ERP Solutions

SaaS Takes on the ERP Market

While the economy struggles to regain strength, everyone is looking for a great deal.  Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) on-site offerings are becoming a thing of the past, in part, because of the huge expense, long implementation times, and associated support needed.  Software as a Service, also known as SaaS, is becoming a much more viable option.  For one, SaaS ERP solutions are less expensive when compared to on-site ERP offerings.  And, SaaS Enterprise Resource Planning solutions don’t take very long to implement whereas on-site ERP implementations can take years.  SaaS ERP implementations are quite friendly because they take place at the vendor’s site.  They don’t disrupt your day-to-day business operations.  If you’re considering a SaaS ERP solution, read on because this article is just for you.

Support services for ERP solutions can cost you big time.  The nice thing about SaaS ERP solutions is that the support is taken care of by the SaaS ERP vendor.  The solution is hosted with the SaaS ERP vendor, at a datacenter, or other hosting site.  Not having to support your ERP solution enables you to save money by not having to hire additional employees or vendors.

Some businesses are quite unsure about the security of SaaS ERP solutions.  However, today the internet is structured to allow for proper SaaS ERP security.   Rest assured security is a big agenda item for all SaaS ERP vendors.   With SaaS ERP solutions, you are not on their own because the vendor is always there to support and host your solution. 

There are some downsides to SaaS ERP.  For example, you don’t own the software.  Some people like to own things.  With ownership comes complete autonomy.  You can’t go about customizing your SaaS ERP.  Why, because you don’t work with the code or own the software.  Remember, the application resides with the vendor.  You don’t have to purchase the license to the software because you only rent it.  So, if you’re one of those people who have to own everything, SaaS ERP solutions may not be for you.  Keep in mind that if you don’t own something it is easier to walk away.  If you select a SaaS ERP solution and decide you don’t like it, need it, or want it after two years, you can just walk away.  It’s pretty hard to walk away from a multi-million dollar on-site ERP solution.

SaaS ERP solutions are making themselves well-known in the market.  With the downturn in the economy it will be interesting to see which type of ERP solution prevails in the marketplace. 

Written by :

kristine H