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Ensuring company success entails proactively looking for ways to keep up with changes in the increasingly competitive business landscape. In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, companies have likely encountered enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. So, ERP vs. CRM: how do they compare?
Both ERP and CRM systems are designed to improve business workflows. However, while the software shares similar features, these systems have many different uses. Therefore, it’s important to carefully compare ERP vs. CRM to determine which platform is more suitable for a company’s needs.
To help decision-makers make an informed choice, this guide will outline the core functionalities of ERP and CRM platforms as well as their pros and cons.
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ERP vs. CRM: Core Functions
ERP and CRM platforms serve as data repositories and central databases for business operations. Both aim to improve an organization’s access to data, enhance task management using automation, and maximize overall profits. However, they have several key differences.
Functions of ERPs
ERP tools are built to gather, manage, and interpret data to maximize the use of company resources. With this software, businesses can streamline a number of back-office activities, including inventory management, supply chain management, accounting, and task delegation.
When considering ERP vs. CRM, the former’s focus is on keeping workflows as efficient as possible and reducing operational costs. As a result, it covers a broader range of business processes.
This provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain processes, from manufacturing to fulfillment. It could include tools for purchase order management, logistics, and distribution.
2. Financial Management
This collects, tracks, and analyzes critical financial data. In addition, it can often generate financial reports, budget forecasts, spending trends, and the like.
3. Inventory Management
This feature keeps tabs on inventory levels as well as the movement of goods during daily operations. It simplifies the automation of inventory planning and logistics and eliminates the risk of downtime due to insufficient raw materials.
4. Human Resources
This is a module focusing on any employee management efforts, from hiring and onboarding to timekeeping and payroll.
5. Customer Relationship Management
Depending on the current ERP system, it could also have integrated CRM features. These often include tools like contact management, unified inboxes, and lead tracking.
Functions of CRMs
CRM platforms are created to collect client data that can be used in building relationships with leads and current customers. They focus on front-office processes such as sales pipeline management, marketing campaigns, and customer support. As a result, companies will have all the information they need to maximize each customer interaction.
Between ERP vs. CRM software, the latter puts more emphasis on increasing sales numbers. As such, it tends to have a more limited toolset than ERP systems. However, because CRMs focus on a specific aspect of a business, they offer more advanced functionalities for customer-facing processes than an ERP.
Here are some CRM software features:
1. Lead Management
This tracks multiple touchpoints to capture prospective customers. From there, it scores and qualifies leads to ensure enough time and manpower are dedicated to strong leads.
2. Contact Management
This module primarily serves as a unified database that stores information on leads and existing customers. This includes their names, contact numbers, addresses, and transaction data to help agents pick up where another left off.
3. Reporting and Analytics
This is a system that collects and interprets all data that goes in and out of the CRM software. It tracks key CRM metrics such as customer retention, return on investment (ROI), and lead conversion to help understand the status of a company’s performance.
4. Pipeline Management
This visualizes the different stages of the sales cycle from first contact to closing so agents can see the status of leads and ensure none fall through the cracks.
5. Automation
This eliminates repetitive tasks like collecting customer information and sending follow-up emails.
6. Document Management
A feature that enables users to draft, edit, and share documents from within the CRM system. This is useful for storing templates of contracts and emails as well as sharing important files with colleagues.
Benefits of Using ERPs
Businesses big and small can reap rewards from using ERP systems. These platforms can help a company:
Boost Efficiency
Most ERP systems leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to automate processes. With this, users can eliminate repetitive manual processes such as product tracking, demand forecasting, and procurements. As a result, employees can reduce time and effort in daily activities.
Reduce Costs
With tools for inventory planning and forecasting, ERPs can help companies optimize the use of resources, which can translate to long-term savings on purchasing and freight expenditures. In addition, thanks to task management and automation functions, ERPs can help companies maximize billable hours.
Streamline Processes
As most ERPs collect data proactively, users can gain insights into key operational metrics. This simplifies data-driven decision-making, which can help companies continually improve business processes.
Enhance Collaboration
ERPs serve as unified hubs where users have access to shared documents, communication systems, and task-queuing systems. With all information in one place, teams can closely collaborate at all times.
Increase Productivity
As ERPs use automation and provide centralized data hubs, teams can focus more on attention-demanding and revenue-generating work. They can also closely monitor productivity numbers and ensure they are making the most of their workday.
Improve Customer Relationships
Many ERPs provide CRM functions. Therefore, sales agents and marketing staff can have the customer information they need to ensure seamless customer journeys.
Benefits of Using CRMs
Looking at ERP vs. CRM, one can’t deny the former offers more extensive toolsets. However, that doesn’t mean CRM platforms can’t keep up when it comes to the advantages they offer. Using these, businesses can:
Centralize Customer Data
CRMs keep all data about leads and customers, from basic contact information to transaction records. As a result, all team members have instant access to files they can use to follow up on or convert leads.
Identify More Leads
With lead-scoring features, CRMs can help teams identify strong leads. This way, employees can dedicate their time to prospective clients who are more likely to convert.
Target Marketing Strategies
CRMs can help you segment leads, determine buyer personas, and generate reports on customer data. Therefore, you can create more targeted marketing and sales strategies that are sure to convert leads.
Reinforce Data-Driven Decision-Making
Much like ERPs, CRMs also collect and analyze information to help users make data-backed business decisions. With this, users can get access to metrics such as conversion rates, lead-generation status, and agent performance.
Improve Collaboration
CRMs may use Kanban boards, Gantt charts, unified document databases, and in-platform communication systems like ERP systems do. As such, they can help team members stay in the loop on the status of all leads and customers.
