Switching From On-Prem To Cloud? How To Migrate With Ease

On-premise Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), or "on-prem," is similar to the computer on your desk. It's tangible, and you control it. 

For school districts and nonprofits, keeping their IT infrastructure on-site enables them to maintain a tight grip on their assets and infrastructure.

Unfortunately, maintaining, securing, and updating this physical infrastructure is burdensome. 

The responsibility rests entirely with the organization, demanding considerable time, money, and human resources. Migrating to cloud-based services can alleviate these burdens, though it may raise concerns about job security among IT staff. Nonetheless, the cloud migration doesn't reduce the need for IT professionals but instead refocuses their roles on more strategic, value-adding activities.
The shift toward the cloud is underscored by data from Synergy Research, which shows a dramatic decrease in the reliance on on-prem solutions—from holding 60% of IT capacity in 2017 to a projected 30% by 2027. This trend not only indicates a switch to cloud computing but also marks a new era of efficiency and innovation for organizations ready to embrace it.

On-Prem Versus Cloud Migration? 5 Key Benefits To Migrating

Many of Sparkrock 365's legacy clients, particularly those managing significant budgets like large school boards, exhibit a strong preference for on-prem ERP solutions. Their argument is straightforward: if they own it, they control it. But this comes at a cost—literally. Purchasing and maintaining servers and worrying about security are all resource-intensive tasks.

To get the maximum benefits of Sparkrock 365's Enterprise Resource Planning solution, companies must switch and migrate to the cloud.

Migrating from on-premises ERP to cloud-based ERP brings benefits to organizations. 

Here's a breakdown of 5 key advantages:

1. Streamlined Updates

Migrating to Sparkrock 365 cloud ERP facilitates a smoother transition for system updates. Unlike on-premise solutions that may require infrequent and cumbersome updates, Sparkrock 365 allows for updates to be accepted when the organization is ready, ensuring no workforce interruption, leading to more efficient system management and less downtime for users.

2. Continuous Innovation

With Sparkrock 365, organizations can access the latest updates, best-in-class applications, and intelligent cloud services. This approach ensures continuous innovation. On-premise solutions struggle when new product features are no longer supported after a certain point, leaving the system antiquated.

3. Enhanced Security

While on-premise solutions rely on in-house security management, which increases vulnerability, Sparkrock 365 offers enhanced security managed by a team of industry-leading experts. This level of professional security management can offer a more robust defense against cyber threats and data breaches.

4. Improved Integration

Sparkrock 365 provides access to the Dynamics 365 ecosystem of applications and APIs, which enables seamless integration across various systems. This interconnectedness is a significant upgrade over on-premise systems that may consist of disparate systems unable to communicate with one another, leading to silos of information.

5. Cost-Effective and Scalable Investment

Shifting to Sparkrock 365 changes the investment from a resource-heavy model with manual reconciliations to one with predictable operational costs. The scalability of the cloud allows for adjustments up or down based on organizational needs, which can be a significant advantage for managing financial resources effectively.

Leverage More Advantages: A Strategic Approach to Cloud Migration

Acknowledging these five key benefits, it becomes evident that migrating from on-prem to Sparkrock 365 cloud ERP isn't just a strategic move—it's essential for maintaining competitive edge and operational efficiency. However, recognizing the advantages is only the first step. The real success lies in executing the migration with precision and foresight. 

How do you ensure that your transition to the cloud is as smooth as possible, with minimal disruption to your daily operations?

How To Migrate Your On-Prem ERP To A Cloud-Based ERP

• Understand Your Current System: Before you begin the migration process, you need to consider the minutiae of your current software.

• Identify your most frequently used features: What gives you the most headaches about your current program? For many of our ERP users who've completed the migration process, their most pressing issue was the downtime and disruption migration causes. Understanding your current system will help you identify your needs in a cloud-based ERP system.

• Choose the Right Vendor: Not all cloud vendors are created equal. When choosing an ERP, assess their ability to integrate with your existing infrastructure. Make sure they provide excellent customer support, data security, and compliance. Most organizations hesitate to make the switch because they fear data loss. With exceptional customer support to guide migration, companies get the reassurance they need that their data is safe and secure.

• Assess Your Data: Migrating your data is one of the most critical aspects of cloud migration. The data must be clean, organized, and backed up. Assess the quality of your data before transferring it to the cloud. Consider using data migration tools, like Sparkrock 365's Upgrade Toolkit, to make the process smoother.

• Plan the Migration Process: Create a plan that outlines the necessary steps for migration. A well-defined plan ensures a smooth transition. Once you have implemented your cloud-based ERP, have a plan for testing and monitoring the new system.

• Train Your Employees: Cloud migration will require a learning curve for your employees. Provide training to ensure they understand the new system. Investing in employee training will increase the adoption rate and ensure a successful migration.

• Leverage Cloud-Based Capabilities: A cloud-based ERP system offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility. Leverage the benefits of the cloud using automated reporting, mobile access, and real-time updates. These capabilities will streamline your workflow and save time, making your business more efficient.

• Continuously Improve: Cloud migration is not a one-time effort. It's essential to evaluate and improve your systems continuously. Take advantage of technology upgrades and advancements that your cloud vendor offers, which should demonstrate reliable and swift upgrades.  Continuously improving your processes will help you stay competitive in today's market.

Embrace Cloud ERP For Better Data Management And Scalability

Migrating to a cloud-based ERP solution is an endeavor. But with a competent provider, it can yield great benefits, including security, scalability, and agility. Following the steps outlined, your HR and finance teams can transition to the cloud smoothly and without hassle. Sparkrock 365 provides not just the tools but also the expertise to ensure your migration is successful.

That’s because Sparkrock 365 not only equips you with cutting-edge tools but also brings a wealth of expertise to ensure a seamless migration experience (and minimal downtime). To deepen your understanding and prepare for your cloud journey, explore our comprehensive webinar on effective cloud migration strategies. Unlock the full potential of your organization with the insights and guidance provided by our cloud experts.

Join us and pave the way for smarter data management and scalable growth with Sparkrock 365.