The benefits of modern ERP software in the era of remote work (COVID-19)

Using a modern ERP system while remote working, in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic, has numerous benefits. Even companies that were initially reluctant to offer remote work options prior to the health restrictions have now come to the realization that remote working is here to stay. In fact, remote working with ERP has enabled many companies to minimize the economic impact of the pandemic on their business. Read on to see how implementing a modern ERP system can facilitate remote working.

Reminder: What is an ERP?

As a reminder, an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a business software package that manages day-to-day operations. Regardless of an organization's market sector, you can be certain that there is an ERP out there that is specifically tailored to its activities and size. Thanks to ERP, all business processes are integrated end to end across every department and therefore accessible to every employee, including those who work remotely.

From accounting to inventory management, human resources and customer service, all data is accessible on one platform. Moreover, with an ERP hosted in the Cloud rather than on a dedicated server, data accessibility and security, especially in this new era of remote working, are unparalleled.

You want to know in detail the advantages that an ERP provides for your company, it's here!

ERP software promotes remote working

One of the impacts of COVID-19 is the acceleration of digital transformation across a wide range of sectors. Some companies have slowly made this transition, while others have had a harder time fully embracing digitalization within their business. Nevertheless, a major impact of COVID-19 has been the increase in digital transactions that has caught many companies off guard. It is clear now that the transition to digital must be accelerated in order to not lose out on any business opportunities. It is a matter of survival for many organizations, and ERP implementation has proved to be a viable solution. As a result, remote working with ERP software is now an integral part of business success that will continue well after the pandemic is over.

Improving communications

Distance is no longer as significant of a factor thanks to the cloud, since using an ERP solution in remote working enables all stakeholders to have access to the same software, and in complete security. Remote working via an ERP system can be performed from anywhere, whether it's a laptop, tablet or smartphone. This eliminates the need to have entire teams travel to attend meetings, thanks to ERP collaboration tools. Remote working with ERP software provides access to a single portal and the same tools found in the office: connected email and calendar accounts, centralized information, access to standardized data - anywhere, anytime and securely.

In this time of teleworking, the integration of a communication platform is essential to your ERP software. Why not opt for Microsoft Teams?

Streamlining processes

Dashboards, intuitive platform, role assignment, data centralization, reducing data entry errors or duplication, etc. Operations tend to become more complex as companies grow. This complexity can lead to bottlenecks, productivity loss and even delays in obtaining information. Since each of these elements are essential to the smooth running of business operations, an ERP solution helps navigate complex processes, puts an end to data duplication and enables all sectors to benefit from up-to-date, real-time information. It clearly improves overall work efficiency.

Data security

With cloud-based ERP software, data security is integrated and continuously updated, ensuring constant protection. Its data security is also end-to-end, providing an encrypted connection between the cloud ERP vendor and its customers. This is critical for organizations operating in highly regulated sectors, such as healthcare, telecommunications, finance, etc., because they must take appropriate measures to secure their data. ERP software such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has configuration options for compliance, making it easier for such organizations to handle critical information. This is especially important when managing employees across multiple locations, as it prevents sensitive data from being compromised.

Given the new reality of remote working and the rise of digital nomadic workers, implementing a modern ERP system has never been more essential, and this regardless of your organization's sector of activity. Furthermore, because of the current labor shortage, employers now have to offer more than just high wages. For many people, simply earning more money is not enough; working conditions and quality of life are equally important, if not more so. The option to work remotely with ERP software is a benefit that all companies can offer to expand their candidate pool and attract the best talent.

Should you opt for an ERP system amid a health crisis (COVID-19)?

Another impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the public health restrictions, which have affected our work habits. Companies that had already begun their transition to digital have fared better than other companies because they could already offer their employees the ability to work remotely. Although late to the party, more and more companies have now also realized that such digitalization is inevitable, regardless of the business sector. Remote working, thanks to ERP software, has become an ideal, even essential, solution that is here to stay - health crisis or not.

Here are five reasons why remote working and cloud-hosted ERP systems are vital for companies across the board, especially during a health crisis.

• They enable work activities to be performed remotely without compromising efficiency.
• Being accessible and flexible, they offer the ability for each team member to collaborate from anywhere all while improving customer service, both in-house and out of house.
• Choosing a cloud ERP provides more flexibility for your employees and security for your data. This will reduce dedicated server costs.
• Migrating your ERP data to the cloud is a great solution. As the economic effects of COVID-19 have demonstrated, digital transformation is a prerequisite for maintaining productivity and competitiveness. Case in point, online businesses selling goods or services over the internet were less affected by the health restrictions than brick-and-mortar businesses.

Be prepared for any eventuality by implementing a modern ERP system.

Gestisoft: Providing an ERP solution for remote working

An increasing number of companies are expanding remote work options, and technology is helping to make this a viable long-term alternative for all organizations. A cloud-hosted ERP platform can help your teams remain efficient and productive at all times, no matter where they are located.

Contact Gestisoft to get the most out of your modern cloud ERP solution.

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