Modern ERP systems are different than the old stereotype of a hulking, on-premise business software solution that is hard to use and even harder to implement. One example of how things have changed is SAP Cloud ERP , formerly known as SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition , the new ERP solution recently released by SAP.
SAP Cloud ERP is a new ERP solution intended for growth-focused businesses that want the power of SAP’s flagship product but without the bloat, complexity, and price that typically come with it. SAP Cloud ERP largely comes with the functionality of its time-tested namesake, but it is hosted by SAP in a public cloud environment and comes with templates, acceleration services, and compatibility with the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) plugin marketplace for easier rollout and use.
SAP’s new ERP solution epitomizes modern ERP systems and what organizations should expect from a business backend today.
What to Look for in Modern ERP Systems
There are at least nine ways that you can identify modern ERP systems from older solutions still available on the market.
1. Cloud-Based Deployment
Modern ERP systems are cloud-based, and deployment no longer requires on-premise infrastructure or on-site ERP consultants for implementation. While the complexity of a company-wide software solution still recommends the helping hand of an ERP consultant, implementation is faster and can be performed remotely in most cases, and for less cost.
SAP’s new ERP solution, SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, is entirely web-based.
2. Mobile Accessibility
A new ERP solution will be universally accessible via mobile device, work-from-home environment, and more traditional scenarios such as the office and shop floor.
SAP Cloud ERP can be accessed by any employee or connected device with an internet connection and the right login credentials.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Modern ERP systems include artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities baked in by default for enhanced analytics and widespread intelligent automation. Modern ERP systems also provide connectivity that allows a business to use third-party AI engines not integrated with the solution by default.
SAP Cloud ERP incorporations AI and ML all throughout its software applications, and just about any AI engine can be plugged into the system using the BTP marketplace.
4. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
One advantage of a new ERP solution built for the cloud is real-time connectivity with Internet of Things devices, be they IoT functionality on the shop floor, as part of field service, or incorporated into a company’s product offerings. Modern ERP systems capture all business data, including the data reported by connected devices.
Through the use of the BTP, businesses can easily connect SAP Cloud ERP with any array of smart devices and feed that data into the system.
5. Advanced Analytics and Business Intelligence
Making sense of data is at the heart of modern ERP systems, and a new ERP solution should make business intelligence easy with automatically generated reports, notifications, and data analytics that assist users.
SAP Cloud ERP comes with real-time dashboards, automatic generation of standard and business-defined reports and notifications, and it can be configured for AI-driven copilots that help employees spot key insights and make sense of data trends. The need for data scientists is greatly reduced with S/4HANA.
6. Enhanced User Experience
Modern ERP systems feel like consumer cloud services, with intuitive, easy-to-use user interfaces that are relatively standard across applications. No more clunky interfaces and poor user experiences that encourage shadow IT.
SAP Cloud ERP feels like modern cloud software because it is, sporting an understandable, common interface across applications and making the onboarding process easy for employees.
7. Strong Security Measures
A new ERP solution better get security right and make data protection a high priority, able to meet varying data governance and regulatory requirements while still serving as the central nerve center for a business
SAP Cloud ERP runs entirely on SAP cloud infrastructure that is secured with multiple layers of data protection, including encryption in transit and at rest, two-factor authentication, and active threat detection that is maintained by SAP on an ongoing basis. Further, SAP’s new ERP solution is built to handle sovereign data requirements and strict data privacy regulations.
8. Scalability
Business agility requires system scalability, both transaction volume and user scalability, and the ability to add or remove application functionality as a business evolves.
As a cloud-based ERP solution, SAP Cloud ERP allows a business to scale up or down without capital expenditure, and pay for only what the business needs. The modular structure of S/4HANA also means that businesses can start small and add functionality as it is needed later.
9. Integration Capabilities
Modern ERP systems are able to connect with just about anything, including other business software, supplier networks, online marketplaces, and cloud services.
Businesses can integrate SAP Cloud ERP with other systems through standard integrations available on the BTP, or use the BTP’s low-code/no code visual editor for the creation of custom integrations through EDI, API, or direct connection.
Modernizing with SAP Cloud ERP
If your business needs a modern ERP solution and has an annual revenue of $100 Million or more, take a look at SAP Cloud ERP. SAP’s new ERP solution embodies the state of the art, and acceleration services such as the GROW with SAP program can make rollout surprisingly quick and affordable.
To learn more about SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP, or for information about other cloud-based ERP solutions if your business is not quite ready for S/4HANA, call one of our experienced ERP consultants at (801) 642-0123 or by writing us at info@nbs-us.com
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