Myth Busters: Data Insecurity on Cloud

“Sure an ERP system is great, but is my data safe on the cloud?”

Due to common misconceptions, and with wide spread myths about cloud storage some companies remain hesitant to move forward into the future.

The cloud enables greater transparency and accessibility, rapid deployment of the software across the company and seamless scaling of business functions to meet market changes. There have been a number of high profile attacks on company data in the past year, a case in point being Sony. These stories are bound to make some hesitant about switching to the cloud.
These are the top buyer misconceptions when it comes to cloud ERP system:

1. Cloud data is more prone to attack

An ERP vendor has more expertise on data security than the average enterprise engaging its services. The physical location of the server, be it on company premises or within a cloud provider’s data center, has little relevance on the server’s potential vulnerability. The data’s security relies less on the physical location of the server and more on the security measures implemented by the center. Companies with on premise ERP have the added responsibility of maintaining its server’s security and maintenance. The generally superior to that of the average enterprise. Thus purely in terms of data security, the cloud system is the better option for most small and medium sized enterprises.

2. Data Residency Control

Many countries have regulations that restrict personal or sensitive data to be exported or stored in a different country. Companies that fear that their data and records may be outsourced without their consent can rest east knowing that there are legislative restrictions to prevent that. By choosing a reputable and reliable ERP vendor who is transparent about the internal and external policies governing the relationship, the firms can be assured that their data is in reliable hands and rest easy.

3. Rival firms with the same vendor can hack and sabotage

A persistent but unfounded concern is that a cloud based system that houses the data of multiple firms is inherently more susceptible to data hacks, leaks and attacks. In a cloud system, firms share a pool of network and storage resources, which brings about this fear, because in the business world, sharing is not about caring. Firms can be assured that the cloud providers segment and secure the servers and resources in such a way that essentially each company’s data is in their own private space, completely detached and inaccessible for others.

4. No Cloud, No Worries!
A firm that has not opted for a cloud ERP system may smugly assume that it is safer. “My data is not stored on the cloud, it is stored on my own computer. I am completely safe!” But if the computers are connected to the internet, the firm is already on the cloud. Given that most, if not all, companies are connected to the internet, no company is perfectly safe from attacks and data theft.
5. Data security is the sole responsibility of the Cloud Provider
The cloud ERP vendor does manage the network security and associated tasks for the firm. However, to rely solely on the vendor for all aspects of data security is a massive folly. Internal data management and confidentiality policies, password policies, employee accessibility, user management and security training of employees are equally, if not more, important when it comes to maintaining data integrity and safety.
There are several reasons to choose a cloud based solution for your business needs. Lower costs, greater accessibility and flexibility are some of the many reasons that firms are increasingly opting for cloud-based ERP. The common myths and misconceptions regarding data security on the cloud are more fiction than fact. Enterprises looking for a suitable ERP system can be rest assured that the cloud options are safe.

Contributor : Vidushi

 

SOFTWARE VS. SYSTEM

A piece of a larger puzzle

The terms ‘accounting software’ and ‘ERP’ are often used interchangeably, but there is a vast difference among the two. The casual interchangeability in the usage of the two terms has caused confusion among some SMEs about what is the exact difference between the software and the system. The confusion between the two may have risen as companies that offered accounting software added more features and modules overtime and expanded into full ERP solution providers.

The accounting software that companies used previously dealt solely with financial transactions. The sales of goods, purchase of materials and order tracking were the main features of software solution. Accounting softwares include accounting information such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, trial balances etc. Other frequently bundled functions include billing, expenses, time sheets and sales and purchase orders.

Enterprise resource planning systems encompasses a much broader area and address more business functions. The ERP package covers functions beyond accounting and also factors in qualitative and intangible data. Production planning, ordering, customer relationship management, warehousing, inventory tracking, business intelligence business analytics are comprised within the ERP package. An organization with a fully implemented ERP has greater integration of data and information, better intra-organizational communication and streamlined processes. ERP systems allow a more in-depth view of each function of the organization. Thus ERP results greater transparency and control and by providing real time automatic reports it allows managers to make quick and correct business decisions.

Let’s take the ExpandERP system as an example which offers accounting solutions with financial management, budgeting, receipts and payments included. The package offers much more with customer relationship management, export, procurement and business intelligence modules as well. The entire system integrates and combines the data and with its business intelligence can help predict future profits and losses, lower cost of production by increasing purchase order efficiency, lower operational costs and over time boost the company’s growth.

An accounting software is a part of the ERP package. One can view the accounting solution as a part of the larger jigsaw puzzle that is ERP. While the system would be incomplete without the accounting part, it consists of far more parts that are combined together to form the big integrated ERP picture. Enterprise resource planning offers more than just financial book-keeping and delves into making the whole companies processes as streamlined and efficient as possible. Though the accounting and financial management module is one of the most integral part of the ERP package, its functionalities go far beyond.



Contributor : Vidushi