Cloud ERP Integration: Costs, Types, Benefits

According to Gartner, by 2025, the cloud market is expected to be double the size of the non-cloud market within the enterprise application software market, which signals the growing adoption of cloud-based software, including cloud ERP integration. Different cloud ERP systems are available, including standalone, integrated, and industry-specific systems. The process of implementing cloud ERP involves analyzing business requirements, selecting the right system, and migrating data to the cloud. The costs of cloud ERP vary depending on the size of the business and the features required.

In this article, we will explore the cloud ERP integration benefits, the different types of cloud ERP systems, the process of implementing cloud ERP, and the costs involved. By the end of this article, you will better understand how cloud ERP can help your business grow and thrive in today’s competitive market.

What is Cloud ERP integration?

Cloud ERP application integration refers to the process of connecting different cloud-based software applications to an ERP system to create a unified, integrated solution. With cloud ERP integration, businesses can avoid manual data entry and save time, reduce errors, and gain real-time visibility into their operations.

Also read: How to build an ERP system? A complete step-by-step guide

For example, a business may use a separate customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage its customer data. By integrating the CRM system with their cloud ERP system, they can automate the transfer of data between the two systems, ensuring that customer data is consistent and up-to-date across all platforms. This can improve customer service and sales efficiency.

Cloud ERP integration is essential for businesses looking to optimize their operations and stay competitive in today’s market.

Related Article: ERP Accounting Software Development – All You Need To Know

Cloud ERP Integration Costs

When you are going for a cloud-based ERP system, the cloud integration costs are a major component of the ERP software development cost. In this section, we’ll explore the major cloud ERP integration costs. To provide you with a rough estimate, it’ll cost you anywhere between $50,000 to $400,000 to develop and integrate your ERP solution on the cloud. Below are the factors that will influence this cost.

Licensing costs

Licensing fees is one of the major cloud ERP integration costs. This cost can include fees for the ERP system itself as well as any additional software systems that need to be integrated. The costs can vary depending on the size and complexity of the organization, as well as the number of users and features required.

Complexity of the ERP system

The complexity of the ERP system being integrated can also impact the costs of integration. Hence always take into account the complexity of the ERP system while formulating your cloud ERP integration strategy. More complex systems may require more advanced integration techniques and tools, which can increase the overall cost of the project.

Number of cloud ERP integrations required

The number of integrations required can also impact the cloud ERP integration cost. The more systems that need to be integrated, the more time and resources will be required to complete the project.

Data volume and quality

The volume and quality of data being integrated can also impact the cost to integrate cloud ERP. Larger data volumes can require more resources to process and store, while poor data quality may require additional time and resources to clean and validate the data.

Customization requirements

Customization requirements can also impact the costs of cloud ERP integration. More complex or unique customization requirements may require more time and resources to implement, which can increase the overall cost of the project.

Integration tools and technologies

The integration tools and technologies used can also impact the cost to integrate cloud ERP. More advanced or specialized tools may come with higher costs, while simpler tools may not provide the necessary functionality for the project.

Ongoing IT and related staff costs

Finally, ongoing IT and related staff costs can also impact the overall cost of cloud ERP integration. These costs can include ongoing maintenance, support, and training for the integrated systems, as well as the cost of additional IT staff required to manage the systems.

Types of Cloud ERP Integrations

In this section, we’ll explore the different types of cloud ERP integrations that businesses can leverage to improve their operations and gain a competitive edge.

Pre-Built Cloud ERP Integrations

Building a cloud-based ERP app becomes extremely easy with pre-built integrations. Pre-configured solutionshave already been developed by software vendors. These integrations can be easily installed and configured, requiring minimal technical expertise. Pre-built integrations are often used for common use cases, such as connecting CRM systems with ERP systems or integrating eCommerce platforms with ERP systems. Read to know the process of building an ERM software solution.

Integration platform as a service (iPaaS)

Integration platform as a service (iPaaS) is a cloud-based integration solution that enables businesses to connect different software systems and automate business processes. iPaaS solutions typically offer a range of pre-built connectors and tools that enable businesses to build custom integrations quickly and easily.

[Also Read: IaaS vs. PaaS: How Can Businesses Choose the Best Model?]

