What is a Saas (ERP) ?

SaaS ERP, also known as Cloud ERP, represents a major development in business management systems. It is a complete, integrated software solution, accessible via the Internet, that encompasses all a company’s operational processes. Unlike traditional ERP systems installed on a company’s local servers, SaaS ERP is hosted, managed and maintained by the service provider in the cloud.

This approach allows businesses of all sizes to access advanced ERP functionality without the constraints of on-premise IT infrastructure. Users can connect to the system from anywhere with an Internet connection, simply by using a web browser or a dedicated mobile application. This flexibility enables real-time collaboration and instant access to company data, regardless of employees’ geographical location.

What is SaaS ?

SaaS, an acronym for ‘Software as a Service’, is a software distribution model that has revolutionised the way businesses access and use business applications. In this model, the software is centralised and hosted on the supplier’s servers, then made available to customers via the Internet.

The main features of SaaS include

Accessibility

Users can access the software from anywhere, at any time, via a web browser.

Subscription model

Customers generally pay a monthly or annual subscription fee, rather than purchasing a perpetual licence.

Automatic updates

The supplier manages updates and enhancements, ensuring that all users always have the latest version.

Scalability

Businesses can easily increase or decrease usage as their needs change.

Lower IT costs

Infrastructure and maintenance are managed by the supplier, reducing the need for in-house IT resources.

The SaaS model has gained in popularity because it offers greater flexibility, reduces upfront costs and allows companies to focus on their core business rather than managing IT infrastructure.

What is ERP ?

ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning, is an integrated software system designed to manage and optimise all an organisation’s operational processes. It acts as the company’s technological backbone, centralising data and workflows from different departments into a single, coherent database.

A typical ERP system encompasses several functional modules

Finance and accounting
Human resources management
Supply chain management
Production management
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Inventory management
Project management

The integration of these modules enables a fluid flow of information between different departments, eliminating data silos and promoting decision-making based on real-time information. For example, a customer order can automatically update stock levels, trigger production orders and adjust financial forecasts, all in real time.

The main benefits of an ERP system include

Improved operational efficiency
Reduced costs through process automation and optimisation
Better visibility of all business operations
Faster, more informed decision-making
Standardisation of business processes
Improved regulatory compliance

By combining the power of ERP with the flexibility of the SaaS model, businesses can benefit from a comprehensive, accessible and scalable management solution, tailored to the challenges of the modern business world.

6 advantages of SaaS ERP over on-premise ERP

Significant cost savings

Elimination of capital expenditure (CAPEX) on IT infrastructure
Transformation of costs into predictable operational expenses (OPEX)
Reduction in the cost of IT staff dedicated to maintenance
Economies of scale thanks to shared cloud resources

Accelerated implementation

No need to install hardware or software on site
Simplified configuration and customisation processes
Gradual deployment possible, module by module
Reduced time-to-market

Greater accessibility and mobility

24/7 access from any Internet-connected device
Adaptive interfaces for an optimal experience on mobile and tablet devices
Facilitates teleworking and remote collaboration
Real-time synchronisation of data between all users

Scalability and flexibility

Easy adjustment of resources as the business grows
Simple activation/deactivation of functionalities as required
Easy integration with other cloud solutions (open APIs)
Quickly adapt to organisational changes

Automatic, ongoing updates

Immediate access to the latest features and enhancements
Rapid correction of bugs and security flaws
Reduced technical debt
Constant compliance with the latest regulations

Enhanced security and compliance

Security infrastructure managed by the supplier’s own experts
Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Compliance with international security standards (ISO 27001, SOC 2, etc.)
Automatic back-ups and robust disaster recovery plans

What can you expect from an innovative SaaS ERP ?

A truly innovative SaaS ERP should incorporate cutting-edge technologies and offer advanced functionalities such as :

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Intelligent process automation (RPA)
AI-based financial and sales forecasting
Chatbots for user and internal support
Anomaly detection and fraud prevention

Advanced analysis and Business Intelligence

Interactive, customisable dashboards
Drill-down and multi-dimensional analysis capabilities
Integration of external data sources for enriched context
Real-time alerts based on predefined KPIs

Internet of Things (IoT)

Integration of IoT data for predictive maintenance
Real-time monitoring of the supply chain
Optimised stock management thanks to connected sensors
Improved product traceability

Blockchain

Secure financial transactions
Transparent supply chain traceability
Smart contracts to automate commercial agreements
Improved compliance and auditing

Advanced user interfaces

Responsive design for all devices
Conversational interfaces and voice commands
Augmented reality for training and support in the field
Extensive personalisation of the user experience

Open integration and APIs

Pre-defined connectors for the main third-party applications
RESTful APIs for easy integration with external systems
Marketplace ecosystem for extensions and add-ons
Low-code/no-code development capabilities for customisation

