Never Too Small: 3 Ways SMEs Use Cloud ERP To Drive Growth
Here are 3 ways SMEs are thriving with cloud ERP:
1. Faster implementation
Embarking on the implementation of an ERP system is no small task. It necessitates meticulous planning and a robust change management strategy. Aside from the technical adjustments, organizations need to be ready to embrace significant cultural and mindset shifts. This is where SMEs tend to stand out, as they can often get through implementation faster than larger corporations due to simpler business processes, fewer legacy systems, overall agility, and innovation mindset.
KTM Bike Industries, a mid-sized European leader in bicycles, recently transitioned with ease from a 20-year-old customized system to the standardized SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition. a ready-to-run cloud ERP that delivers the latest industry best practices and continuous innovation.
Despite the inherent complexity involved with such a transition, they were able to move quickly by adopting out-of-the-box processes and embracing standard best practices for implementation. While SAP handled the deployment, KTM Bike Industries focused on their core business, streamlining their operations and bolstering their mission of promoting sustainable mobility.
2. Leveraging cutting-edge tech trends
Especially for small and medium-sized businesses looking to stay ahead of the technological curve, cloud ERP offers powerful tools to thrive in a competitive market. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, cloud ERP systems automate routine tasks, streamline workflows, and enhance decision-making capabilities. Hyper-automation drastically reduces human error, boosts productivity, and frees up employees to focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth.
Another game-changer is the increasing emphasis on real-time analytics. Contemporary ERP systems offer the ability to analyze data instantaneously, providing insights that empower businesses to make swift and data-driven decisions. For small businesses, this means agility—the power to react promptly to market shifts, optimize inventory, and deliver superior customer service.
Mobile ERP solutions accessible via smartwatches, smartphones, or tablets allow employees to access critical business functions from anywhere, at any time. This mobility is a significant boon for small businesses, enabling them to remain nimble and responsive in a 24/7 business environment. By leveraging these advancements, small businesses equipped with cloud ERP systems are not just keeping pace—they're setting the pace for innovation and success in the modern marketplace.3. Actively shaping the future of cloud ERP
No voice is too small to shape the future of cloud ERP. With the right infrastructure and mindset in place, even the smallest players can actively influence the landscape. This has been evident among a select council of customers representing European and North American SMEs who actively provide feedback on the user experience of SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.
Swapnil Ghule, Engineering Manager at Unzer GmbH, embraces the opportunities presented by this program: "We feel heard. We are giving active feedback and we're seeing that we're not only listened to, but that it's getting implemented. That's a win-win for both sides and in the end together we can really structure and make the solution better."
As software providers increasingly adopt user feedback, in-product telemetry, and user research to enhance product quality and user satisfaction, SAP's Chief Design Officer, Arin Bhowmick, emphasizes the importance of including even the smallest voices: "We want to directly integrate customer voices into SAP, no matter the size of the enterprise. What makes small and mid-sized enterprises especially compelling is that they are fast movers and fast scalers, so we can learn a lot from them."
The rise of cloud ERP solutions is putting advanced business tools in the hands of SMEs. With easier implementation, cutting-edge technology, and the ability to provide real-time feedback, these systems are empowering businesses to thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving market.
To learn more about how SMEs and others are influencing products are SAP, visit User Research at SAP.
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