Building a case for cloud-based business software is most times necessary if you’re considering moving to new business software, using it for the first time, or upgrading your existing business software to be cloud-based. Having the right tools (personnel, knowledge, and technology) as the driving force will make your transition to be seamless.
More so, the other ingredients for a successful cloud-based business software transition are proper planning, budget allocation, infrastructure, and role definition. This would help avoid the common issues associated with business software implementation like resistance to change, unrealistic expectations, poor project management, and LACK OF COMPELLING REASON or CASE FOR THE TRANSITION.
Whatever the reason for the transition, you should know it is a change from the current process, which must be handled well. In building a case for cloud-based business software, consider the following criteria.
The Stakeholders
It is important you consider the direct and indirect stakeholders that are affected by the change. Having a single software that can be accessed by any of the stakeholders to perform his/her task seamlessly is key. The stakeholders (employees, managers, suppliers, customers e.t.c) also need to know how to interact with the software you’d be deploying.
You need to communicate this change early enough to give room for adaptation to the new adjustments. This will go a long way to prevent issues and spur early adoption amongst the stakeholders.
Additional Functionalities
Deploying cloud-based business software can add additional functionalities to your company’s needs and industry demands. You get to equip your team with functionalities such as mobile enablement, automation, remote accessibility, customizable dashboards, on-the-go analytics.
With the cloud, you cannot be geographically hindered from carrying out your functions, e.g. Your logistics officers at different locations moving supplies can collaborate and track the shipment from their mobile device.
Simplified Processes
Cloud-based business software simplifies business processes/tasks e.g. Reports can be generated, which gives room for timely decision making.
A Technology-Driven Business.
Using a technology (ERP) with many benefits that can help the digitization agenda of your business. When making a case for the software, you ought to communicate the short and long-term benefits of the cloud-based business software like reduced total cost of business operations to the management.
With this in mind, you can pinpoint some deficient or lagging aspects of the business and how the software can handle it. It is important the stakeholders buy into it from the top to bottom. With the above tips, you’re one step closer to reaching your business goals while also building a case for the stakeholders to buy into implementing the software.
Leave a Comment