17 Mar Will Coronavirus Permanently Change Our Business Habits?
The unexpected pandemic caused by coronavirus COVID-19 is a test for many companies not only within the UK but worldwide. A test which highlights potential business weak points, especially if a workforce can’t operate remotely from a centralised company location.
Presented with this challenge, we can very quickly see how vital a cloud-based model can be for business process management. Regardless of role, Cloud ERP offers access to all employees, from any place in the world, with everyday devices and connectability. (Read more: Cloud ERP Systems For SMBS)
In this mindset, the cost of doing nothing is potentially much higher than the cost of a cloud-based ERP solution. Where company edicts call for self-isolation, the inability to view the business fully, perform everyday processes and fulfil workflow presents a serious test for business continuity and ultimately company existence. (Read more: Real-Time Company Performance Using Business Intelligence With ERP)
But remote working is not the only factor here. Companies will also start to consider ;- offering remote services to their clients, rethinking how customer delivery is managed and transforming itself quickly in the ‘new reality’. In certain sectors, responsiveness will be paramount in the advent of dramatic shifts in demand patterns fuelled by concerns over supply.
If we look at departments within a company that could adopt cloud-based operations more easily, we can say that, nowadays, almost all can. These are functions where the focus is on data driven decision-making such as;- financial management, purchasing, sales, and operations. (Read More: Ambitious For Rapid Growth – Why Scalable ERP is so important?)
- General management department
The most important thing is to support timely decision making and to help anticipate change around new health-oriented factors. This is possible if on-line access is provided in the form of real-time business analytics. How can this be achieved? By using an ERP system, we can unite all business elements under one ‘technology umbrella’ whilst still safeguarding employee health. Everything is possible via laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
- Finance Department
Most of the tasks in the finance department can be managed remotely, using modern ERP solutions together with online banking and online reporting tools.
- Operations Department
Some companies might not achieve full remote working but those in eCommerce, Supply Chain Management, IT & Telecommunications can manage most of their operations remotely or with minimal levels of employee presence.
- Purchasing Department
Purchasing operations can be handled easily remotely with the help of ERP integration with company suppliers and logistics firms. So in situations when borders of countries are closed and purchasing processes need remote handling, the best solution is to be on line.
- Sales & Marketing Department
Modern ERP systems offer a wide variety of tools and integration to make collaborations between departments smooth and synchronised. And again, this can be done fully remotely. Only with the help of tools offered by an ERP system, for example CRM, where people manage leads, handle important contact data, set future sales tasks and track progress for each client.
For those companies that sell products rather than services and order management after the sale is concluded, there might still be the need for personal interaction in packaging or logistics, but the risks are minimised because of lower overall attendance levels.
- Support, Client Relationships Management and HR Departments
These departments can also be working remotely using CRM, built into ERP or HR-related modules. In common with other cloud-based tools such as:- Skype, Google Drive, Gmail, Trello, Asana and many others, clients become less aware of or even concerned by the distributed nature of employee locations.
In Conclusion
Keeping your business active in times of instability when remote cooperation is essential is not such a difficult feat. It just requires a modern approach to business management where the staff are given the tools to fulfil their responsibilities, wherever they work. Of course no one wants a globally impactful event to act in such a severely disruptive way but if it throws light onto the shortfalls of traditional ‘non-cloud’ business models which in turn drives through modern working practices then we can see the possible long term benefits. A lot of far-thinking companies already enjoy the natural flexibility of cloud and the resulting heightened employee empowerment. More broadly adopted, this fresh thinking helps businesses to self-transform, achieve robust business wellbeing and attain greater longevity. (Read More: How To Choose The Best ERP?)
If you’re interested in finding out more about how Cloud ERP system can help achieve flexibility, please feel free to contact us.