Point-to-point Integrations

Point-to-point integrations are custom integrations that are built between two specific software systems. These integrations require technical expertise and development resources and are typically used for complex or unique use cases. While point-to-point integrations can be powerful and highly tailored, they can also be time-consuming to build.

Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)

An Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) is a software architecture that enables businesses to connect different software systems and applications. ESBs act as a centralized hub for data integration, enabling businesses to automate processes and share data between systems. ESBs can be highly customized and can be used to build complex integrations between multiple software systems. However, they can also be complex and require technical expertise to configure and maintain.

Benefits of integrating cloud ERP systems

Integrating a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can offer numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes and industries. In this section, we’ll explore some of the key cloud ERP integration benefits.

Continuous Innovation

Cloud ERP integration provides businesses with access to the latest innovations and upgrades, ensuring that they can take advantage of the newest features and functionality. This enables businesses to remain competitive and adapt to changing market conditions.

Lower costs

By integrating cloud ERP systems with other software systems, businesses can reduce manual data entry, eliminate errors, and streamline processes. This leads to lower operational costs, reduced labor costs, and improved financial reporting.

Faster deployment

Cloud ERP application integration allows for faster deployment of software systems, reducing the time and cost of implementation. This means that businesses can start using the integrated system sooner, leading to improved ROI and efficiency.

High flexibility

One of the significant benefits of integrating cloud ERP systems is the high level of flexibility they offer to businesses. Cloud ERP integration offers high flexibility, allowing businesses to customize their software systems to meet their specific needs. This ensures that businesses can optimize their operations and processes to meet changing market demands.

Improved ROI

By integrating different software systems with cloud ERP, businesses can reduce manual processes, improve accuracy, and increase efficiency, resulting in a faster and better ROI.

Simplicity and automation

Cloud ERP integration simplifies processes, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving accuracy. This leads to automation of business processes, reducing errors, and increasing efficiency.

Lower staff and hardware requirements

Cloud ERP application integration can reduce the need for additional staff and hardware, resulting in cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

Real-time insights

Cloud based ERP solutions provide real-time data insights, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and optimize their operations in real-time.

Better security

Cloud ERP integration offers better security, protecting sensitive data and information from cyber threats and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

[Also Read: Mobile ERP: Why must modern enterprises adopt cloud-based mobile ERP Solutions]

Cloud ERP integration Process

In this section, we’ll explore the key steps involved in the cloud ERP integration process, from selecting the right solution to testing and deployment.

The first step in the cloud ERP integration process is to select the right cloud ERP integration company for your business. When evaluating different organizations, it’s important to consider your specific business needs and goals. For example, do you need a system that can handle complex supply chain management, or do you require robust financial reporting capabilities? Taking the time to carefully evaluate your options will help you select an agency that meets your business requirements.

Once you have selected a cloud based ERP solutions company, the next step is to plan the implementation process. It’s also important to allocate the necessary resources and budget to ensure a successful implementation. For larger businesses, this may involve creating a dedicated implementation team to oversee the process.

One of the biggest challenges of cloud ERP integration is finding the right strategy for data migration. This involves transferring data from your existing systems to the new cloud-based ERP solution. Depending on the complexity of your business operations, this can be a time-consuming and challenging process. It’s essential to carefully plan data migration and ensure that all data is accurately transferred to the new system.

Once data migration is complete, the next step is to configure and customize the new cloud ERP solution to meet your specific business needs. This involves setting up workflows, defining user roles and permissions, and configuring dashboards and reports. It’s important to work closely with your implementation team or vendor to ensure that the system is configured correctly and optimized for your business.

Finally, it’s important to thoroughly test the new system before going live. This involves testing all workflows, features, and integrations to ensure that the system is functioning correctly and that all data is accurately flowing between different systems. Once testing is complete, it’s time to train users on the new system and prepare for a successful launch.

Also read: Enterprise Application Development: Expectations vs Reality

Challenges of Cloud ERP Integration

Here are the major challenges you will face in your cloud ERP implementation journey.

Change management in teams

One of the biggest challenges of cloud ERP application integration is managing change within teams. Integrating different software systems can require changes in business processes and procedures, which can be difficult for employees to adapt to. To mitigate this challenge, businesses need to communicate clearly with their teams about the changes that are coming and provide adequate training and support to help employees adapt to the new processes.

