
All businesses want to achieve business growth. Getting there is the hard part, but having a suitable Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software in today's digital world can help. Between the increased productivity, ability to make quick decisions and much more, ERP software can be a transformative force for your organization. But ERP software doesn’t only come in one shape and size. One of the key questions you need to ask yourself is whether you should choose an on-premises or cloud ERP.
In this article, we’ll discover more about cloud-based ERPs and what they can do – starting with the benefits they can bring to your company.
What is a cloud ERP?
A cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a software solution hosted and managed on remote servers, accessible via the internet. It integrates core business functions like finance, supply chain, human resources, and operations into a unified system, offering real-time data and collaboration from anywhere with an internet connection.
Unlike traditional on-premises ERP systems, which are installed locally on a company’s servers and require dedicated IT resources for maintenance and updates, cloud-based ERP is maintained by the service provider. This eliminates the need for costly hardware, extensive IT staff, and long implementation timelines. Updates, backups, and security patches are handled automatically by the vendor, ensuring the system stays up-to-date.
Cloud ERP is also highly scalable, allowing businesses to easily add users or functionality as they grow, whereas on-premises solutions can be more rigid and expensive to scale. While on-premises ERP may offer more control over customization and data storage, cloud ERP provides greater flexibility, accessibility, and typically lower upfront costs, making it a more attractive option for many modern businesses.
Read on: Embracing cloud ERP for long-term business success
Benefits of a cloud ERP
Cloud ERPs use modern technologies

Traditional ERPs may sound scary with implementation timelines, change requests, and customization struggles. Cloud-based ERPs, on the other hand, deliver multiple benefits without the drawbacks of traditional ERPs.
You get an organization-wide view, real-time dashboard reporting, timely alerts, and notifications. Automation of tasks and a centralized view of operations enable better and faster decision making.
As a cloud-based ERP, Vault ERP supports your business with comprehensive functional coverage through modules like project management, operations, sales, HR, and finance.
Faster deployment and user-friendly

Traditional ERPs are slower to deploy with technology specialists, with months of delays and ballooning budgets. Cloud-based ERPs are built for faster processing and provide a flexible and streamlined user experience.
Deploying ERP on the cloud is quick and could even take a few days based on the customization required. Cloud-based ERPs are more like powerful apps that will transform your business.
Read on: How do employees benefit from a true cloud ERP?
Highly customizable without hidden costs

Traditional ERPs ae expensive to customize. Cloud-based ERPs are modular in structure. Adding a feature would require adding an extension or much simpler customization of workflows to meet your requirements. Cloud ERP customization is much cheaper than traditional ERPs, as you no longer have to spend a sizeable amount for oversized modular features that cannot be separated and sold.
Many cloud-based ERPs can be customized without any coding. Instead, they are customized using drag and drop interfaces which use low-code or no-code technologies. Pricing has become transparent without any hidden fees for the implementation or licensing of exclusive features.
Vault ERP is fully customizable. The modular structure enables the selection of independent modules, meaning you only pay for the modules you use.
Read on: How a cloud ERP is affordable for small businesses
Easy integration with existing tech stack

All businesses aim to minimize costs and implementing an IT application is no different. Transitioning all business functions to a single ERP may incur prohibitive costs in a single go. Organizations then look to use existing software applications and integrate them with cloud-based ERPs.
It doesn’t matter if your existing tech stack uses CRM software or accounting software. Modern cloud ERPs like Vault ERP can easily integrate with existing software using APIs. This allows an organization to save time and effort by integrating cloud ERPs without reusing existing software applications.
Gain the benefits of SaaS

Cloud ERPs offered as a Software as a Service deliver plenty of benefits as the infrastructure and software get maintained in the cloud. The standard benefits of SaaS include regular updates, security patches and vulnerability fixes, central bug fixes, and a robust online customer support system.
Besides standard updates that the product development side may drive, the customer's stack will have customer-driven features.
Cloud ERPs are great for growing businesses

A rapidly growing business needs agility in its IT applications. That is precisely what cloud-based ERPs offer. Small to medium companies need the flexibility to rapidly scale up or scale down resources, and cloud-based ERPs are the best option.
Economical subscription plans, more accessible and faster deployment, rapid customization, simple centralized upgrades, user-friendliness, and other great features provide competitive gains.
Allaying fears

Traditionally, there has always been a feeling that on-premises software is safe while it's risky to have organization business data hosted elsewhere. However, with the enhancement of security technologies, cloud ERP security is more secure. Data privacy and regulatory compliance have made customers' data protection a high priority.
Overcoming resistance to change

Cloud technologies are more modern and easier to use than on-premises software. There will be less resistance as employees are likely to embrace it quicker than a traditional ERP. Organizations must communicate the benefits of new cloud-based ERPs and how it makes an employee’s jobs easier.
Read on: Top tips for learning to use new HR software at work
Essential features of a cloud ERP
With many cloud ERPs to choose from, each offering different features, it’s essential to choose an ERP with features that suit the needs of your organization. We’ll take a look at some common features you can find in cloud ERP software and how it can help you unify your business processes.
- Real-time data access: Provides up-to-the-minute insights into business operations from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Scalability: Easily adjusts to accommodate business growth, including adding new users, modules, or locations.
- Automatic updates: Regular system updates and improvements are handled by the vendor without disrupting business operations.
- Mobile access: Allows users to access ERP functionality on smartphones and tablets, supporting remote work and on-the-go management.
- Multi-tenant architecture: Ensures multiple businesses can securely share server resources without compromising data security.
- Integrated modules: Combines key business functions—finance, HR, supply chain, inventory, and CRM—into one system, providing seamless collaboration and data flow.
- Customizability: Offers the flexibility to tailor workflows, dashboards, and reports to fit specific business processes.
- Advanced security: Includes robust security measures like data encryption, role-based access, and compliance with industry standards.
- Disaster recovery and backup: Automatic backups and disaster recovery features safeguard business data in case of failures or cyber threats.
- API integration: Allows seamless integration with third-party applications for enhanced functionality.
These features ensure a cloud ERP system is flexible, secure, and capable of growing with a business’s needs.
Go cloud-based with Vault ERP
Vault ERP is a cloud-based ERP that makes business operations smarter, leaner, and more efficient. Our Vault ERP professional services team at Rare Crew has extensive experience in implementing cloud-based ERP solutions.
Reach out to us for a call to explore how we can help you.
