Figure Out Your Best Installation Method for Sage X3 in Nine Questions

 

The all-new Sage X3 version 11, released in March 2017, has a lot of great added features, including built-in project management capabilities and integrated solutions for eCommerce, graphical production scheduling, in-depth data management and analytics, and a snazzy mobile user interface that we really like.

With all these new features and options, now might be the perfect time for you to update or upgrade your ERP… but the first thing you need to think of is whether you should deploy your Sage X3 on the cloud or on your premises.

By the end of this post, you’ll know the answer.

First Off: What Are Cloud Pros and Cons?

At this point, we’ve all heard from about a thousand tech people that the cloud is the way to go. From personal apps to business apps, the experts all claim that cloud is the wave of the future and anyone who’s not on the cloud already is a dinosaur.

At ISM, we like the cloud… but we don’t think that choosing an on-premises deployment makes you a dinosaur.

We agree that the cloud is really important for some things, such as:

  • On-the-go mobile access to programs (very 21st century)
  • Lowering your capital expenditures (always a big help)
  • Easier, faster updates (it’s about time)

But the cloud can also be a bad idea for some companies. To be honest, a cloud deployment sometimes results in:

  • Fines from regulatory agencies (if the law prevents you from cloud storage)
  • Higher operating costs (subscription fees never end)
  • Surprising updates that change your software’s behavior (on a busy day)

The thing to remember when you’re considering your options for new software is that cloud is not an all-or-nothing choice. Sure, some of your programs may have a great fit on the cloud, but others don’t need cloud capabilities at all.

For instance, CRM tends to be a straightforward cloud choice these days, since modern sales people are out and about all the time and need access to their software. ERP though? That’s a bit more nuanced.

Should You Put Your ERP on the Cloud?

To determine if you should choose a cloud deployment model for Sage X3, take this handy quiz. At the end, add up your score to find out your best ERP option.

Each “no” is worth 0 points. Each “yes” is worth 1 point.

  1. Are you looking for a fresh software start with your Sage X3 purchase because you’re tired of your old solution?
  2. Are you already running business software that will require live integration with your new ERP?
  3. Will you need more than accounting and distribution processes in your new ERP?
  4. Would you describe yourself primarily as a manufacturer?
  5. Would you describe yourself as “fast-growing” with an “agile” business model?
  6. Did you take a lot of time to customize your old system? *see note
  7. Will you be keeping those customizations in your new system? *see note
  8. Do you have a large IT staff right now?
  9. Would you prefer to pay for your software with a larger upfront investment instead of distributing your costs over the long term?

*Note that “customizations” are different from “configurations.”

  • Customization: Someone went in and actually modified the code in your system so that it could do something unique and interesting.
  • Configuration: You set up the colors and menus and settings you liked so that you could work faster.

Now calculate your score to find your best deployment option.

Remember: a “no” is worth 0 points and a “yes” is worth 1 point.

Your Score

0-3: Talk to an ISM ERP expert about your options for a cloud deployment with your new Sage X3 purchase.

4-6: You’ll probably want an on-premises deployment for your new Sage X3 system but talk to an ISM ERP expert to learn more.

7-10: Talk to an ISM ERP expert about your options for an on-premises deployment with your new Sage X3 purchase.

Next Steps

Now that you know the cloud pros and cons and your suggested deployment model, you’ve got a lot to think about. Luckily, the all-new Sage X3 version 11 offers great new features, capabilities, and integrations no matter which deployment model you choose.

 

Learn more about Sage X3 when you talk with an ERP specialist at ISM. We’re always here to answer your questions.