Which Is Better for Your Company, ERP or CRM?
ERPs and CRMs benefit businesses in different ways, so it’s hard to say one is better than the other. For instance, if the goal is to improve lead conversion, a CRM platform is ideal. But, it won’t help much if the goal is to eliminate supply chain inefficiencies. On the other hand, if a company needs a solution for multiple business processes, an ERP would be a better choice.
However, with changing consumer demands and industry standards, businesses probably require a multifaceted approach to operations. So, having both platforms in the tech stack is worth considering. Luckily, companies don’t have to weigh ERP vs. CRM. Simply invest in integrated solutions.
For example, Approyo offers a comprehensive suite of solutions. With its SAP consulting services, businesses can easily deploy an ERP system that includes a CRM module. This gives access to all the features needed for day-to-day processes. Contact Approyo today to learn more about what they can offer.
Cloud computing is shaping the future of work as enterprises both big and small turn to the cloud to optimize their operations. Be it data storage, processing, or collaboration, many businesses prefer solutions such as SAP on Azure for the flexibility and convenience they provide.
Working in the cloud has opened opportunities like never before. Cost saving is one main benefit; cloud computing also removes the need for local hosting or on-premise software. This not only simplifies the IT environment but also reduces the associated infrastructure costs.
That said, there’s much more that cloud integration brings to your business. For starters, fixing scalability issues through seamless collaboration as well as providing the business intelligence needed for growth.
Here, we’ll find out how cloud services such as SAP on Azure work—and why your business needs them.
How Cloud Integration Works
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Cloud integration brings multiple platforms together so they can operate as a cohesive unit. This requires a system of tools and technologies that connect different applications and IT environments to create a real-time exchange of processes and data.
Additional names for cloud integration include cloud system integration or cloud data integration. Another is iPaaS, or Integration Platform as a Service. Regardless of the name, the goal of cloud integration remains the same—to create a unified, efficient, and easily accessible enterprise IT infrastructure.
Cloud integration aims to improve connectivity and visibility, solve regular data problems, and ensure that businesses run at optimal efficiency.
To transition to the cloud, companies need to transfer data and applications that may be sensitive or critical to their business. Running cloud integrations such as SAP on Azure helps make the transition to the cloud much smoother.
A number of companies are already using a hybrid blend of Software as a Service (SaaS) and on-premises systems. This has the advantage of providing an overall faster base for the integration of cloud data.
Let’s dive in and learn more about the types of cloud integration.
Types of Cloud Integration
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Cloud integration is achieved by integrating either data or applications—and sometimes even services and systems. Integration can take place from cloud-to-cloud, cloud-to-on-premise, or a combination of both.
Data Integration
Data integration refers to the synchronization between data repositories—the procedure whereby data is transferred, processed, or transformed. The objective is to create an effective flow of data between different repositories.
Application Integration
Application integration is more about interoperability, and it focuses on various applications that add enhanced functionality. Compared with data integration, it involves much more than simply sending requests and applying system commands. In addition, application integration gives a company complete control over their digital infrastructure.
With SaaS, businesses can choose to build their own cloud integration platform. However, this tends to be a complicated course of action that comes with added challenges and extra expenses. Moreover, this type of platform is not scalable.
Another option is for companies to use a third-party cloud integration platform—for instance, running SAP on Azure. It’s a great alternative that can maximize efficiency while minimizing integration time.
The main drawback of the former route—building an in-house cloud integration platform—is that it needs to be upgraded every time a new app arrives or a further requirement emerges. Third-party platforms such as SAP on Azure solve this problem.
By using a cloud integration platform, you can expect both data and application integration to be fast, efficient, scalable, agile, and reusable.
Next, we’ll unpack the key benefits and challenges of cloud integration.
Benefits and Challenges of Cloud Integration
Cloud solutions are meant to optimize business activities. They make data integration easier and improve information visibility and sharing.
Businesses rely on a hybrid mix of SaaS platforms, where cloud data integration is becoming increasingly essential. Here are some of the more important advantages.
Benefits of Cloud Integration
Synchronizes Data
The first and main benefit of cloud integration is that it enables IT systems and applications to operate on the same data. Synchronization helps businesses avoid data conflicts that could lead to errors and produce low-quality, unreliable information. Further, data synchronization is fundamental to ensuring that diverse operational functions remain secure and compliant.
Effective synchronization gives users access to the latest data—including real-time updates. Additionally, cloud integration maximizes business efficiency by enabling the quick and streamlined transfer of data.
Automates Workflows
Another major benefit of cloud integration is that it automates workflows. Many manual tasks have been made redundant as a result of improving technology. Today, these responsibilities are taken care of by software and tech instead of employees. In addition to eliminating boring and repetitive tasks, automation reduces the chance of human error—and work gets done faster too!
Cloud integration can fully automate tasks such as data entry. And in the case of workflow automation, data gets transferred seamlessly and doesn’t lose its integrity when shifting from one app to another.
Enables Flexibility and Scalability
Cloud integration enables flexibility and gives organizations the chance to scale their IT systems. By upgrading work practices, identifying new systems, and providing additional benefits to their customers, companies are able to increase their value proposition.
Removes Duplicate Data
Redundancy is quite common in IT. This is because having to store multiple types of the same data can often be problematic. Cloud integration makes it easier to ditch that redundant data while creating better company workflows. Added advantages include reduced storage costs and time-saving for synchronization efforts.
Expands Visibility
Data visibility is vital for business intelligence, and it’s one of the pros of incorporating the cloud into your systems. Visibility allows your team to analyze and assess data in real-time. This means being able to see which applications are being used and where the data is being sent or received. In addition to giving companies superior control over their data, visibility lets you pick up errors quickly and deal with them straight away.
