How to Securely Work Remotely With Cloud-Based ERP Software

The widespread shift to a remote model of work is one of the biggest changes small and midsize businesses faced over the past year. With studies showing that 97% of employees don’t want to return to the office full-time, a hybrid model is likely here to stay.

The cloud technology and advanced automated features of leading Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions have already transformed how enterprise organizations navigate these seismic shifts to the economic landscape. Leveraging cloud ERP has not only empowered organizations to gain resilience – it’s allowed them to do so while mitigating ever-present security threats.

Whether you’re looking to accelerate your shift to a remote model or are debating the benefits of a hybrid approach, the right ERP provider and solution can help you gain control over your data while staying at the forefront of your industry. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about your business’ next steps with ERP.

Security Needs in the Remote Age

As companies have shifted to remote and hybrid work environments, security remains critical for success. In a recent survey of 1,000 working Americans, 69% of respondents indicated they were more concerned about cybersecurity threats now than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, 36% have been or know someone who has been impacted by a security breach during that period.

Despite these concerns, however, many companies have not responded with necessary precautions. Only about half of respondents (49%) said their organization’s cybersecurity has strengthened since the start of the pandemic, and roughly the same number (48%) said they were not aware of their company implementing strict security policies.

Cloud ERP for Remote Work

In these risk-prone times, companies that implement cloud ERPs can immediately address security concerns while gaining a competitive advantage. Here are some of the key ways that leading solutions like SAP Business ByDesign enable secure remote work. 

Access Your Data Anywhere, Anytime

In the old days, data was stored on local servers, and employees could only do work using on-premises equipment. This hardware-centric approach was highly susceptible to threats from natural disaster, system failure, and other security risks.

With cloud ERP, employees can access their work anywhere, anytime – and no VPN is necessary, just a browser. Leveraging a solution like SAP Business ByDesign means all your data is stored securely on the SAP data centers. With built-in disaster recovery and backup – plus no physical systems to worry about – you’ll never have to worry about being unable to access your data.

Better Control and Customizability

One of the biggest headaches of managing data with hardware is controlling who is able to see what. This can be especially important in the instance of terminations, as departed or disgruntled employees may pose a threat to your data.

Those security risks are why cloud solutions like SAP Business ByDesign provide extensive control over employee access. This allows you to make sure that employees only access data relative to their role.  This can all be managed by a single portal, no matter where you’re located.

Automatically Configured for Best Practices, Integration and Compliance

Working without an ERP often means navigating a patchwork of processes. Leading ERP software seamlessly integrates with other best-in-breed platforms to implement best practices across your operations. 

SAP Business ByDesign, for instance, has built-in security protocols and credentials. Combined with numerous other out-of-the-box best practices and automated efficiencies, ByDesign immediately reduces the risk of security breaches and enables you to address compliance regulations like those related to GDPR.

Rapid Implementation and Ongoing Support

The right ERP solution gets you more than a new system – it also provides a trusted partner for your ongoing IT efforts. In addition to configuring your solution for optimal security, an experienced ERP provider will offer extensive training and support.

The right partnership reduces your IT team’s time investment around security-related tasks. Plus, cloud-based solutions can be implemented without any downtime between switching systems, meaning you won’t have to worry about any gaps in your security from being offline.

Use Case: Harinas Elizondo

For businesses in essential industries, mitigating security risks has been all the more important. Harinas Elizondo, a leading flour supplier, offers a prime example of the advantages cloud ERP offers for adopting a remote model of work.

At the start of the pandemic, Harinas Elizondo needed to maintain high production levels and quality as employees shifted to working from home. Once DINTEC implemented SAP Business ByDesign, the company seamlessly adapted to this new model, with the cloud-based technology providing all the features and backup it needed to keep up with rising demand and growth. 

During the pandemic and beyond, cloud ERPs have offered a simple, scalable solution for companies looking to gain control and maintain continuity. Whether you’re looking to reimagine  your IT investment or just want peace of mind around security, solutions like SAP Business ByDesign can help guide your business’s next steps in an increasingly remote world. 

DINTEC infographic