Does Size Really Matter?

“SMB’s will account for 60% of ERP MO cloud spending”

(Gartner)

Is ERP now finally being seen as a go to for smaller businesses as well as those in the ￡50m + range?

According to Gartner, yes!

This increase in uptake isn’t restricted to SaaS and OPEX but SAP also has many options specifically designed for SME across a range of industries. From ADIMA in the Manufacturing industry use or SAP Commerce Cloud for the Fashion/Retail industry to SAP Business One an almost off the shelf product that can be implemented for around ￡100k (25 users) a darn sight cheaper than it would to implement a full HANA suite.

Has the iceberg turned on its head?

In fact SAP have gone as far to say that 80% of their customer base is now in the SME category.

So why are SME’s now choosing to move away from their on-premise solutions and opt for in-cloud solutions?

Well, probably the biggest uptake drive has been from dramatically reduced costs across ERP thanks to cloud-based offerings. However another factor we can’t ignore is that SME’s are conscious of futureproofing their businesses.

How does SAP enable SME’s to futureproof?

First let’s look at what futureproofing really means. The Guardian lists four main objectives for companies to survive and thrive during periods of upheaval/uncertainty. Engaged Workforce, Excellent Customer Service, Employee Training, and finally Experiment & have Flexibility.

Now let us dig a bit deeper into what they really mean and how SAP is able to positively impact these areas.

Engaged Workforce

We all want an easier quicker working day.

For Marshall Trailers that means faster invoicing, enhanced production flow, increased system security, enriched data footprint and super-efficient administration. With SAP Adima, a software specifically designed for UK SME Manufacturing companies, their dreams have become a reality. Invoicing used to take up to 30mins, whereas now they are able to create and send invoices in as little as 15seconds! Talk about speeding up process and freeing up more time!

Excellent Customer Service

It’s all about speed!

Automation has a multitude of benefits not least that it gives your staff more time to ensure queries are dealt with way before they turn into complaints, meaning your customers get that warm fuzzy feeling rather than having to chase your already busy employee’s for resolutions that will only add to the workload. Customer service for me is fixing a problem before I even know it exists. That is what a faster, slicker more connected system can do for you.

Employee Training

A lesson a day.

Training shouldn’t ever be death-by-powerpoint, yet so many companies know no different. With SAP, companies can benefit from a multitude of e-learning tools inspiring a culture of continuous learning. The Learning Management System allows you to cover everything from personal training and e-learning to professional development and succession planning. Ultimately increasing productivity and business outcomes.

Gone are the days where companies were afraid to enhance and develop their staff in fear of them jumping ship for now, it seems they’ve recognised the desire for personal development.

Flexibility

Out of the box doesn’t mean one size fits all!

Even SAP Business One can be implemented in a variety of ways depending on business need and whether it be on-premise or in-cloud customers still get a huge amount of flexibility to enable fluctuating change during expansion. From the stand alone one office companies who may have 8 users right up to multi-site multi-brand options with comprehensive reporting requirements and consolidation reporting.

Are you an SME looking at SAP or another ERP system for the first time?

What do you hold as the most important factors in identifying which platform best fits your needs?

Or if you’re already using an ERP system be it on-premise or in-cloud why did you choose it?