Reduces Unnecessary Spending
One of the top reasons that cloud integration is a must-have for any business? The amount of money that can be saved. By using the cloud, companies can control their spending on data handling. That’s because they can see which applications are being used the most and where to cut costs—all without having to sacrifice performance.
In other words, businesses can make adjustments and use their resources in the most efficient manner possible.
Furthermore, the upfront cost of setting up a cloud integration service—for example, running SAP on Azure—is much lower than building an in-house solution.
Privacy and security are integral to any business. A significant challenge with cloud integration is that your data is exposed to a third party. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that the service provider will steal your data, it’s nonetheless an important factor when choosing an integration platform.
A data breach is a serious security issue with the potential to damage your reputation and business. Opt for a service provider with a good reputation and a name for delivering top-notch solutions for their clients. Moreover, remember to take additional steps to protect your data—for example, implementing measures that enable authorization and encryption.
Lack of Standardization Policies
A lack of standardized policies for compliance can be a huge issue for enterprises when migrating SAP to the cloud. Each business has its own way of maintaining data. And because there are no set rules, this may well impact security and data privacy.
At the same time, cloud integration platforms such as Azure, Jitterbit, and AWS have their own data standards. Here, the diverse formats of data can result in issues like data loss or corruption during migration.
Another challenge arises from hybrid cloud storage. In other words, maintaining two divergent data formats—one for on-site and another for the cloud. This has the potential to create further confusion.
To overcome these deficiencies in the current policy environment, you’ll need to enlist the help of an experienced service provider. That means finding someone who understands how to integrate different formats without causing data loss or corruption.
High Dependency on Internet Connectivity
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Cloud integration and running cloud-based services such as SAP on Azure require a stable and high-speed internet connection. Downtime simply isn’t an option.
An erratic internet connection could prove highly disruptive. For instance, if you use a cloud-based POS for managing a restaurant chain, everything from tracking revenue to managing staff schedules takes place on the cloud. However, without an internet connection, even straightforward tasks like running daily processes can come to a screeching halt.
In this example, traditional systems have a distinct advantage over the cloud. That’s because they run on a closed network. Information is held on a local server that is not dependent on the internet.
Cloud Management Costs
Cloud computing has the potential to save and cost you money. Granted, you won’t have to invest in or maintain IT infrastructures such as hardware and servers. However, there are some hidden costs that may well come to the fore if the cloud is not managed properly.
According to the Flexera 2022 State of the Cloud Report, 32% of cloud spending is wasted. Items in this category range from unused services, apps, and features to underutilized server bandwidth.
Businesses may also not be aware of the numerous discounts and customized packages available to make deployments more efficient.
Insufficient Resources and Lack of Industry Experts
Because cloud technology is a relatively recent phenomenon, professionals need to keep themselves updated with current developments. In addition, it’s necessary to create internal compliance if you want to extract the maximum return from cloud-based applications. That said, finding industry experts with sufficient knowledge can be an obstacle to cloud integration.
Choosing the Best Cloud Integration Platform
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Software systems such as SAP on Azure provide significant benefits, including numbering data intelligence, cost reductions, and more. Moving to the cloud not only boosts efficiency but also gives your business an edge over the competition.
How do you choose the best cloud integration platform? Here are some important requirements to add to your checklist.
Provides a secure way to protect data. A key indicator of a good cloud integration platform is data security. It should provide a secure way to protect data—while transferring and at rest—without any chance of loss or a data breach.
Makes it easy to integrate with other applications. Businesses often require a suite of services and applications to perform daily tasks. Communication between distributed systems, microservices, and serverless applications is essential to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.
A reliable cloud integration platform should allow seamless integration between different applications. Further, it should provide all the tools and features that enable interoperability—without the need to write custom code every time a new application is added.
Avoid any platform that makes it difficult to integrate with other applications. This is especially the case with features such as reporting or troubleshooting, where complications are likely to arise.
Moves data in real-time. Another feature of a great cloud integration platform is the ability to automate and move data in real-time. This way, you can track the progress of your data and monitor it for any suspicious activity. Make sure that your preferred platform offers real-time connections to data and applications.
Top Cloud Integration Platforms
Whether you’re searching for SAP to cloud migration solutions or just general cloud adoption, these are some of the best cloud integration platforms available today.
Microsoft Azure
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Microsoft Azure is one of the most trusted platforms for transitioning SAP to the cloud. This comes after collaboration between SAP and Microsoft, resulting in the creation of SAP on Azure solutions. This option is highly scalable and adaptive to business needs. In fact, a Forrester Total Economic Impact study estimates that hosting SAP on Azure can lead to a massive ROI of 102%.
Azure is an SAP-certified platform. Further, it’s the most high-performing tool available to scale your SAP cloud infrastructure. Azure offers 192GB to 12TB SAP HANA virtual machines in several regions.
SAP on Azure is probably the best bet for mission-critical SAP workloads. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) predictability to speed up processes and also comes in handy when developing a new product.
In addition, running SAP on Azure delivers real-time, AI-backed insights and deep analytics—tools that can help you improve business outcomes and make better decisions. With Azure, the focus shifts from constantly solving IT issues to working on real business problems. Little wonder that it’s known for fostering innovation and growth.
Moreover, integration with Microsoft 365 makes it easier for employees to collaborate and leverage the full power of the software’s capabilities. Once all its enabling features are taken into account, SAP on Azure comes out tops for cloud integration.
