While many of us thought remote work was just a trend during difficult times, statistics suggest that it is here to stay as 84% of full-time employees think that it is their ideal solution.
Now, these numbers show that a shift in operations needs to happen, especially for apparel businesses where every second counts and every team member has to be on the same page regardless of where they are working from. This is where cloud enterprise resource planning solutions come into play.
These tools set your apparel business up for success as each team member has access to pertinent company data at all times. With 24/7 access, apparel businesses can ensure continuity, and both the in-house and remote teams can be in sync and enjoy seamless collaboration.
But that’s just scratching the surface, let’s explore some cloud ERP benefits in-depth and show you how you can tackle the challenges this current business climate poses to apparel brands.
Cloud ERP Benefits for Remote Team Management and Success
There are benefits to be enjoyed from cloud-based ERP software all across the board, but let’s start with what drives every apparel business forward – collaboration.
Centralized Data and Improved Collaboration
As long as there is an internet connection, your team, whether they are dispersed all through the United States or working from Europe or Asia, can have a finger on the pulse regarding each update and business task.
This is thanks to the way cloud-based ERP systems operate. They make real-time updates whenever an employee or a team lead makes a new entry. To make things even easier, the system can be accessed from any type of device.
This was not always the case with traditional solutions, as you would require a device that’s powerful enough to handle the application.
Let’s paint you a better picture regarding the cloud ERP benefits. In a traditional software setup, if an employee needs to update inventory levels after receiving a new shipment of goods, they might have to wait until they’re back at their office computer, where the software is installed, to enter this information. This delay could impact sales, as the inventory wouldn’t be updated in real-time, potentially leading to over-selling or stock discrepancies.
With a full-on cloud ERP software system, however, the same employee can update the inventory levels immediately from any device with internet access—be it a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This real-time update is immediately reflected across all platforms, ensuring that sales teams have up-to-date information on inventory levels. Your team can confidently sell products without the risk of overselling or having to call back customers due to stock shortages.
Also, thanks to cloud solutions, employees can access the ERP system not just from their laptops but also, from their mobile devices. Mobile ERP stands to change how operations are done, especially as everyone is on the constant move, and the need to update entries and make updates becomes more crucial in this competitive industry.
So, in the future, every member of your team can lighten their load, ditching bulky laptops and pouncing on any spur-of-the-moment order by browsing all of your catalogs in a matter of seconds.
Scalability and Flexibility
Apparel businesses are expanding their reach to the world of eCommerce to meet customer preferences. As this expansion evolves, the need for a tool that will grow with your business is paramount. With the right cloud ERP solution, you can add new members to your team, revoke access to former employees, delegate tasks, complete more orders in a timely manner, and all of that without a substantial capital investment in IT.
Additionally, apparel industry-specific ERP systems are designed to adapt to shifting marketing trends. To further extend scalability and flexibility capacities, apparel cloud ERPs can seamlessly integrate with other tools that will further boost the efficiency of your workflow.
For instance, by integrating accounting tools with your ERP system, you can always ensure that every vendor is paid, every transaction is properly carried out, and that your business is in the green.
Nowadays, integration with eCommerce platforms such as Shopify is a must for every brand that is keen on achieving success in the online retail sphere. Through such an integration, apparel businesses can enjoy streamlined operations and real-time data on the following:
- Shipping details
- Accounting systems
- Customer data
- Product and price information
- Inventory counts
- Purchase orders
- Order information
Enhanced Security and Reliability
The amount of cyberattacks is quite worrisome as more than 30.000 websites are hacked per day. By using a system that operates strictly on the cloud, your chances of being a target to malicious individuals significantly drop.
Cloud-based ERP solutions are designed with multiple layers of security, including encryption, access controls, and regular security and software updates throughout, which collectively form a barrier against potential cyber threats. Moreover, these systems are monitored continuously for unusual activities, ensuring that threats are identified and mitigated promptly. This proactive approach to security significantly reduces the vulnerability of digital systems to unauthorized access and data breaches.
Furthermore, the reliability of cloud systems is unparalleled. With data stored across multiple servers on the cloud provider’s network, businesses can ensure data availability even in the event of hardware failure, natural disasters, or other disruptions. This redundancy and resilience ensure that critical business functions remain operational, minimizing downtime and the associated costs.
Overcoming Potential Challenges
While the cloud ERP benefits are numerous, integrating them into your workflow is not without challenges.
However, with strategic planning and the right approach, these challenges can be effectively managed or even turned into opportunities. Here’s how businesses can navigate potential obstacles when implementing a cloud-based ERP system for their remote teams.
Internet Connectivity and Reliability
One of the primary concerns with any cloud-based system, including ERP, is the dependency on internet connectivity.
In certain cases, some of your employees might find themselves in an area where there might be unreliable or slow internet connections. This can pose a challenge to accessing the benefits of cloud ERP systems and their data in real time.
Solutions:
- Invest in connectivity: Encourage or support your remote employees in setting up stable internet connections. This can include having both wired and wireless options or subscriptions to multiple internet service providers.
- Optimize ERP for low bandwidth: Work with your ERP provider to ensure the platform is optimized for low bandwidth scenarios, reducing the amount of data needed for common tasks.
- Leverage offline features: Choose an ERP solution that offers offline capabilities, allowing employees to work without an internet connection and sync their work once they’re back online.
Integration with Existing Systems
Many organizations already have a stack of applications and systems in place. Integrating these with a new cloud-based ERP can be daunting, potentially leading to data silos or operational inefficiencies.
Solutions:
- APIs and middleware: Utilize APIs and middleware solutions that can seamlessly connect your cloud ERP with existing systems, ensuring smooth data flow and integrity.
- Choose adaptable ERP solutions: Opt for ERP systems known for their flexibility and robust integration capabilities. Many cloud ERP providers offer pre-built integrations with popular software.
- Professional assistance: Consider engaging with ERP integration specialists who can tailor the integration process to your specific needs, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
Security and Data Privacy Concerns
Migrating sensitive business operations and data to the cloud raises valid security and privacy concerns. The perceived risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and compliance with data protection regulations are significant challenges.
Solutions:
- Partner with trusted providers: Choose an ERP provider with a strong track record of security and compliance. When it comes to security, you should look for systems with certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and compliance with GDPR or other relevant regulations.
- Implement strong access controls: Use role-based access controls within your ERP system to ensure employees can only access information necessary for their roles.
- Regular security training: Conduct regular security awareness training for your team. Educating employees on best practices for password management, recognizing phishing attempts, and secure data handling can mitigate risks.
Conclusion
Operating in an ERP environment that’s backed by cloud technology can undoubtedly help you facilitate a strong, productive, and continuous business especially if you are working with remote teams.All in all, you can reap the cloud ERP benefits but only if you select the right system. So if you want to enjoy operating with your team in sync, check out ApparelMagic’s ERP and ensure that you are only working with the best apparel industry-tailored solution.