Flawed data quality

Integrating different software systems can result in inconsistent or flawed data quality, which can have a significant impact on business operations. To avoid this challenge, businesses need to ensure that their data is accurate, complete, and consistent across all systems. This may require implementing data governance policies and procedures, as well as using data validation tools to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

Security and regulatory compliance

Integrating different software systems can raise security and regulatory compliance concerns, particularly if sensitive data is being shared between systems. To address this challenge, businesses need to ensure that their integrations comply with relevant regulations and data protection laws, as well as implementing robust security measures to protect against data breaches and cyber attacks.

Access, permissions, and productivity

Integrating different software systems can also raise issues around access, permissions, and productivity. Businesses need to ensure that employees have appropriate levels of access to the systems they need to use, while also maintaining data security and privacy. In addition, businesses need to ensure that their integrations are configured to support efficient and productive workflows, and that employees are adequately trained to use the new systems.

Some use cases of cloud ERP integration

The use cases of cloud ERP integration allows businesses to understand how the integration can help an organization in streamlining their business processes, improve operational efficiency and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Here are some of the best use cases of cloud ERP integration:

Lifesciences

Cloud ERP integration services can benefit life sciences organizations by providing real-time insights and improving overall efficiency. For example, a pharmaceutical company can integrate its ERP system with its research and development software to gain better visibility into the drug development process. This integration can help to reduce development times and costs while improving the chances of success in clinical trials. Additionally, by integrating with supply chain management systems, organizations can ensure timely delivery of materials and improve overall inventory management.

Finance

Cloud ERP integration is particularly useful in the finance industry. For example, an investment management firm can integrate its ERP system with its accounting software to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. The integration can help to streamline financial operations and provide real-time visibility into financial data. This can help organizations to make better financial decisions and improve overall profitability.

eCommerce

Cloud ERP integration can also benefit e-commerce organizations by providing real-time data on inventory levels, orders, and customer information. For example, an online retailer can integrate its ERP system with its e-commerce platform to ensure accurate inventory tracking and timely order fulfillment. This can help to improve customer satisfaction and increase sales. Additionally, by integrating with marketing automation tools, organizations can gain better insights into customer behavior and preferences, enabling them to create more targeted marketing campaigns.

How Appinventiv can help you in your cloud integration journey

Appinventiv is a leading digital transformation company that offers top-notch Cloud Consulting Services and has immense expertise in cloud-based ERP Software Development. Our team of experts can assist you in selecting the best cloud ERP integration strategy that suits your business requirements. We offer end-to-end cloud ERP integration services starting from assessment and planning to implementation and support.

We can help in cloud ERP Software Development and implementation by integrating your existing system with cloud-based ERP systems like NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, and others. We also specialize in integrating cloud ERP systems with other enterprise applications like CRM, e-commerce, and project management tools.

Our team of experts can help you address the challenges that come with cloud ERP implementation, including data migration, security, compliance, and change management. We use industry-standard tools and technologies for cloud ERP integration and provide ongoing support to ensure your cloud ERP system works efficiently and effectively.

At Appinventiv, we have a proven track record of successfully delivering cloud ERP integration projects for clients from various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

If you need any expert assistance with your cloud ERP integration journey, contact us today. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you.

FAQs

Q. What is ERP cloud integration?

A. ERP cloud integration refers to the process of connecting cloud-based ERP software with other applications and systems to exchange data seamlessly.

Q. What are the benefits of Cloud ERP integration?

A. Cloud ERP integration benefits include continuous innovation, lower costs, faster deployment, high flexibility, faster ROI, simplicity and automation, lower staff and hardware requirements, real-time insights, and better security.

Q. What are the different types of Cloud ERP integration?

A. The different types of Cloud ERP integration include pre-built integrations, Integration platform as a service (iPaaS), point-to-point integrations, and Enterprise Service Bus (ESB).

Q. What is the process of Cloud ERP integration?

A. The process of Cloud ERP integration involves identifying the integration requirements, selecting the integration approach, designing the integration architecture, implementing and testing the integration, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

Q. How much does it cost to integrate cloud in an ERP system?

A. The cost of cloud ERP integration services varies based on factors such as licensing costs, complexity of the ERP system, number of integrations required, data volume and quality, customization requirements, integration tools and technologies, and ongoing IT and related staff costs.

THE AUTHOR

Sudeep Srivastava

Co-Founder and Director