What is SaaS ERP?

SaaS ERP is a modern approach to Enterprise Resource Planning software where you're not buying a product, but purchasing a service. In the past, businesses would buy software, install it on their own servers, and manage everything from licensing to support.

Now, with Software as a Service (SaaS), you're paying for functionality, not just software.

SaaS (Software as a Service) transforms technology from a product you buy to a service you consume, shifting from capital expenses in infrastructure investment to operational expenses with lower upfront costs.

Instead of buying technology off the shelf, you now access a personalised platform that manages your needs. The vendor handles everything - where data is stored, how it's backed up, how it's secured against intrusion - while you simply use the technology that you need.

With SaaS systems, you're paying for a comprehensive backend service where the provider ensures your data is available, secure, and accessible. This reliable, maintained technology is updated easily and problems solved quickly as the vendor has direct access to the platform.

SaaS ERP system is a cloud-based service where you pay for functionality, with the vendor handling all technical management. Key differences from On-Premises software include:

• Available in the cloud
• Accessible from any device with internet connectivity

SaaS ERP provider handles:

• Software maintenance
• Upgrades
• Server storage
• Security
• Backups

SaaS ERP offers a service-oriented approach, focusing on functionality and accessibility rather than traditional software ownership. Many businesses opt for a ERP software as a service model to gain flexibility, automatic updates, and universal device accessibility, while transferring the technical management burden to the software provider.

• Enables access across multiple devices
• Supports remote working and connects global teams
• Provides universal system accessibility

SaaS ERP requires an internet connection. Unlike traditional on-premises erp solutions where you access data offline, with SaaS ERP no internet means no access to your system. This dependency can create vulnerability, especially in environments with unreliable connectivity.

Internet connectivity can also introduce speed challenges that impacts your business operations, making system responsiveness a critical consideration.

Data sovereignty may be important to some businesses. Hosting data overseas might mean your business data becomes subject to foreign government regulations, potentially creating security and compliance challenges.

SaaS ERP cost is different from traditional software purchasing. Instead of purchasing software outright, you subscribe, paying for a scalable solution that can be shift up or down based on your needs.

Pricing models can be user-based or pool licensing, with varying contracts from monthly, quarterly, yearly or multi-year contracts.

Beyond licensing, SaaS ERP eliminates the hidden and ongoing costs of on-premise ERP. Often there are lower upfront costs, plus no ongoing server management, maintenance or separate support contracts.

A cloud ERP system means the ERP vendor handles everything from storage to security, allowing you to focus on your business.

Choosing the right SaaS ERP solution goes far beyond just selecting a set of features.

Beyond the ERP software's functionality, you need to dive deep into your business processes, future growth plans, and the longer term implications of your software choice. It's not just about what the ERP system can do today, but how it can scale to support your key business functions as your business grows.

Examine not just the ERP software's capabilities, but its ability to adapt, scale, and integrate with existing systems and emerging technologies. It's about understanding the nuances of individual cloud services, assessing potential limitations, and ensuring the cloud solution aligns with your specific industry.

Connectivity can also impact your ERP system's performance and potentially disrupt your operational efficiency.

Gone are the days of heavy manuals and self-learning; the modern business benefits of saas systems are the ongoing support and user training available. A vendor who is serious about their cloud services not becoming a legacy system down the road should have extensive support for your human resources using the technology.

SaaS ERP, cloud computing and digital transformation go hand-in-hand, representing a fundamental shift from traditional, paper-based business processes to cloud-based, interconnected systems.

This transformation is about reimagining how you manage and use information, making processes more efficient, accessible, and adaptable.

By moving directly to cloud applications, you eliminate the need for internal server management, reduce technical overhead costs, and create a more flexible, accessible way of managing your business processes.

For small and medium sized businesses, the path from manual-based to modern, interconnected systems can yield significant returns.

The future of SaaS ERP is being shaped by how we interact with technology, driven by a new generation of workers who are digital natives.

Where previous systems demanded laptop or desktop access, now the emerging cloud computing landscape must be accessible from any device and easily adaptable.

Cloud ERP allows you to access your business systems from anywhere, at any time, using whatever device you have available. It frees your company from technical complexity and enables a more flexible, responsive approach to operating your business.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly embedding itself into every layer of software development, transforming not just how code is written, but how we interface with business systems.

AI is becoming sophisticated enough to analyse vast quantities of data, pull insights humans might never have considered, and create more intelligent, responsive software platforms. This creates systems that can anticipate your business needs and provide proactive insights.

Today's cybersecurity challenges and data breaches are more likely to involve social engineering - understanding human behaviours and interactions - than complex hacking attempts. Blockchain and advanced infrastructure are making system penetration increasingly difficult, shifting threats away from pure hacking.

Imagine freeing your team from repetitive data entry, eliminating the need for complex server management, and accessing your critical business data from anywhere, on any device.

With SaaS ERP, you’re purchasing a service that handles everything from security to upgrades, allowing you to focus on what really matters - driving your business forward.

Book a consultation today and discover how SaaS ERP can revolutionise your business processes, reduce costs, and position you for future success.