Cloud
Spruce and RockSolid MAX are both available as cloud-based business management software which means there are no upfront fees and no expensive servers to buy and maintain.
Cloud is always current and accessible
One of the biggest benefits of cloud-based solutions is that the limitations of dated technology and software are removed. With cloud-based Spruce or RockSolid MAX, dealers no longer have IT hardware or software to update, so your business is always using the latest and greatest POS and ERP functionality - and the latest security enhancements.
If you have an IT staff, they can be freed up from daily server maintenance and auditing for software compliance to perform more useful, growth-oriented tasks. ECI will take care of software upgrades.
The cloud improves positive cash flow
Due to lack of infrastructure, the cloud’s costs are much lower than traditional onsite ERP. Having lower up-front and ongoing costs frees up cash for other areas of the business. Since you are paying only for service you need and no monthly back-up fees, monthly costs are much easier to control than with an onsite ERP.
And as there is no on-site hardware associated with a cloud-based solution, you do not have the costs of depreciation. In addition, with the lack of a server and surrounding equipment, your energy consumption will drop, as will your use of paper and other related consumables.
Superior data protection
The concern most LBM business owners have about the cloud is the safety of their data. Data in a cloud solution is more secure because of strong firewalls, penetration and vulnerability testing, layers of backup, and a practice called “redundancy.”
Firewalls
In short, a cloud provider’s firewall is much stronger than one a typical business can afford. A provider’s firewall is maintained by IT professionals who ensure it is configured correctly and that the firmware is up to date. This takes a lot of time; most independently owned businesses do not have the time to devote to firewall maintenance.
Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment
In a penetration test, an outside firm is hired to try and proactively hack the system; these tests cost $20–30K. For a vulnerability assessment, a scanner runs across the entire network to ensure that all security patches have been deployed to servers and workstations. The number one cause of hackings is malware infected machines that do not have the appropriate patches applied.
Layered data storage
Cloud storage involves more than your data being saved to multiple offsite servers. ECI Cloud service providers maintain a network that is dedicated to data storage, known as a storage area network, or SAN. These storage areas are sometimes referred to as a “network behind the servers;” they enhance storage capacity. All the information needed to run a cloud-based application is stored on a SAN. In turn, the data of any business using that application is also stored on a SAN. When accessing a cloud application, the device (desktop, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.) connects to a server for access. That server interfaces with a SAN to deliver information to the device and store uploaded data.
Redundancy
The same data in your Spruce or RockSolid MAX account is saved to multiple storage areas to ensure against one of the servers going down. Should that happen, the compromised server “fails over” to one of the other servers in the network; this protects your data should disaster strike your place of business or one of the data storage facilities. Redundancy serves to keep data safe in the event of a local power failure, fire, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, blizzard, volcanic eruption, or ice storm.
Expand and scale with your growing business
One of the biggest benefits of the cloud is its scalability. When it’s time to grow your business, or add another location, the cloud allows you to expand your information and business processes easily. The central environment can add the new licenses and capacity to your business and then deploy them to you in a just a few hours. On the central server’s end, the cloud service provider only needs to allocate more resources on the server to your business. That’s it. There is no need for you to order a new server and then wait for it to be installed, programmed with your management system, etc.
The cloud makes you green, in a good way
A side benefit of cloud-based solutions is that they are more “earth friendly.” Cloud-based solutions reduce energy consumption, paper and supply usage, and carbon emissions by individual businesses. And, since a cloud-based business system can be accessed from anywhere, more employees can work from home if necessary, reducing the gas consumption and carbon emissions produced by daily commutes.
Don’t let outdated or disconnected systems slow down your lumber, home and building supply business.
Investing in Spruce or RockSolid MAX, both designed specifically for LBM dealers, can help your business grow and evolve while easing your mind with the security of the cloud.