the project and the time required to implement the solution. This is where SAP Business One can fill the gap! Here are the top reasons why SAP Business One is the ideal choice for smaller companies to replace their legacy SAP ECC systems:
- A More Budget-Friendly Solution Designed for SMEs
As a solution designed specifically for small to medium-sized enterprises, but still with the pedigree of one of the world’s best business software companies backing it up, SAP Business One provides the best of both worlds for smaller companies who haven’t got the resources to stretch to SAP S/4 HANA. With a comprehensive suite of resources designed to support every area of a business, plus a vast network of complementary add-on suppliers providing additional, specialist functionality, SAP Business One offers everything an SME could need without the hefty price tag, extensive customisation and lengthy implementation times.
- Cloud Hosting Allows for Flexibility, Scalability and More Predictable Expenses
SAP Business One hosted in the cloud is an ideal solution for smaller businesses, giving them flexibility and scalability of their resources with predictable expenses. With easy web-based access from anywhere, it allows businesses to function easily with remote workforces and disparate teams, facilitating communication and collaboration. When hosted on one of the world’s leading hyperscalers, such as AWS, companies benefit from enterprise-grade security and compliance with global regulations protecting their data and ensuring business continuity.
- Faster and Easier Implementation
SAP Business One is much quicker and easier to implement with no extensive customisations required. For smaller businesses operating within tight margins, projects need to be completed quickly and efficiently as any delays can have a significant impact on cashflow and impact their ability to function.
- Modern User Interface and Better Usability
SAP Business One provides a modern and intuitive user interface that is easy for people to learn and use. This increases user acceptance and uptake, meaning that businesses can quickly increase efficiency and reduce manual administration, generating a rapid return on investment. This is essential for smaller businesses who need to reduce overheads and ensure their margins are not impacted by any project delays.
- Future-Proof Solution Aligned with SAP’s Strategic Direction
SAP has committed to the long-term support and investment into SAP Business One, and with the next version targeted for 2027 and a new web client coming soon, SAP Business One is here to stay. With a global network of over 800 SAP Business One partners, businesses can be assured that their investment is safe and that SAP Business One will support their company’s strategic growth for many years to come.
Conclusion
For SMEs with a turnover of under £100 million needing to replace their legacy SAP ECC, SAP Business One is the ideal choice. Designed especially for the requirements of SMEs with the pedigree of one of the world’s leading business software companies, it offers businesses:
- A comprehensive but more affordable solution with lower total cost of ownership
- A solution that can be implemented in less time with lower complexity
- Functionality that has been specifically designed for SMEs
- A future-proof solution that is cloud-enabled and scalable for future growth
- An intuitive and easy to use system that ensures user-uptake and acceptance, so that businesses can quickly reap the benefits of their new solution
SAP S/4 HANA is ideal for large enterprises, but for small to medium enterprises, SAP Business One provides everything they need without the complexity and cost. It allows businesses to remain within the global SAP ecosystem, knowing that they have chosen a solution that is backed by continual investment and innovation, with a large network of partners available to support them. To find out how Ascarii can support your transition from SAP ECC to SAP Business One, please get in touch with our friendly team now – let us help you move to a modern, cost-effective ERP solution that will support the growth of your business for many years to come.