On-premise or cloud? Many SME decision-makers face this question when choosing an ERP path. And along the way, they encounter numerous myths – both about the cloud in general and cloud-based ERP systems in particular.
The cloud is expensive? Standard solutions lack flexibility? It’s not that simple. In fact, cloud-based ERPs offer SMEs great potential – especially in industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as chemicals, food and beverages, or cosmetics. This blog post debunks the four most common myths about cloud ERPs.
Myth 1: Cloud ERPs Are Expensive
True, unlike a one-off licence purchase for an on-premise ERP, SAP Cloud ERP works on a subscription model – meaning ongoing costs apply. However, what many businesses overlook is this: on-premise ERPs (or in-house solutions) also generate costs. For example, when an update causes downtime, employees can’t work. Or when a migration is due, new servers and hardware are needed, and substantial internal resources are tied up.
A cloud-based ERP, on the other hand, is always up to date. It requires no internal programming effort and scales flexibly as the business grows. SMEs should keep these factors in mind when weighing up cloud versus on-premise.
Myth 2: The Cloud Limits Flexibility
SAP Cloud ERP draws on best practices from SMEs and translates them into proven process standards. “Customisation is possible to a certain extent – for example via add-ons – and we at PART are happy to support our clients with that,” explains Felix Lill, Head of Sales at PART. “At the same time, we recommend that companies embrace these standardised processes, as they can benefit greatly from them. Output increases, they can produce more, and fewer people are needed at the screen.”
Myth 3: Implementing a Cloud ERP Is Complex and Time-Consuming
It’s true that switching to SAP Cloud ERP often involves adjusting internal processes, says Lill: “This can certainly feel challenging at first – but we accompany our clients throughout the entire process. Experience shows that new processes settle quickly, and companies soon start seeing the benefits.”
A key concern for many SMEs is data migration – how to transfer data from the old to the new ERP system. “We provide dedicated tools for this, and many clients are surprised by how quickly and smoothly the master data transfer works in practice,” Lill adds.
Myth 4: We Lose Control of Our Data in the Cloud
This myth firmly belongs in the realm of fiction. SAP Cloud ERP is like a digital high-security vault. Data is stored in Germany or within the EU, hosted in ISO 27001-certified data centres. In addition, a sophisticated access and encryption mechanism ensures maximum protection. “In many medium-sized companies, IT security rests on the shoulders of just one or two people. At SAP, a large team of specialists takes care of it – and that’s a huge advantage for SMEs,” concludes Lill.
Less Complexity, More Future: Move to SAP Cloud ERP with PART
As a certified SAP partner with over 30 years of experience working with medium-sized companies – especially in the process industry – PART supports businesses in making the move to SAP Cloud ERP quickly, securely, and in a structured way.
Our five-phase process guides you step by step – from strategy and process modelling through to implementation, go-live, and continuous optimisation. With SAP Cloud ERP, you benefit from greater efficiency, flexibility, and long-term security – with transparent costs and minimal risk.
Turn your cloud-based ERP system into a driver of innovation and sustainable growth. Learn more about how the transition to the cloud works in our whitepaper "How to Successfully Transition to SAP Cloud ERP: The SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud for the Process Industry".
Have questions or want personalised advice? Book an appointment with us today.