How has the pandemic increased the need for an ERP system?
Business interruption is one of the most significant enterprise resource planning challenges for any organisation, but the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic was to shut down operations in many sectors and in many parts of the world.
Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen governments tweak the mandatory restrictions imposed on businesses, as different countries have experienced waves of infection at different times.
This has been hugely disruptive to supply chains, especially those that operate across national borders where different restrictions may have been imposed.
How ERP systems have helped in the pandemic
ERP systems can be a massive help in times of disruption, especially when conditions change frequently with little to no warning.
By collating vast amounts of digital data and analysing it comprehensively across different areas of the business, advanced ERP platforms provide real, actionable insight in an instant, so that your strategy is always based on what you are facing right now.
This has ensured that users of SAP Business One have had the tools at their disposal to rise to emerging challenges, reformulate strategy at a moment’s notice, and survive any periods of lockdown or reduced business levels.
Why cloud ERP has added benefits
During the COVID-19 pandemic, employees across all sectors were asked to work from home if possible.
Historically this would have led to a lack of visibility for company leaders and senior managers; however, with a cloud ERP platform like SAP Business One, there is no need to relinquish that level of visibility.
Cloud storage of company data means employees can access essential files from anywhere via a secure internet connection – and in the event of a suspected cyber attack, data is not held in one physical location or in a single compromised database.
These capabilities answer questions that were already being asked before the outbreak of Coronavirus, but have become even more pertinent during the pandemic and as we emerge from national lockdowns around the world.
Efficiency and adaptability post-pandemic
Ultimately, flexibility is crucial during this time of uncertainty, but must be driven by data and not just forced by external circumstances.
In a November 2020 ‘Personal Insights’ article on SAP Community, Laura Harvseywrote: “The effects that this pandemic has had on businesses, and especially small businesses, will be long lasting.
In order for a business to survive, it needs to become efficient.
“This means having access to important data on the cloud. This means having the ability to make accurate decisions quickly based on real-time information. Survival will require the ability to change business operations based on unforeseen challenges.”
By embracing SAP Business One ERP, organisations can face down those challenges both now and in the relatively uncertain months and years ahead, as the vaccines and variants race for control of the later phases of the pandemic.
To find out how SAP Business One can future-proof your operations against avoidable business interruptions from all angles, contact APH Solutions today and we will be happy to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