IBM Cloud Pak for Integration
IBM believes that the future is more about connecting applications on the cloud than it is about writing code. Their platform is an efficient and high-speed solution that has some of the most powerful tools and features for integrating SAP into the cloud.
The IBM Cloud Integration solution incorporates AI, using repeatable formats and low-code tooling to make integration faster and easier. Operational data can be used to secure deep insights, making the transition to the cloud smoother and more efficient.
With IBM Cloud Pak, companies can enjoy the benefits of API management, event streaming, and application integration. Moreover, it facilitates fast transfers to make the integration process quicker than ever when looking to transition from SAP to the cloud.
On the whole, IBM Cloud Pak is another great way to integrate SAP into the cloud. And the innovative tools and solutions they offer makes it much easier for companies to thrive.
Jitterbit
Jitterbit provides Electronic Data Interchange to integrate back-end applications, ERP systems, and accounting. By trimming costs and eliminating tedious and redundant manual activities, Jitterbit greatly improves the user experience.
As an added benefit, Jitterbit offers specialized solutions for a variety of industries. These include, among others, retail and distribution, manufacturing, electronics and hi-tech, and the automotive industry.
Jitterbit also helps drive the integration process between your business and other systems. Even with the most complicated workflow, Jitterbit’s tools can integrate your data with Microsoft, Sage, Oracle, Intuit, and Epicor, as well as software such as Quickbooks.
Jitterbit offers diversity through cloud-based or on-premise integration. Moreover, it has a web-based dashboard populated with all the data and tools to track progress and transactions. As a further recommendation, Jitterbit is known for its superior customer support and quick response time.
SAP
The SAP Cloud Integration tool brings together data in both business-to-business and application-to-application scenarios. Furthermore, it connects data to multiple endpoints—from both SAP and non-SAP sources—while delivering data on-premise and on the cloud.
SAP’s pre-packaged integration content heightens project efficiency. As a result, your engineers will spend less time writing code and more time connecting applications effectively. As SAP Cloud can be customized for different landscapes, the transition is clearly much simpler.
Over and above these benefits, SAP gives you the option of integrating data in synchronous as well as asynchronous scenarios. It also supports reliable asynchronous messaging with the use of queuing mechanisms.
SAP’s diverse use cases range from supply chain management and procurement to optimizing asset maintenance and sales procedures. In addition, it can modernize core functions such as HR and Finance by improving workflow methods and procedures.
Dell Boomi
The Dell Boomi platform allows you to connect applications, devices, and data to hybrid multi-cloud systems—all with relative speed and ease. Boomi’s drag-and-drop interface, which includes several connectors, is a standout feature. On top of this, Boomi is user-friendly and has an attractive time-value proposition.
Other notable features of Boomi include operational intelligence and reusable formats that help save time and maximize efficiency. As such, errors can be kept to a minimum with intelligent integration mapping and configuration. Furthermore, Boomi helps balance your team’s productivity with templates, process libraries, and custom scripting.
This means that businesses can choose from a vast array of pre-built starter procedures, deploy integrations as suited to their needs, and then centrally manage all applications with the help of a cloud-hosted dashboard.
Boomi claims to deliver a significant ROI in just a three-year period, along with reducing the integration development time substantially. If you’re looking to integrate SAP on the cloud, Boomi is another good option to try.
Approyo’s SAP on Azure Service
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The cloud is more than just a data storage platform. In fact, cloud services are becoming indispensable because of their innovation and business intelligence features that drive growth.
However, selecting the right cloud integration platform can be confusing, as the industry is constantly evolving. SAP on Azure is a good choice due to the capabilities that Azure offers. It not only supplies the best benefits but is also quick, easy to transition, and efficient.
Transitioning to the cloud can present your business with substantial benefits. That’s why choosing the right platform with the right features is vital. SAP on Azure provides you with critical analytics, meaningful insights, predictive tools, and more. It’s also highly adaptive, secure, and reliable, and can increase your ROI thanks to its low operational costs. Moreover, the scalability and improved risk management that SAP on Azure brings will also give you an edge over your competitors.
An SAP management software is a platform that lets companies handle business processes in one integrated system. Data consistency, real-time information, better collaboration, and workflow efficiencies are but a few benefits of this platform. An SAP management software provider plays a valuable role in supporting companies through SAP implementations and migrations.
The key to avoiding the unexpected challenges of a complex endeavor is selecting the right SAP management software provider. However, this can be tricky, as there are many options out there. To help, this list ranks the top three providers for companies to consider as they begin their research.
What Is SAP Management Software
Systems, Applications, and Products (SAP) is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. ERP software is a centralized platform for managing a company’s operational functions such as accounting, sales, logistics, and human resources. Management software represents a big step forward in cross-functional collaboration within a company. The right management software provider can take any industry to a whole new level of efficiency.
Traditionally, business units operate as siloed functions that inhibit collaboration. For example, consider a sales representative who wants to know if a product is available. If the salesperson doesn’t have access to the appropriate system, they will need to contact someone in the inventory department for the information. However, with ERP software, the salesperson can directly access the inventory records to get the answers they need.
SAP management software simplifies data management. By combining operational data into one platform, the system becomes the single source of truth that supports all business functions. In addition, SAP software lets employees work more efficiently, as employees can quickly access the details they need without opening multiple systems. What’s more, SAP management software supports real-time data processing so leaders have the most up-to-date information when making decisions.
When it comes to an effective SAP management software provider, these three companies are the best in the industry:
1. IBM
In 1964, IBM introduced the first mainframe computer, the System/360, which was the start of modern-day ERP systems. The system allowed companies to consolidate their business functions and data into one platform. Since then, the management software provider has evolved from mainframe systems to business enablement consulting for enterprise customers.
