It doesn’t take a genius to work out that following the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more businesses are looking to use cloud migration services across all different industries and sectors.
In our latest blog article, we’re going to take you through at which point you won’t be able to move your ERP system to the Cloud.
This might be stating the obvious, but the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the way that we’ve had to work which has seen major increases in digital technologies being adopted across both commercial and public sectors. Businesses operating in almost every sector and industry across the board have had to adapt to this way of working in order to stay afloat. This has led to a rapid increase in the pressure that has been on businesses to change much faster than before in adopting both mobile and digital technologies. This has been even more of a challenge for those more traditional businesses who must adapt rapidly to remote working.
As we are on the road back to some form of normality after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear to say that we aren’t going to be able to revert to the old ways of working. Many of us as well as our customers have gotten used to the idea of more virtual experiences and the use of both digital engagement and self-service. It is often the case where solutions like these are almost always created with some form of Cloud technology.
Cloud enabled businesses have both survived and thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic
It doesn’t come as much of a shock that cloud technology was the main reason businesses could easily adapt to the COVID-19 outbreak – from allowing videoconferencing to helping support the NHS Track & Trace application.
Before this pandemic struck, the wheels were already in motion for many businesses. This was further accelerated during COVID-19 as many businesses had to bring forward years of innovative and digital practices. The only way is forwards now as people’s expectations have been realigned as they’ve seen how valuable, smooth and cost-effective operating in the Cloud can be.
Cloud has certainly delivered on value – however not every business has reaped this value to its full potential
As far as many technology companies and the media are concerned, we are now very much in a cloud-based arena. This is a fine assumption in theory but in practice, how true is this statement? On an almost daily basis, we talk to senior decision makers in businesses that have committed to cloud-based changes in order to be able to operate during the pandemic but still haven’t fully committed to moving all their core systems to the Cloud.
So, what is holding them back, I hear you ask? The answer is often not that straightforward. For many, it could require a huge amount of resources, for some it might be around the costs or that Cloud migrations are hard to deliver, when their current on-premise systems seem to do the job just fine.
A lightbulb moment and the now the race to arms begins
When Advantage speaks to clients following the pandemic, there are no doubts that the Cloud is the future for many businesses. It is becoming even more evident that the shelf life of on-premise systems is getting shorter because of the evolution of the Cloud that has been accelerated because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This rapid acceleration towards the Cloud has generated a sense of urgency for many businesses because proven cloud migration and transformation partners such as Advantage are even more in demand than they were previously. The time it takes for projects to be delivered are taking longer. Even the most advanced providers are finding it difficult to respond straight away. If your business hesitates you could face being at the back of the line or settling for something less comprehensive when it comes to cloud migration. To put this into context in the form of an example, you may be limited when it comes to partners or if you have may have to shelf your plans. It goes without saying but with such delays could impact on your overall business performance, if your competitors were faster to take advantage of cloud capabilities to enable them to provide market-leading benefits and experience to both their customers and employees.
It's now or never to migrate your core systems to the Cloud and take advantage of the benefits
The first step involves migrating your core business and finance system to the Cloud. Once this has been achieved, you are then able to integrate other systems and platforms that need access to their data. At the drop of hat, you will already have better visibility and better control over vital management data, information and decisions and have the ability to reduce costs in your finance admin.
To give you an idea of what a state of the art, cloud-based all-in-one business management system such as Dynamics 365 Business Central can do for your business:
- Cut costs: usage based on subscription rather than using hardware or costly servers
- No maintenance required: updates are automatically done with the subscription
- Minimise downtime: built-in backup and recovery to cover your business in the event of disruption or disaster.
- Greater efficiency: using automation for processes dramatically reduces the need for manual processing, freeing up your time for more valuable tasks.
- Smooth integration: seamlessly connect and sync up data from all varieties of data sources
- Better visibility: real-time reporting of financial and business performance at your fingertips and power analytics for forecasting that allow your business to stay ahead of the competition and customer demand.
It's only a matter of time for on-premise systems
The question that should be the lips of many businesses is not “why move to the Cloud?” but “why not?”. We are firm believers that we are on the edge, where the problems associated with leaving it too late comprehensively outweigh any negative impact. Granted, it can be a scary thought to take the leap of faith with a Microsoft Gold partner like Advantage on your side, you have nothing to worry about. By moving your core ERP systems to a cloud-based ERP solution such as Business Central without a doubt saves money as well helps to improve your efficiency, productivity, and service to your customers. Why not find out more about how Advantage can help you make the seamlessly transition to the Cloud today?
Next Steps?
Give our experts a call today to discuss moving your business and finance system to the Cloud with a minimal impact on your business and a whole host of benefits as a result.
