--- title: 5 Signs Small & Medium-Sized Manufacturers Need Cloud ERP description: Here are the signs that your small or medium manufacturing business needs cloud ERP. image: https://www.visualsouth.com/hubfs/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing.png --- [![Visual South](https://www.visualsouth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VisualSouthLOGOvector3015%20175w.png?width=175&height=88&name=VisualSouthLOGOvector3015%20175w.png "Visual South")](https://www.visualsouth.com/) [![Free Consultation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2623780/3beafe61-57b9-446b-8079-719c3dce1e3a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2623780/3beafe61-57b9-446b-8079-719c3dce1e3a) ![Fotolia_143852246_XXL.jpg](https://www.visualsouth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fotolia_143852246_XXL.jpg?width=1688&name=Fotolia_143852246_XXL.jpg "Fotolia_143852246_XXL.jpg") # Visual South Insights This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # [5 Signs Small & Medium-Sized Manufacturers Need Cloud ERP](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing) 8/7/24 10:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### ![5 Signs Small & Medium-Sized Manufacturers Need Cloud ERP](https://www.visualsouth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing.png?width=700&height=300&name=cloud-erp-for-manufacturing.png) Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often grapple with resource constraints and operational challenges that can impede growth and efficiency. In the manufacturing industry, cloud ERP solutions offer a way to overcome these hurdles by streamlining processes and enhancing flexibility. Here are some key signs that your SMB might benefit from cloud ERP manufacturing software: ## 1. Server and hardware costs are too high Implementing a cloud ERP for manufacturing allows SMBs to concentrate their resources on core business activities rather than IT infrastructure. Benefits include: 1. **No server hardware purchases or maintenance**: Eliminate the need for expensive server hardware and the ongoing maintenance costs associated with it. Server costs can be in excess of $50,000 with the virtualized servers required by a modern ERP. 2. **No database and operating system costs**: Avoid the annual costs of purchasing and maintaining databases and operating systems. SQL Server licenses can be significant and compatibility issues can arise as well. 3. **Simplified client requirements**: Rely only a browser with a true cloud application, unlike on-premise software that requires specific client hardware specifications. It is costly from both a hardware perspective as well as ongoing maintenance to ensure updates and patches are applied to each client. ## 2. System updates are slow and maintenance is subpar A significant benefit of cloud ERP manufacturing software is the elimination of upgrade hassles: - **No upgrades required**: True SaaS applications ensure you’re always on the latest version, accessing the newest functionalities without the burden of manual upgrades. - **Disaster recovery and backups**: These are managed by the ERP provider, freeing your internal IT resources and ensuring high availability and data security. ## 3. Remote work capabilities aren’t supported Many manufacturers now have hybrid workforces, with significant remote components. Cloud ERP systems support this by: - **Facilitating remote access**: Employees can access the ERP from anywhere, eliminating the need for complex and costly remote desktop setups. - **Improving security**: Cloud providers like AWS often offer better security than local networks, reducing the risk of ransomware attacks. ## 4. Business scalability is limited Cloud ERP systems are perfect for growing businesses as they allow for easy addition of new users, warehouses, or locations. This scalability is crucial for: - **Supporting manufacturing expansion**: Adding new sites or expanding operations is seamless with cloud ERP. - **Providing a comprehensive solution**: Systems like [Infor CloudSuite ERP](https://www.visualsouth.com/cloudsuite-industrial) offer bundled functionalities, providing a larger functional footprint and reducing the need for third-party add-ons. ## 5. Your company’s valuation should be higher - **Improving the company’s sale value:** Having a modern, cloud-based ERP can increase your company’s value, especially if you are looking to attract private equity investment. Modern ERP systems are often among the first upgrades PE groups implement. | **Why manufacturers might NOT want cloud ERP** While cloud ERP solutions offer numerous benefits, there are also valid situations in which some manufacturing SMBs may want on-premise: 1. **Security concerns**: Despite robust security measures, some businesses are wary of potential breaches and data loss in the cloud. 2. **Connectivity issues**: Cloud ERP requires a reliable internet connection. Any connectivity problems can disrupt access to the system, impacting productivity. 3. **Customization limitations**: Some cloud ERPs may not offer the level of customization that on-premise systems can, making it harder to tailor the software to specific business needs. | | --- |   For more insights into cloud ERP benefits and implementation, check out our other articles: - [Cloud ERP for Manufacturing](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-manufacturing) - [Cloud ERP Implementation](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-implementation) - [Future of Cloud ERP](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/future-of-cloud-erp) - [ERP Cloud vs. On-Premise](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/erp-cloud-vs-on-premise) - [Cloud ERP ROI](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-roi) - [Infor On-Premise ERP](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/infor-on-premise-erp) By carefully weighing these factors, SMBs can make a more informed decision about whether a cloud ERP solution aligns with their specific operational and financial requirements. For a more a free 30-minute consultation to discuss options for ERP deployment for your business please reach out for a [free consultation.](https://www.visualsouth.com/free-assessment?hsCtaTracking=aa3056bc-fcf1-4b7f-bc27-93166cc4336b%7C08f55332-a0a3-4724-8910-fb077da79baa) [![Prefer to talk?