IBM’s professional services division facilitates enterprise digital transformation with consulting on strategy, technology, and operations. The company has rebranded its services by consolidating its advisory, implementation, and application management functions under a new program called “BREAKTHROUGH with IBM for RISE with SAP.”
2. Approyo
Approyo is a full-service SAP management software provider and SAP cloud provider. Founder and CEO Christoper M. Carter started the company to support customers through consulting, solutions architecture, hosting, managed services, and SAP S/4 HANA migrations. The company focuses exclusively on SAP and is SAP-certified in SAP HANA operations.
Today’s competitive environment means businesses need to move faster than ever to keep up with the competition. Leaders need accurate, real-time information to make data-backed decisions. SAP HANA is an in-memory database that provides real-time data processing by allowing both transactional and analytical workloads to run simultaneously. This means operational tasks from users get processed for immediate reporting as soon as they happen. The system also uses machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze structured and unstructured data for robust reporting.
SAP S4/HANA is Generation 4 of the SAP business suite, which was designed to run on SAP HANA. SAP S4/HANA integrates operational business functions into one real-time processing suite. The tool streamlines operations by combining the operating system, database, and user interface into a single technology stack.
In addition, although the company offers managed hosting, Approyo can support SAP deployments to Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS provides multiple EC2 instances, production-ready SAP environments, and pre-configured SAP environments.
The company also supports deployments on Azure. With Azure, companies get an inventory of services for functions such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Azure also provides security tools such as Azure Security Center and Azure Active Directory.
Approyo believes in making SAP accessible to clients through simple, user-friendly tools such as AI-based monitoring.
3. Deloitte
Deloitte is an SAP management software provider that performs SAP implementations, integrations, and strategy development for enterprise clients. The firm provides on-premise and cloud-based HANA deployments, along with pre-configured HANA solutions.
The Enterprise Transformation team at Deloitte works with customers to modernize and streamline operational functions such as supply chain and customer relationship management (CRM). The Cloud Transformation team empowers clients to deploy SAP in the cloud or as a hybrid deployment. And the Digital Transformation division helps companies integrate advanced technology such as machine learning, the Internet of Things, and robotic process automation.
Avoid SAP Management Mistakes With Approyo
SAP projects have a lot of moving parts. Documenting business processes, project planning and task sequencing, data migrations and testing—it all makes for a complex endeavor. However, working with an SAP management software provider removes these complexities and minimizes risks.
Approyo has the expertise to implement, migrate, and manage SAP solutions to help companies realize the full benefits of this advanced integrated platform. As a leader in SAP managed solutions, Approyo provides custom solutions to help businesses get the most out of their SAP investment. Reach out today for more information.
When it comes to enterprise software support, many businesses continue to depend on their original vendor for maintenance services. However, how beneficial are these agreements to business innovation and return on investment? Do they really offer you the support your enterprise needs? With the costs of maintenance contracts and software upgrades quickly escalating, many companies are now seeking SAP support from third-party vendors.
Independent service providers offer expert support at more affordable rates than the software vendors themselves. What’s more, third-party providers give companies greater control over their own technology and strategic roadmap. Working with an independent partner is critical for cutting expenses, getting top-notch support, and planning for future modernization and growth.
1. Third-Party SAP Support Saves You Money and Time
Support agreements entitle businesses to receive operational assistance, fixes, patches, and minor updates when needed. But how do you avoid spending more than really necessary, or even cut down on what you currently pay your software vendor?
First, think about how often you need SAP support for your locally installed apps. Then consider how reliable that service is, and whether it justifies what you’re paying every year for licensing.
Software support licenses are automatically renewed on an annual basis. However, five years is typically the maximum. When this time is up, software users may opt for an extension of that support—typically limited to a couple of years. Thereafter, you’ll need to upgrade to qualify for vendor assistance.
SAP recently announced a 3.3% rate increase for support agreements. For some companies, the input they receive doesn’t warrant the costs. Further, upgrading can be disruptive as well as expensive. However, simply opting out leaves you with no help for updates, patches, or support for custom code. As a result, many businesses are switching to independent providers to manage their existing software needs.
Third-party SAP support allows businesses to continue using their legacy platforms without compromising efficiency and productivity. Providers can also contribute toward managing IT infrastructure—the backbone of your SAP solution—by ensuring maximum uptime and availability. By making full use of independent service providers, IT concerns are minimized and internal staff can focus on higher-priority strategic items. In addition, your annual software support budget will be dramatically reduced.
2. Extending Beyond the Vendor Scope of Support
Third-party SAP support helps IT departments handle the constant demands of innovation and digital transformation. As many of these developments happen outside the central SAP infrastructure, the spotlight is currently on independent providers to supply solutions and manage complex tasks that are beyond the standard scope of the SAP support agreement.
Technology and Business Support
Independent software support vendors offer around-the-clock security services. This includes threat detection and response, endpoint security of network devices, patching vulnerabilities, and predictive analytics to catch problems before they arise.
Disasters such as floods, fires, technological failures, power outages, or cyberattacks disrupt normal business operations. The impact of interrupted service can have a devastating impact on revenue—not to mention reputational damage. As such, the support of an experienced independent vendor is essential.
Third-party software support ensures the correct infrastructure is in place to safeguard against disasters and minimize downtime. As more companies move to the cloud, it is becoming increasingly important to have a partner that can support these migrations. A best-in-class provider has experience in creating cloud strategies for SAP implementation. In addition, they’re able to offer application hosting on popular cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS.
