Best Practices in ERP Project Management: NAV Forecast — Sunshine with 100% Chance of Clouds

Posted by Gretchen Freeman-Cromar on October 13, 2011

The most significant change to the ERP landscape we are facing is ‘the Cloud.’

Here are answers to the three most commonly asked questions:

• Why (should I consider the cloud)
• What (is the cloud opportunity)
• When (to use cloud)

Why Should I Consider the Cloud?

Microsoft Dynamics ERP Cloud solutions are intended to give customers CONTROL through visibility into their businesses, which could enable them to make smart decisions that IMPACT THEIR MARGINS and improve cash flow—ultimately driving business GROWTH.

GAIN CONTROL: Multiple insights into business performance, including mobility

INCREASE MARGINS: Shift from capital expense to annuitized operating expense

DRIVE GROWTH: Maximum server capacity is always available and the system offers flexibility & scalability that allows for growth.

What is the Cloud Opportunity?

The ERP market is shifting to the cloud. Here’s ‘what about the cloud’ that is manifesting this market change:

• Small and midsize business (SMB) prospects (10–250 PCs) and midmarket prospects (251–2,500 PCs) who are evaluating Microsoft Dynamics ERP want to realize the benefits at a decreased initial cost and minimal startup effort (“turn on & go”).
• Prospects who are seeking to consume enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology as a utility against their monthly operating budgets, which could allow them to reserve their IT capital budgets for other revenue-generating activities.
• Prospects who are interested in reducing or outsourcing their IT infrastructure to avoid the standard IT procurement process, eliminate the cost and effort of implementing regular data backups and software updates, and reduce large infrastructure investments.
• Prospects who need the flexibility to add users or locations quickly and easily.

When is the Cloud Best Utilitized?

Microsoft Dynamics ERP cloud-based solutions should be the first choice for organizations with the following characteristics:

1. Lack the hardware needed to upgrade
2. Lapsed fees that are insurmountable
3. Need to expand the user base and/or functionality, but have limited budgets
4. Limited or reduced IT staff
5. Compliance issues and multiple locations—need to get to one solution
6. Ease-of-use and quick ramp-up are top priorities
7. Have exhibited rapid growth

Stay tuned next month when I will answer the next three most commonly asked questions:

• Why should I select Microsoft ERP cloud-based solutions?
• What makes Microsoft different from its competitors?
• How do I handle objections from customers?