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2623780/2ba27004-d0a7-4095-84dc-38ddb489afe2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2623780/2ba27004-d0a7-4095-84dc-38ddb489afe2) Topics: [ERP selection](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-selection) [ERP research](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-research) ![Tim O'Brien](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/01ee636d5c607139e5a9457c30e218c5) #### Written by [Tim O'Brien](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/author/tim-obrien) Tim has over 25 years of successful experience helping companies improve their processes and operations using enterprise software solutions. Those enterprise solutions include Enterprise Resource Planning for manufacturers, Service Management for service oriented companies, and Enterprise Asset Management in the process manufacturing industry. Previous Post [![](https://www.visualsouth.com/hubfs/syteline-training.jpg) ](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/syteline-training) [3 Types of SyteLine Training You May Need](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/syteline-training) Next Post [![](https://www.visualsouth.com/hubfs/infor-erp-training.png) ](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/infor-erp-training) [Infor ERP Training: Where To Find The Best Resources](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/infor-erp-training) - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Business improvement (116)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/business-improvement) - [ERP selection (93)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-selection) - [ERP research (79)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-research) - [CloudSuite Industrial (49)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/cloudsuite-industrial) - [CSI Features (43)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/csi-features) - [ERP implementation (40)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-implementation) - [Manufacturing Data (20)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-data) - [Configure Price Quote (CPQ) (12)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/configure-price-quote-cpq) - [ERP deployment (11)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-deployment) - [Service Management (9)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/service-management) - [Infor Visual (7)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/infor-visual) - [Customer Relationship Management (CRM) (4)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/crm-research) [see all](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing#) ### Posts by Topic - [Business improvement (116)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/business-improvement) - [ERP selection (93)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-selection) - [ERP research (79)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-research) - [CloudSuite Industrial (49)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/cloudsuite-industrial) - [CSI Features (43)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/csi-features) - [ERP implementation (40)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-implementation) - [Manufacturing Data (20)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-data) - [Configure Price Quote (CPQ) (12)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/configure-price-quote-cpq) - [ERP deployment (11)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/erp-deployment) - [Service Management (9)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/service-management) - [Infor Visual (7)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/infor-visual) - [Customer Relationship Management (CRM) (4)](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/topic/crm-research) [see all](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing#) #### Services [Infor ERP Consulting](https://visualsouth.com/erp-consulting/) [Infor ERP Support](https://www.visualsouth.com/support) [ERP & ISM Implementation](https://visualsouth.com/erp-ism-implementation/) [Upgrade](https://www.visualsouth.com/upgrade) [Scheduling Workshop](https://www.visualsouth.com/scheduling-workshop) [Application Development](https://visualsouth.com/custom-applications/) [Application Process Review](https://visualsouth.com/application-process-review/) #### Products [CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine)](https://visualsouth.com/cloudsuite-industrial/) [AI for Infor ERP](https://www.visualsouth.com/infor-velocity-suite) [Infor VISUAL](https://visualsouth.com/infor-erp-visual/) [VISUAL Shop Floor Mobile](https://www.visualsouth.com/visual-shop-floor-mobile) [Infor Quality Management](https://www.visualsouth.com/iqm) [Infor CRM](https://visualsouth.com/infor-crm/) [Configure Price Quote](https://visualsouth.com/infor-cpq/) [Power BI](https://www.visualsouth.com/power-bi-reporting-and-analytics) [ERP for Government Contractors](https://www.visualsouth.com/erp-for-government-contractors) [CADLink](https://www.visualsouth.com/cadlink) [Related Products](https://www.visualsouth.com/related-products) #### RESOURCES [Blog](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog) [YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/VisualSouth) [Subscribe By Email](https://www.visualsouth.com/subscribe-to-insights) #### [SUCCESS STORIES](https://visualsouth.com/success-stories/) #### [ABOUT](https://www.visualsouth.com/about-us) #### Get In Touch [Contact](https://www.visualsouth.com/contact-us) [Free Consultation](https://www.visualsouth.com/free-assessment) [Privacy Policy](https://www.visualsouth.com/privacy) --- **2315 West Arbors Drive Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28262 **704-721-6020 **![inforbadge_goldpartner-1](https://www.visualsouth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/inforbadge_goldpartner-1.png?width=287&name=inforbadge_goldpartner-1.png)**   © 2026 Visual South. All rights reserved. [[fa icon="chevron-up"]](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing#) [![Visual South](https://www.visualsouth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VisualSouthLOGOvector3015%20175w.png?width=175&height=88&name=VisualSouthLOGOvector3015%20175w.png "Visual South")](https://www.visualsouth.com/) [![Looking for ERP?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2623780/8f57cc23-89ad-47f7-95c3-71a93820718f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2623780/8f57cc23-89ad-47f7-95c3-71a93820718f) ## Something Powerful ### Tell The Reader More The headline and subheader tells us what you're [offering](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing#), and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for. Remember: - Bullets are great - For spelling out [benefits](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing#) and - Turning visitors into leads. ## Something Powerful ### Tell The Reader More The headline and subheader tells us what you're [offering](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing#), and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for. Remember: - Bullets are great - For spelling out [benefits](https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing#) and - Turning visitors into leads. ![](https://imaginativeacute52.com/816670.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tim O'Brien", "url" : "https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/author/tim-obrien" }, "dateModified" : "2024-08-07T14:00:02.464Z", "datePublished" : "2024-08-07T14:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "5 Signs Small & Medium-Sized Manufacturers Need Cloud ERP", "image" : [ "https://www.visualsouth.com/hubfs/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.visualsouth.com/blog/cloud-erp-for-manufacturing", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.visualsouth.com/hubfs/VisualSouthLOGOvector3015%20175w.png" }, "name" : "Visual South" } } ```