Navigating software migration is a complex process for any business. Support vendors have procedures and best practices in place to guide these requirements. Third-party vendors can also help in managing the constantly evolving regulatory and compliance environment.
3. Better Control Over Your Long-Term IT Strategy and Solutions
IT executives are under pressure to innovate and prioritize digital transformation through cloud migrations. However, aligning your company’s business plan with these goals requires a detailed plan of action.
When you’re focused on developing a long-term strategy, it’s unlikely that the software vendors’ roadmap will sync with your business roadmap. In addition, adopting their strategic plan is rarely a good idea for most companies. Why? Because their SAP support plan involves upgrades, new modules, or even a complete software overhaul—all of which could disrupt your company’s operations. Given these outcomes, many businesses feel pressured to follow the vendor’s roadmap or risk losing support.
Independent support providers can relieve this pressure by helping to bridge the gap between the software vendor’s roadmap and your business goals. With third-party support, it’s possible to develop a business plan that gives companies greater control over their IT strategy while also considering their future SAP needs.
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Your Expert Third-Party SAP Support Solutions Provider
Key metrics from 2021 indicate that companies spend up to 90% of their IT budgets on ongoing operational expenditures and enhancements. This leaves a mere 10% to invest in innovation. Working with third-party software support allows companies to reduce those costs, releasing funds to be reinvested into the business.
With an independent provider on your team, you’ll get more comprehensive software services support than you would from your original SAP provider. And not only that. A third-party support vendor also helps in formulating a strategy that balances your company’s objectives with technological requirements focused on you and not the SW.
When looking for SAP support, it’s important to choose a provider like Approyo, with extensive experience and notable expertise in the field. Approyo operates certified SAP environments, has scalable and reliable systems, and deploys a team of global experts to handle all your SAP support needs.
Research shows Approyo provides full SAP service technology with extensive capabilities in hosting and managed services, upgrades, and migrations for customers, running any SAP-supported core functionality. Look into how they can help optimize your software support environment. Contact one of their SAP support experts today.
SAP has been around for more than four decades, helping businesses both big and small oversee the performance of mission-critical tasks. It has become an invaluable part of business operations. In fact, the global SAP cloud platform industry is expected to grow by over 30% to reach an estimated $7 billion by 2032. And yet, troubleshooting in SAP is still quite inadequate. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses to find the right SAP monitoring tools to track performance.
Having a slow or inefficient SAP application can ultimately affect revenue. Since it uses various layers like HANA, Java stack, and more, it’s vital to monitor all aspects to ensure in-depth visibility and accurate diagnosis. It can save a lot of time and a considerable amount of revenue as well.
SAP monitoring tools can help industries automate the most delicate parts of their business—even the ones prone to human error. Tasks such as tracking manual changes, generating manual SLR reports, and annual auditing take a huge amount of time and are susceptible to slip-ups. An effective monitoring tool can solve these issues.
What to Look For When Choosing the Right SAP Monitoring Tools
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With the number of SAP monitoring tools available on the market, it can be confusing to know what to look for. Some only monitor a particular type of system, while others provide limited functionality. The best tools are the ones that are user-friendly and support all the necessary features critical to a business. They should also be able to handle full-stack end-to-end monitoring along with quick report generation and faster response time.
An objective way of comparing features is to look at each tool’s strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a complete checklist of the things to consider when evaluating SAP monitoring tools:
1. Easy to Use and Maintain
Time is money, and any tool that makes business operations efficient and saves time is worth considering. This includes how much time, skills, effort, and overall resources are needed to install, maintain, and deploy the tool.
Another important aspect of choosing an SAP monitoring tool is knowing the infrastructure requirements, whether it’s on the cloud or on-site, agent or agentless. Business owners should choose the one best suited for their business needs.
2. Reliable Analysis and Data Collection
Another key point to consider when evaluating SAP monitoring tools is the analysis method it uses and how efficiently and reliably it can collect the data. These methods can include agents, native calls, APIs, and web services. Moreover, a tool that can self-monitor data collection will be useful as well.
3. Monitoring Options
This is probably the most important metric for choosing the best possible tool. Monitoring options include things like infrastructure monitoring, network monitoring, container monitoring, application performance monitoring, cloud monitoring, and more. These options give complete control over the SAP model and save businesses a lot of time.
4. Recovery Options
When it comes to updating systems and upgrading infrastructure, having a recovery option is crucial in the uneventful case of a system crash. The biggest indicators of a good recovery option are how easy it is to run commands and scripts at the time of need and whether the recovery options work across platforms.
5. Capable of Process Automation
Automation makes SAP monitoring easier. Look for features such as automating IT operation checklists and workflows.
6. Delivery Reports
Finally, check the reporting features. Having automated and customized reports are necessary to gain timely insights. Look at whether the reports are static or dynamic and whether they can be filtered further to present valuable data.
Good SAP monitoring tools will have report scheduling, automation, and other features like the ability to download the report for deep analysis.
The Best SAP Monitoring Tools
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Using the above criteria, here are the three best SAP monitoring tools available today:
1. Approyo
Approyo’s Overwatch is an intelligent enterprise monitoring system that helps with SAP management. It also monitors complex tasks to make sure a business reaches its desired success. Overwatch can help businesses gain complete control over IT infrastructures like cloud applications, servers, networks, and more. In addition, there are features like predictive analysis and application monitoring to help businesses monitor SAP without sacrificing any important features.
What sets Approyo’s Overwatch apart from others are the powerful automation tools that help manage all the valuable aspects of SAP easily and efficiently. It provides advanced hosting and managed services, along with more than 500 SAP environments. Businesses can receive support for everything from production landscapes to migrations onto SAP S/4 HANA.
