Is Cloud ERP a Viable Option for Manufacturers?

As manufacturers look to upgrade their aging legacy ERP systems, they are faced with a critical question that will determine what vendors they will evaluate: Does cloud ERP offer a more reliable, secure, and flexible option than traditional on-premise options?

Legacy on-premises ERP systems are often inflexible and outdated, making it difficult for businesses to adjust to a constantly changing world and react to these changes faster than their competitors. 

A cloud ERP is not just a viable option but rather a necessity for manufacturers looking for a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective ERP solution that can help them stay ahead of the curve

One of the biggest advantages for cloud ERP systems is that customers can invest their time, resources, and money in making process or user-experience improvements, rather than investing in the personnel needed to maintain the hardware, software, and network that are needed for on-premise solutions.

Some of the benefits of Cloud ERPs include:

• Reduced costs: Cloud ERP is typically more affordable than on-premises ERP, as there is no need to purchase and maintain hardware or software, nor invest in other expensive infrastructure.

• Scalability: Cloud ERP can easily be scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of your business, supporting periods of growth, as well as periods when business may slow down.

• Flexibility: Cloud ERP can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for businesses with remote employees or multiple locations.

• Regular updates: Cloud ERP providers regularly update their software, so you can always be sure that you are using the latest version.

• Security: Cloud ERP providers typically have robust security measures in place to protect your data.

It is important to remember that like with any technology, Cloud ERPs have some downsides:

• Reliance on internet: Cloud ERP requires a reliable internet connection to function.

• Data security: Some businesses may be concerned about the security of their data in the cloud.

• Customization: Some Cloud ERP solutions may not be as customizable as on-premises ERP systems.

Praxis partnered with Rootstock ERP, which is built on the Salesforce platform as a best-in-breed solution. This provides several advantages for manufacturers, including:

• Flexibility: Rootstock ERP can be easily customized using a variety of Salesforce tools and technologies to meet the specific needs of your business. Customers can elect to use Rootstock with minimal customization, or invest in creating customized user experiences that are tailored to their unique business processes.

• Scalability: Rootstock ERP provides tremendous value to small manufacturers, but can grow and support enterprise-level organizations just as effectively, making it a long-lasting investment

• Integration: Rootstock ERP can integrate seamlessly with other Salesforce products, such as CRM, Field Service, CPQ, and marketing automation, but can also easily be integrated with tools external to the Salesforce ecosystem.

• Always up-to-date: Salesforce releases a new version three times a year, and customers are always on the latest version without any need for expensive upgrade efforts. Their application is extremely backward compatible. Similarly, Rootstock provides 3 major releases every year, as well as minor upgrades, and following the Salesforce pattern, rarely require rework to support them.

• A true ERP: Rootstock offers a complete and highly-capable ERP suite that can support a wide variety of organizations from discreet manufacturers to custom shops to distributors and retailers. Unlike other offerings on the Salesforce platform, it is not a light inventory management system.

Since it was founded in 2017 Praxis has been a Rootstock partner, and in 2024 was named a Gold Partner, cementing its vast experience in all facets of the application and successful track record implementing and supporting Rootstock customers.

The Bottom Line

Cloud ERP is a viable option for manufacturers looking for a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective ERP solution. Rootstock ERP, built on the Salesforce platform, offers several advantages for manufacturers, including flexibility, scalability, and integration. If you are considering a cloud ERP solution, Rootstock ERP is worth considering.