March 20, 2023
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are a critical component for manufacturers as they manage their operations, resources, and financials. However, as technology evolves, manufacturers face the need to migrate their on-premise ERP systems to the cloud. While the benefits of migrating to the cloud are significant, including scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, the process of migrating an ERP system to the cloud is not without its challenges. In this article, we will discuss the challenges manufacturers face when migrating their on-premise ERP to the cloud and how to overcome those challenges.
ERP CLOUD MIGRATION CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
Challenge 1: Data Migration
The first challenge manufacturers face when migrating their on-premise ERP to the cloud is data migration. Manufacturers have years of data stored in their on-premise ERP systems, and moving all of that data to the cloud can be a daunting task. Data migration involves transferring data from the on-premise system to the cloud, ensuring data accuracy and integrity, and testing to ensure that everything works correctly.
Solution: Plan and Test Data Migration
To overcome this challenge, manufacturers need to plan and test their data migration. This process involves identifying which data needs to be migrated, developing a data migration strategy, and creating a test plan. The test plan should include testing the data migration process to ensure that all data is migrated correctly and that there are no data integrity issues.
Challenge 2: Integration
The second challenge manufacturers face when migrating their on-premise ERP to the cloud is integration. Integrating cloud-based systems with on-premise systems can be complicated, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of the systems and data flow.
Solution: Use Integration Tools
To overcome this challenge, manufacturers should use integration tools. Integration tools, such as Infor Birst, are software applications that enable different systems to communicate with each other seamlessly. These tools can help manufacturers integrate their on-premise ERP systems with the cloud-based ERP system.
Challenge 3: Security
The third challenge manufacturers face when migrating their on-premise ERP to the cloud is security. Security is a major concern for manufacturers as they store sensitive data, including financial and customer data. Moving this data to the cloud introduces new security risks, and manufacturers need to ensure that their data is secure.
Solution: Choose a Secure Cloud Provider
To overcome this challenge, manufacturers need to choose a secure cloud provider, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). A secure cloud provider should have security measures in place, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Manufacturers should also implement security measures within their on-premise ERP systems, including limiting access to data and implementing multi-factor authentication.
Challenge 4: Training
The fourth challenge manufacturers face when migrating their on-premise ERP to the cloud is training. Moving to the cloud involves new technology, and manufacturers need to ensure that their employees are trained on how to use the new system.
Solution: Train Employees
To overcome this challenge, manufacturers need to train their employees on how to use the new cloud-based ERP system. This training should include a comprehensive understanding of the new system, including how to use it and how to access data.
Tackle Challenges & Enhance Solutions with a Technology Partner
Manufacturers face several challenges when migrating their on-premise ERP to the cloud, including data migration, integration, security, and training. However, by planning and testing data migration, using integration tools, choosing a secure cloud provider, and training employees, manufacturers can overcome these challenges and take advantage of the benefits of a cloud-based ERP system.
Working with a trusted technology further enables manufacturers to enhance the solutions outlined above. As a partner to over 300 manufacturing companies, Guide Technologies has the technology AND manufacturing expertise to enhance Infor ERP solutions and optimize their features and functionality to suit each of our customer’s unique needs. Contact us today and let us help your business overcome the challenges of ERP cloud migration.
Why move to the cloud now?
Cloud-based enterprise software provides businesses with agile platforms that enable quicker responses to market challenges, better data to base business decisions on, and the flexibility to seize new opportunities, all while meeting customers’ changing needs.
