4 Ways Cloud ERP Reduces Manual and Duplicated Tasks for Small Businesses

Many local businesses use pieced-together spreadsheets, applications and other tools to maintain their financial information. This kind of patchwork system requires a lot of manual effort and duplicated data entry. The possibilities are fairly endless when it comes to data duplication. This becomes a serious problem than can affect your valuable storage space, business insights, customer information, and leads to incorrect or flawed decisions. Avoiding these errors is crucial for success. 

An increasing number of local businesses are streamlining their financial processes with the help of cloud ERP solutions such as Microsoft Business Central. Tailored specifically for small businesses, Business Central simplifies the logging, connecting, and tracking of financial data without the unnecessary complexities found in pricier ERPs like NetSuite and Sage. By consolidating to a single system rather than juggling multiple tools, businesses can operate more efficiently and make smarter financial decisions.

Here are four key ways in which cloud ERP systems enhance efficiency by reducing manual tasks and eliminating redundant data entry.

#1: Cloud-based ERP platforms are integrated.

This means that one unified system manages everything from order entry to shipment and delivery notifications. When your invoice data is scattered across various disconnected systems, the potential for errors is high. Juggling multiple financial spreadsheets is not only time-consuming but also prone to inaccuracies. To ensure data consistency and accuracy, accountants must go through several steps to transfer and validate changes across all locations. For businesses seeking a single source of truth with accurate numbers, cloud-based ERP systems emerge as the optimal solution.

#2: Quality cloud ERP systems, like Microsoft Business Central, help ensure accurate audit trails.

When modifications are made within the system - whether it's adding a figure, deleting funds, or rearranging accounts - every action is meticulously tracked. This detailed record not only identifies who made the change but also pinpoints the exact time it occurred. With this level of transparency, any detrimental occurrences can be swiftly addressed by reverting to a previous version of the system, allowing for a thorough investigation into the source of the error. Microsoft Business Central even supports field monitoring, enabling accounting managers to  monitor specific fields for changes, such as fields that contain sensitive data, view and filter the changes, and set up a retention policy that filters based on dates and time.

#3: Cloud-based ERP solutions are great for disaster recovery efforts.

When your data resides in the cloud, it is automatically backed up on a daily basis. This provides a crucial layer of protection for your business, especially when compared to on-premises solutions that may lack automated backup capabilities. In the event of a disaster, such as damage or destruction to your office, having your data stored in the cloud ensures quick data restoration.

#4: Using cloud-based accounting systems means you have fewer IT issues to worry about.

Most cloud ERP systems subscription costs cover the software licensing, storage, and automatic software updates. Centre Technologies offers an even more comprehensive service model for Microsoft Business Central that includes implementation, security best practices, management, training and ongoing support for a single monthly cost. By shifting these tasks away from your internal IT department, they can concentrate on core business issues rather than day-to-day maintenance and helpdesk tasks. Cloud-based accounting systems free up limited resources, allowing employees to focus on revenue-generating initiatives.

automate and simplfy your erp today

At the end of the day, cloud services free your company to spend more time building the business, and focusing on what you do best as an organization. We want to be the MSP you turn to for help in that decision and process. 

If you have questions or maybe you just want to chat more about the advantages and disadvantages of Dynamics Business Central, we'd love to discuss your options. Contact us today and we'll make sure you're making the right decision that's best for your business.