Cloud ERP is a type of
enterprise resource planning software that is hosted on a third-party cloud
computing platform, rather than on premises within an enterprise's own data
center. ERP is an industry term for the back-end activities that help an
enterprise manage different parts of its business.
ERP software helps managers meet
purchasing, inventory management and customer relationship management (CRM)
requirements and often includes modules for finance and human capital
management. Unlike an on-premises ERP system, cloud ERP is delivered through a
software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model and enterprises pay only for the
resources they use instead of a fixed price upfront.
Cloud ERP provides many benefits,
but it can also create some management challenges. Administrators lose a
certain amount of control over customization and integration because the
provider takes on most of the responsibilities, including security. Admins must
pay special attention to data residency requirements and follow standards and
regulations to remain compliant because information can reside in multiple data
centers across different geographical regions. Another concern is vendor
lock-in. Should the organization need to change providers, the challenges of
moving data from one platform to another can be just as challenging in the cloud
as they are on-premises.
Cloud ERP software is primarily
used by small- and medium-sized businesses and is a good fit for startup
organizations and new business divisions within an existing company. Some cloud-based
ERP vendor options include Acumeatica, Deltek, Epicor, Oracle, Microsoft
Dynamics, Rootstock Software, Sage and SAP.
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