2. DynaTrace
DynaTrace simplifies the cloud complexity and manages SAP with several useful features. It also adopts artificial intelligence across full-stack to deliver a secure digital experience.
The user experience, however, is not that good. The initialization process is complicated, and it takes a lot of time to both setup and provide transactions. In other words, setting up can be difficult, especially for beginners who aren’t trained for it.
3. Avantra
Avantra is an automated SAP monitoring tool that focuses on intelligent automation. The tool’s user experience is great, and the advanced reporting functionality is very beneficial for companies. Moreover, Avantra also provides graphs, which make it easier for companies to get complete control over each aspect of SAP.
On the other hand, when it comes to the notifications that Avantra provides, they are usually hard to understand and can get cluttered easily. This makes troubleshooting quite difficult.
Which SAP Monitoring Tools Should Your Company Be Using?
The end goal for any company is to provide quality service to customers while remaining profitable. Monitoring SAP performance can generate valuable insights for a business.
SAP monitoring tools are quite important because they relieve employee stress, eliminate unnecessary manual work, provide valuable data, and save a ton of money for companies. Selecting the right tool is also essential to leverage growth.
The best solution for every business is an in-depth SAP monitoring tool that has multiple functionalities. Those in need of a tool that has all the necessary features for SAP success can check out Approyo today.
As businesses move from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud at ever-increasing rates, the current pace of cloud transformation seems near unstoppable. And the stats bear this out. The global digital transformation market—valued at $594.5 billion in 2022—is expected to reach $1,548.9 billion by 2027. That’s a CAGR of 21.1%.
Cloud computing is enabling businesses of all sizes to achieve economies of scale. But for some, the transformation process still appears daunting. In truth, without adequate preparation, the outcome of the move may not supply the desired results. Further, with inflation rising, is it going to be worth the cost and the effort involved?
This article looks at why prioritizing the digital transformation journey is key to achieving strategic goals and improving a company’s bottom line.
What is Cloud Transformation?
Cloud transformation refers to moving all of an organization’s data, applications, software, and IT infrastructure from local servers to the cloud. It’s not to be confused with cloud migration,which involves transferring only a portion of these assets to the cloud. Cloud transformation goes much deeper, and it can end up being quite a lengthy process.
Primarily, cloud transformation leverages the advanced capabilities of the cloud to support long-term business growth. This is a valuable tactic, which saves money, accelerates time-to-market, and streamlines business processes—among other benefits.
A successful transformation strategy goes beyond modernizing a company’s existing systems. Rather, the cloud-first approach offers a whole new way of running a business. This means any new service or application gets automatically deployed to the cloud. In addition to eliminating any additional work required to migrate the system later, it has the advantage of letting companies start using and gaining value from their new system right away.
Does Your Company Need Cloud Transformation?
There are tremendous opportunities in the cloud—especially considering the vast capabilities it provides. Though levels of utilization and transformation will likely vary across industries, cloud transformation is vital to ensuring that companies remain relevant in a competitive economy.
When evaluating whether this approach is beneficial, there are a couple of factors companies need to consider:
Manual processes slow business operations and eat away at the bottom line. By contrast, cloud computing provides tools to automate these procedures so that staff can focus on other priorities.
The speed at which companies release products impacts their success. Cloud transformation gives developers tools to help automate and speed up product releases and new features.
The Benefits of Cloud Transformation
Cloud transformation is more than the latest technology. It’s a strategy that allows companies to operate a more streamlined and efficient business workflow. One that sets them up for success. Using this approach gives organizations several advantages, explored in more depth here:
Enhanced Scalability and Business Agility
With companies in a race for the top spot, they need access to technology and enabling resources immediately. Running their operations via cloud computing helps businesses add and remove services on demand—securing resources in minutes rather than days. Cloud computing also lets firms take advantage of the rapid release of new features using DevOps processes, meaning they can automate the build and release cycle.
Modernize Legacy Systems
Legacy systems such as System Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP) still play a role in many organizations. As such, companies must continue to support their capabilities. This scenario can be dealt with in several ways—two that are common to cloud migration planning.
First, using cloud technology can help companies rewrite the entire system. Unfortunately, many legacy systems were written using outdated coding languages. Thus, finding resources with these specific skills can be a challenge. Moreover, most businesses consider it too time-consuming and costly to rewrite the system.
The second option is to take advantage of system integration tools to connect legacy apps to other systems in the cloud. With this approach, companies keep the core functionality of the legacy while still being able to take advantage of some of the cloud’s newer features.
Improved Disaster Recovery and Data Backup
Using cloud technology for information storage lets companies put their data in a safe, offsite location. The immediate benefit here is cost-related, as storing data in the cloud is cheaper than buying equipment to back it up onsite. And, with on-demand provisioning, storage space can easily scale as needed.
Service interruptions lead to lost revenue. However, a proper disaster recovery option can help a business recover their data quickly. With an offsite backup strategy, there’s no delay in accessing the data to get operations back online—fast.
Better Reliability
Clouds are designed in a way that distributes workloads across multiple servers and geographic locations. That way, businesses aren’t relying on one server. The result is near 100% reliability in running their systems.
Cloud Transformation: Does it Matter to Your Bottom Line?
Cloud computing enables companies to modernize business processes to make them more efficient. This means lower labor costs. Moreover, it helps to accelerate time-to-market and release products to customers quicker than their competitors. The result is a first-mover advantage—that is, the company captures revenue before competitors catch up.
