Factors of Cloud Solutions Choice for ERP-Systems of Industrial Enterprises.

Abstract

The article is devoted to consideration of the factors on the basis of which industrial enterprises can make a choice to ensure success in implementing cloud solutions of enterprise resource planning systems (ERP-systems). The following main factors were considered: the cost of cloud technologies for most enterprises, expressed as a percentage of annual income; ERP project implementation time in months; most popular software vendors; ERP-systems deployment options - local and cloud. Numerical data on the selection factors for a large number of respondent enterprises in 2018 are given. It is shown that the choice of the cloud implementation of ERP systems should be considered the main trend. The technological prospects were analyzed for the implementation of cloud ERP-systems, as well as the benefits that companies receive from such an implementation. The following benefits were considered: better business analytics, fast implementation, high usability, the ability to focus on core competencies, cost savings and data security. It was noted that the creation of a business case, performance indicators and benefits realization plan helps with the definition and measurement of the success of the enterprise, recording both pain points and opportunities for improving business efficiency. Another advantage is the establishment of responsibility for the benefits achieved and the management of expectations. The introduction of cloud ERP-system entails significant risk. To reduce the risk, the choice of the cloud solution of an ERP system by an industrial enterprise should be based on an understanding of the interaction of its business strategy and IT strategy. It is concluded that the best choice for an industrial enterprise will depend on its organizational structure and business strategy. The benefits for which the ERP technology is being implemented will depend on the execution of the project before, during and after its implementation.