ERP in the cloud: 10 signs that it’s time to move to an innovative financial system

Current processes are slow and inefficient

Excessive processing time for basic financial operations
Over-reliance on manual processes and spreadsheets
Difficulty managing seasonal peaks in activity

Lack of real-time visibility of financial data

Inability to obtain an instant consolidated view of the financial situation
Delays in monthly or quarterly closing
Inability to make rapid decisions based on up-to-date data

Difficulties in generating complex reports

Lengthy and error-prone reporting process
Inability to produce advanced financial analyses
Lack of flexibility in customising reports

Regulatory compliance problems

Difficulties in adapting to frequent regulatory changes
Increased risk of errors in tax or financial reporting
Lack of a clear audit trail for financial transactions

Inability to adapt quickly to market changes

Rigidity of the current system in the face of new business models
Difficulties in integrating new entities or subsidiaries
Slow adaptation to changes in organisational structure

High IT maintenance costs

IT budget devoted mainly to maintenance rather than innovation
Excessive reliance on specific and scarce technical skills
High recurring costs for hardware and software upgrades

Lack of integration between different systems

Data silos between departments
Need for multiple entries of the same information
Frequent inconsistencies between different data sources

Difficulties in supporting business growth

Limitations of the current system in terms of transaction volume
Inability to manage multi-entity or international operations effectively
Lack of flexibility to add new functions or modules

User dissatisfaction with interface and functionality

Obsolete and unintuitive user interfaces
Lack of modern functionalities (mobility, collaboration, etc.)
Excessive training time for new employees

Increased need for remote collaboration and mobility

Inability to access financial data outside the office
Lack of real-time collaboration tools
Difficulties in managing remote approvals and workflows

This in-depth analysis highlights the significant benefits and innovations offered by modern SaaS ERP, as well as highlighting the signs that a business should consider transitioning to a cloud solution. Adopting SaaS ERP can radically transform financial operations and overall business management, providing the agility and intelligence needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.

How to deploy an ERP system in the cloud

Needs Assessment

Perform an in-depth analysis of your company’s current business processes
Identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement
Consult the various departments to understand their specific needs
Clearly define the objectives to be achieved with the new ERP system
Draw up a list of essential and desirable functionalities

Choice of Supplier

Research and compare several reputable SaaS ERP providers
Evaluate their solutions based on your identified needs
Check suppliers’ financial stability and sustainability
Examine customer references, particularly in your sector of activity
Analyse the customisation and integration options on offer
Compare total cost of ownership over the long term

Project planning

Put together a multi-disciplinary project team
Appoint an experienced project manager
Draw up a detailed schedule with clear milestones
Define the roles and responsibilities of each team member
Identify potential risks and prepare contingency plans
Establish a precise budget and success metrics

Data migration

Make a complete inventory of the data to be migrated
Clean up and standardise existing data
Define a mapping strategy between the old and new systems
Carry out batch migration tests to validate data integrity
Plan a post-migration verification and correction period

User training

Identify the different user profiles and their training needs
Develop appropriate training materials (manuals, videos, etc.)
Organise practical training sessions for each user group
Set up an ongoing training and support system
Identify and train ‘super-users’ to support their colleagues

System Testing

Draw up a comprehensive test plan covering all functionalities
Perform unit tests for each module
Carry out integration tests to check interactions between modules
Carry out load tests to assess system performance
Involve end users in acceptance testing
Document and correct any problems identified

Launch and support

Carefully plan the launch date and strategy (big bang or in phases)
Prepare a clear communication plan for all employees
Set up a dedicated support team for the post-launch period
Monitor system performance and user feedback closely
Schedule regular meetings to assess adoption and resolve issues
Establish a continuous improvement process to optimise the use of ERP

By following these detailed steps, you will considerably increase your chances of successfully deploying your Cloud ERP. Don’t forget that flexibility and communication are essential throughout the process, as adjustments will probably need to be made along the way.

Conclusion

Adopting cloud ERP represents a decisive step in the modernisation of business processes. This transition offers many benefits, from cost reduction to access to innovative technologies such as AI and advanced data analysis.

Although deploying SaaS ERP is a complex project, a methodical and structured approach, as detailed in this article, can greatly facilitate its success. Every stage, from initial assessment to post-implementation support, is crucial and requires careful attention.

It’s essential to understand that adopting a cloud ERP goes beyond a simple technological upgrade. It is a profound transformation of business processes that requires ongoing commitment to optimise its use and exploit its full potential.

Well-implemented cloud ERP can become a true catalyst for growth and innovation, providing the agility needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.

Contact us for personalised advice and to find out how we can help you implement the right solution for your specific needs. Our expertise will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth transition to a cloud ERP system that will propel your business into the future.

By investing in a successful cloud ERP deployment, your organisation is favourably positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing business world.