The need for flexible, forward-thinking ERP software has never been greater for businesses. Companies have had to adapt to changing circumstances over the past year - and in many cases, their ERP solution has been integral to making this happen.
Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) provides software that has helped companies trade in different, smarter ways. There are several key features of its ERP solutions that have made this possible, by equipping users with the functionality they need to future-proof their operations.
Cloud software that grows with your business
Any growing business will appreciate the need for a scalable software solution. Being able to add users to an ERP system is essential - and this is made easier by KCS' cloud-based software.
The cloud eliminates the need for a business of any size to buy physical servers. It's quick, easy and affordable to increase capacity by adding extra user licences without the need to invest in additional hardware. Not only this, because the IT infrastructure is outsourced, there is no requirement to invest in local skills to maintain the systems, as the experts will do it on your behalf.
Cost is another reason why many businesses have chosen to move to the cloud, as adding licences when required makes this an affordable alternative to using traditional on-site servers.
Independent builders' merchant Grant & Stone is one company that has invested in cloud-based software from KCS. Managing Director for Electrical Darren House explained that this particular method of deployment has delivered several benefits for the company.
Darren noted: "The ongoing costs of the cloud are fixed to a certain degree, you know exactly what you’re going to pay. We don’t have to worry about our local server suddenly going down, or suddenly having to stick more hard drives and RAM in it to cope with increased demand."
ERP software that delivers flexibility, wherever you are
Over the past year, it has never been more important to use flexible software. Remote access is made much simpler by using a cloud-based ERP, as users can all log into the same system regardless of their location.
When the nation was put under lockdown in 2020, Grant & Stone was glad to have invested in cloud software for the flexibility ways of working it provided.
Darren House explained: "We enabled everyone to work from home at one point - it was just so easy as they were all accessing the system from the cloud, as opposed to travelling to head office then going back to a local server. This has made the situation much easier, as if we were to lose connection at head office, nobody would have been able to work."
Put data security in the hands of the experts
Data security is never far from the headlines, and as businesses typically deal with large volumes of information, it should never be overlooked when choosing a software solution.
Selecting a reputable ERP software provider will ensure that best practices are followed with regards to data authentication, access control and encryption. KCS follows the strictest possible standards when it comes to data security, providing its customers with the reassurance and confidence that all their information is safe when stored on its cloud-based servers.
This enables companies’ IT departments to focus on other areas of the business, without the need to regularly back up data.
Prepare for a digital transformation
Software opens up many opportunities for businesses, especially when it offers the potential to expand into new digital trading environments. KCS recently launched a range of solutions, including apps and fully-integrated ecommerce platforms, to help facilitate new digital ways of working.
Companies have been able to serve both their trade and retail customers online with one of KCS' ecommerce solutions, which enabled them to keep their businesses open even when physical trading was no longer an option.
In addition to this, apps such as K8 ePOD - the electronic proof of delivery solution - have made it easier to carry on delivering goods safely and efficiently. This expands on the already feature-rich functionality of KCS' software.
EH Smith is one business that has identified the benefits of investing in this app. Senior Business Analyst James Cave said: "We’re very interested in integrating K8 ePOD into our software. We have already implemented delivery management which replaces old paper-based processes which were time consuming and prone to error. The day’s delivery schedule for a branch is now managed on screen in a simple drag and drop user interface."
Looking forward to a digital future
The shift towards digital transformation has been on the cards for businesses for a while - and the coronavirus pandemic has hastened the pace of change.
As the industry adapts to its new normal, it has become evident that digital technologies are here to stay. Businesses that have adopted these tools have become more flexible in their approach to trading, and in many instances have reaped the benefits of doing so.
James Cave reflects: "I think it’s common knowledge that builders’ merchants have historically been slow to adopt new technologies. However, we’re now starting to see in forums that the uptake of these solutions is accelerating. The industry is waking up to a digital era - and it can only reap benefits."
For more information on cloud software, visit www.kerridgecs.com.