As cloud resources such as computing power and storage are charged on a pay-per-use model, companies only pay when they use those resources. In addition, software licensing is more affordable in cloud computing. Instead of purchasing bulk licenses, companies are able to add or remove licenses as they grow. This new operating model also saves on infrastructure costs. There’s no need to purchase equipment as the cloud provider already owns and manages the infrastructure.
Lastly, cloud transformation gives businesses advanced tools to innovate. The process of innovation fuels new products and even new markets, translating to higher growth rates for the organization.
Optimize Cloud Transformation Strategies With Approyo
Cloud transformation is a valuable business strategy that helps companies to compete in today’s digital-first environment. With this approach, companies can use advanced technology to improve agility, modernize outdated systems and processes, and achieve first-mover advantage. These benefits positively impact the bottom line and help companies reach their long-term goals.
Approyo is a full SAP service technology company with extensive capabilities in cloud transformation strategies. Their team of experts has decades of experience helping companies achieve more through cloud computing. Reach out to Approyo to find out more.
You may have heard of a new type of network that’s been touted as the future of the internet. The virtual cloud network (VCN) works privately anywhere on the internet, eliminating the constraints of on-premises networks. In fact, operating a VCN is like having both your own network for cloud computing and on-premises computing.
The VCN gives you freedom as well as control. You can use your own private and public IP addresses, modify routing tables and subnets, and employ sophisticated firewalls. The technology combines security and speed to handle modern demands.
Approyo is the leading full SAP service provider. Thanks to their expertise in cloud solutions, they can assist you with virtual cloud networks as well as public and private cloud deployments.
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What is a Virtual Cloud Network (VCN)?
A virtual cloud network is a method of connecting IT resources that extend throughout the internet rather than only in a limited area. You essentially have a private network that encompasses hardware and software—anywhere!
Virtualization means the network is no longer defined by a physical space, such as a data center. Thus, VCNs are virtual in the sense that they use software instead of hardware to delineate the network. This allows the network to spread across the cloud, yet you retain control over resources within the network.
A virtual cloud network requires far less tangible equipment than a conventional one because network-related activities are handled via software. For your organization’s users, it’s as if they’re on the network—regardless of whether they connect from work, home, or anywhere else. Should you want to keep specific resources apart, you can also use multiple separate VCNs. For example, creating different networks for different departments.
The types of resources you’ll find on a virtual cloud network include servers and virtual machines (VMs). The virtual network functions much like a conventional network, except that it’s in the cloud. This makes it far faster and easier to add capacity: you simply provision new resources.
How Does a Virtual Cloud Network Work?
A virtual cloud network comprises a mix of the public cloud and the private cloud. While a public cloud normally rents out the provider’s hardware and services to many clients, a private cloud serves a single organization. The VCN works by using public cloud resources but blocking off a subnet for each client’s exclusive use.
As an example, suppose that a large public cloud provider offers customers a virtual cloud network service. Although the service runs over the provider’s public cloud infrastructure, the company separates an IP subnet for each customer. Therefore, a rented subnet appears as your own private cloud.
Instead of wiring together a traditional network, a VCN uses software to achieve connectivity. The software does the equivalent of routers and switches, creating a digital network that runs on top of the physical network.
With a virtual cloud network, you can connect laptops and desktops—as well as internet of things (IoT) devices—from any location. Another advantage is being able to connect an entire physical network that you already run, such as the network in your offices, to the VCN. It’s like having a private office network with a global reach.
The Benefits of a Virtual Cloud Network
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A virtual cloud network offers numerous benefits, ranging from performance to cost. Generally, VCNs are known to provide superior connectivity compared with traditional networks. You can drastically decrease the amount of cabling and hardware you manage while also extending your network’s scope.
In addition, virtual cloud networks are simpler to manage. This is because you’re able to control all your physical networks, no matter how remote, from a single location. For instance, you could automatically update devices on some or all parts of your network—as well as test the security of any hardware and software—from a central office.
The lower costs of a virtual cloud network stem in part from its centralized network management. Instead of having to send people to fix problems in different places, you can solve everything from a single place.
Because you can easily reconfigure and reroute your network, it becomes more flexible. The software gives you complete control. That’s a huge advantage over physical networks, which are costly to restructure, even when it’s feasible. Moreover, it’s much faster and less expensive to expand a VCN because it’s done via the software.
VCN and Cloud Transformation: Why It Matters
With an ever-increasing number of companies moving their IT resources to the cloud, virtual cloud networks have a lot to contribute. Using your own high-speed, low-cost VCN improves agility. Your applications will run better, thus supporting your organization’s overall performance.
Virtual cloud networks encourage organizations to innovate and out-compete. Customers nowadays expect quicker and better services, as well as additional security, and the pressure is on to move to the cloud. VCNs are an integral part of this transition.
Virtual cloud networks offer a solid base by making the cloud a “home” for your organization. They provide widespread access to computing resources with the necessary speed and security. Defining networks in software offers precisely the flexibility that cloud transformation demands.
Upgrade Your Cloud Network with Approyo
A virtual cloud network, or VCN, is a new type of network that’s quickly gaining prominence. It uses public cloud resources to deliver the functionality of your own private network. By utilizing the breadth of the internet rather than just your local facilities, you’ll enjoy the performance and cost benefits of scale.
The use of virtual cloud networks is expanding, as more organizations choose the twin advantages of control and adaptability. Indeed, VCN technology is becoming an integral part of the cloud transformation process for many companies.
When you’re making the move to a virtual cloud network, it helps to work with an experienced IT service provider. Approyo has decades of experience supporting companies with their IT needs—including more than 1,000 SAP environments under management. Tell Approyo about your requirements and they’ll work to deliver a top-notch solution!
