Advantages of Web-Based vs. Client/Server Apparel ERP Systems

So, you’ve made the decision to implement or replace your ERP software. Certainly, reaching that conclusion must have taken hours of deliberation, research and conversation among key stakeholders, but you still have one more decision to make. You need to determine whether a web-based or a traditional, client/server system is a better fit for your company. 

What’s the Difference Between Web-Based and Client/server ERP Software?

Client/server software typically resides on servers and devices(clients) housed at your company’s physical location. The applications must be downloaded onto each individual computer(client) or device that employees will use to access it. Your internal IT staff is responsible for correcting errors, executing updates and maintaining overall operations. Web-based software resides on a server hosted by the ERP business or cloud host provider, such as AWS. It is accessible to employees via any device with WiFi and a modern internet browser. The server host implements any necessary upgrades; changes are automatically reflected when users log in. Both options will decidedly simplify and streamline your company’s processes. A web-based ERP system, however, offers countless advantages when compared to traditional, server-based software.

Advantages of Web-Based vs. Client/server ERP Systems

IT Relief

This idea is hinted at in the paragraph above; choosing a web-based ERP system will free up some of your company’s IT resources and allow them to focus on changes to benefit your company’s future strategies. A client/server ERP system typically requires the attention of your IT team and, depending on the type chosen, may necessitate the hiring of additional team members to manage it. 

Simplified Installation Process

As indicated in the above paragraphs, the client/server installation could take a significant amount of time to download to all devices in your organization, along with the added stress of insuring that all devices have all software needed to allow the ERP system to function. Also worth mentioning when trying to roll out client/server instances, are common issues like encountering unsupported operating systems and/or .net framework versions. 

 Web-based ERP software simply requires that the user’s device has a modern browser and a secure, internet connection. With a secure login, they then have access to real-time information and are off and running. This is especially helpful with the remote workforce, since managing these devices can otherwise be especially difficult.

Lower Upgrade Costs

When your company operates on a web-based ERP platform, users will log in after the provider makes an update and automatically be greeted with the most recent version. Your employees will immediately have access to the most modern security measures available as well as the newest features that are designed to simplify their everyday tasks.

With a client/server ERP system, it’s a different story. Similar to how the installer needs to go to each individual device to download the software, your IT team must upgrade the software on each device, one at a time. This could cause you to incur significant labor costs for your IT team and possible downtime for your users.

Better Accessibility 

As the name suggests, client/server ERP system users may need to be on premise when they are accessing the software or at the least, be able to access their work environment. This can be extremely limiting in how the software is accessed whether it via remote desktop, VPN or some other added middleware. With a web-based ERP system, employees can pull out their laptop and work from home at a moment’s notice. Or, if an important customer calls frantically asking for real-time shipping information, hours after you’ve left the office, you can simply pull out your phone, open the application, and let them know the status of their order in seconds. Laptop crash? No worries…you can borrow or get a new one and be back in business in no time. 

Better Collaboration Capabilities

A web-based ERP system helps you to collaborate beyond your internal team as well. You can easily provide customers and vendors login info to access information through our Customer, ACH Payment and Vendor Portals. There, they can view invoices, see the status of orders they have placed, make payments and more, in a system that is extremely transparent and easy to navigate. This helps you to keep relationships with the people who keep your business running strong.

Fitting for Growing Companies

Planning ahead can be difficult for a new company or one with a rapid growth rate. For these companies, it can be nearly impossible to accommodate for their expected growth, yet are forced to predict future ERP needs for the next six months, and even two or three years from now. Web-based ERP solutions are flexible enough to be expanded on the fly and don’t require a large up-front investment.

Superior Data Security 

With a client/server system, your IT team will always need to be on full alert making sure that no hackers or viruses infiltrate your system. With every upgrade, they will need to learn adjusted techniques to protect your data. Choosing a web-based platform takes the responsibility of data security out of your hands. The host server is responsible. An added perk is that with almost all updates, you will automatically receive enhanced security capabilities.

API Integration Capabilities

The upward trend of companies adapting advanced e-commerce platforms has been strongly growing for years. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated that already rapid growth. You must make sure your company has an online presence, and you need to make sure that presence is perfect. “80% of people stop doing business with a company because of poor customer experience,” (Oberlo). Integrating with platforms such as Magento and Shopify help to ensure that you are providing a space where customers will have a positive experience. Web-based ERP systems make this integration process a breeze. 

Staying Competitive

As mentioned above, web-based ERP software offers advanced API integration capabilities, superior data security and much more. Your competitors are aware of the benefits. In 2018, 85% of ERP adoption was either “SaaS or cloud-based versus just 15% for on premise,” (Panorama). The soft and sewn good industries are competitive; make sure you are choosing the tools that will set you up for success. Whether you are in the wholesale or E-Commerce business, or both,  the ABS Web-Based ERP Solution can provide the tools and functionality you need to succeed. 

Whether you have more questions on what benefits a web-based ERP system can offer your company or if you are ready to begin the implementation process, contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have or to set you up with a free demo.