Word of the Day: cloud ERP

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms | October 3, 2018 cloud ERP Cloud ERP is a type of enterprise resource planning software that is hosted on a third-party cloud computing platform, rather than on premises within an enterprise's own data center. ERP is an industry term for the back-end activities that help an enterprise manage different parts of its business. ERP software helps managers meet purchasing, inventory management and customer relationship management (CRM) requirements and often includes modules for finance and human capital management. Unlike an on-premises ERP system, cloud ERP is delivered through a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model and enterprises pay only for the resources they use instead of a fixed price upfront. Cloud ERP provides many benefits, but it can also create some management challenges. Administrators lose a certain amount of control over customization and integration because the provider takes on most of the responsibilities, including security. Admins must pay special attention to data residency requirements and follow standards and regulations to remain compliant because information can reside in multiple data centers across different geographical regions. Another concern is vendor lock-in. Should the organization need to change providers, the challenges of moving data from one platform to another can be just as challenging in the cloud as they are on-premises. Cloud ERP software is primarily used by small- and medium-sized businesses and is a good fit for startup organizations and new business divisions within an existing company. Some cloud-based ERP vendor options include Acumeatica, Deltek, Epicor, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Rootstock Software, Sage and SAP. Quote of the Day "Cloud ERP offers organizations an opportunity to redirect their IT resources elsewhere, so they can add more value to other areas." - Michael Guay Trending Terms business process management SAP S/4HANA Cloud SaaS ERP inventory management Infor enterprise resource planning Learning Center The benefits and drawbacks of cloud ERP systems for healthcare Experts weigh in on cloud ERP systems for healthcare. Learn what they have to say on cloud security, electronic health records, integration and other issues. Resistance to all-in cloud ERP systems is large The big vendors would like customers to become users of cloud ERP systems. The reality is that on premises-to-cloud migrations are difficult, and some companies don't want core data in the cloud. Hybrid may be the path of many. Cloud ERP systems complicate deployment options Cloud ERP systems may promise easier deployment and management, but organizations need to let business needs -- not technology hype cycles -- drive the decision whether to embrace the cloud. How to make the single-tenant vs. multi-tenant cloud ERP choice For companies moving to cloud ERP, the single-tenant vs. multi-tenant cloud comparison is critical and depends on some key factors. Here's a look at those factors and how to make the decision. SaaS ERP systems can include hidden costs While the cloud is touted as a cheaper, more expedient path to ERP, companies need to prepare for surprises when it comes to integration and customization challenges associated with SaaS ERP systems. Quiz Yourself An enterprise needs to have an overall plan to protect PII and secure _________ sensitive data. A. their B. its Answer Stay in Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed! FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.