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Companies in the IT sector, particularly digital services firms, have specific needs when it comes to business management, resource planning, and consultant tracking. ERP software is emerging as an increasingly preferred solution for addressing these challenges.

Have you heard of SaaS ERP but aren’t sure how it differs from cloud ERP or on-premises ERP?

You’ve come to the right place. Let us explain the ins and outs behind the term ERP SaaS.

Key figures

According to a study by Panorama Consulting, 53.1% of companies have opted for Cloud ERP, compared with 46.9% for On-Premise ERP.

Among those who have chosen a Cloud ERP, 76.5% have opted for an ERP in SaaS mode.

Some companies have yet to take the plunge into the cloud, and for good reason:

• Risk of data loss (26.7%),
• The risk of a security breach (26.7%),
• Lack of information about offers (20%).

In this article, we’ll try to answer some of your questions about ERP SaaS, so that you can get a clearer picture.

Let’s start by defining SaaS ERP.

What is ERP SaaS?

What is ERP?

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a business management or resource planning software package made up of several modules. These modules can be used to manage various business processes (sales, HR, invoicing, finance, etc.).

ERP is also known as “progiciel de gestion intégré” (PGI).

An ERP system specifically designed for IT companies stands out in particular for its project-oriented modules, which enable the management of time, deliverables, and team scheduling. It is a central tool for managing IT services business operations, where responsiveness and real-time visibility are key.

There are various types of ERP solutions: general-purpose ERP, industry-specific ERP, vertical ERP, horizontal ERP, on-premises ERP, cloud ERP, and SaaS ERP.

In this article, we’ll focus on SaaS ERP.

What is SaaS?

SaaS (Software As A Service) is a subset of Cloud Computing. These two terms are often confused, but we’ll come back to them later.

SaaS, or “software as a service” for its French term, refers to a way of distributing an application. These are ready-to-use, browser-based applications. These applications are designed natively for the web, so there’s no software to install.

In the case of a SaaS ERP system, this distribution model makes it possible to quickly roll out the solution across teams without having to involve an in-house technical team. This flexibility is invaluable in agile environments such as those found in digital services companies.

ERP SaaS – Definition

Now that we’ve defined the various terms in the expression “ERP SaaS”, it’s easier to understand what an ERP SaaS is.

SaaS ERP is enterprise resource planning software available online. This accessibility is possible because ERP SaaS runs on servers managed by the ERP publisher.

Another key point that distinguishes SaaS ERP from Cloud or On-Premise ERP is the fact that it is priced on a subscription basis.

This also means that companies can adjust their budgets based on the number of users or activated modules. This flexibility is particularly well-suited to resource planning for IT services companies, whose headcount often fluctuates depending on projects.

What’s the difference between SaaS and Cloud Computing?

Previously, we talked about the fact that SaaS and Cloud are two notions that are often confused. We explain the difference.

What is Cloud Computing?

Definition of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing, commonly known as Cloud, is a business model that encompasses several services such as IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. Its French term is “Informatique en nuage”.

All the services provided by the Cloud are accessible via the Internet, but each plays a different role.

• IaaS (Infrastructure As A Service) represents the infrastructure part of the Cloud, such as servers and storage.
• PaaS (Platform As A Service) stands for software components such as application servers and databases.
• And finally, SaaS represents ready-to-use applications.

The difference between SaaS and Cloud Computing

So SaaS and Cloud are two very different concepts. The Cloud defines the provision of various IT services, including SaaS.

To learn all about the differences between SaaS ERP and cloud ERP, check out our article on the topic.

IT services company: Why choose SaaS ERP?

Companies are increasingly turning to SaaS ERP, for a number of reasons:

Rapid deployment

A SaaS ERP system is delivered ready to use, giving companies rapid access to its various functionalities.

Just because implementation is quick doesn’t mean you don’t need to take the time to train ERP software users.

Note also that just because this is a ready-to-use solution, it doesn’t mean that specific developments can’t be made.

In digital services companies, this speed is a major advantage, especially when it comes to responding to a request for proposals or launching a new project on short notice. This allows digital services companies to get their operations up and running very quickly.

More affordable

Choosing SaaS ERP saves you money. The company doesn’t need to invest in new hardware or infrastructure, as the management software is hosted on remote servers. Maintenance is carried out by the service provider.

The savings achieved can be reinvested in change management or in helping users develop their skills. In addition, billing for services is made easier by modules tailored to the realities of IT professions.

Automatic updates

The editor manages updates to the ERP application’s functionalities. As a result, the user doesn’t have to do a thing.

This allows teams to focus on their core business while regularly benefiting from new features, which are often added in response to market demand.

The modern interface

The fact that the solution is easy to update allows service providers to offer modern interfaces.

Intuitive interfaces are essential for managing consultants, especially when they need to track their time, view their schedules, or approve their timesheets while on the go.

Accessibility from anywhere

Cloud distribution means SaaS ERP can be accessed anytime, from anywhere. The only requirement is Internet access.

In an IT services company, where teams are often traveling or working remotely, this accessibility is essential for ensuring that operations run smoothly.

Elasticity

One of the great strengths of SaaS ERP is its elasticity. This makes it possible to adapt the service according to needs, whether upwards or downwards, over time or from time to time.

Access to innovative technologies

Implementing new technologies is simpler with SaaS ERP, as it doesn’t require the installation of new hardware as might be the case with On-Premise ERP.

How much does ERP SaaS cost?

As we were saying, SaaS ERP saves money because implementation costs are lower than for on-premises ERP.

Expenses to be taken into account include Internet subscription, ERP tool subscription, number of users, staff training and specific developments if you have any.

Which ERP for which type of company: how to choose your SaaS ERP as an IT services company?

Are you convinced now? You want to implement a SaaS ERP system at your digital services company. But which one should you choose?

To choose the best software for your business, you first need to :

• Define the functionalities you need to manage your business.
• Select the ERP packages that meet your needs.
• Try out the solutions you’ve selected, and then make your choice of management software.

The specifications will help you set out your needs and expectations, and discuss them with the various service providers.

Optimize the management of your digital services company with VSActivity, the SaaS ERP designed for service companies

The digitization of business processes has become a strategic necessity for digital services companies. With a SaaS ERP like VSActivity, you can automate administrative tasks, simplify business management, and improve resource planning.

VSActivity is a SaaS ERP solution designed for consulting firms, service companies, engineering firms, and software developers, allowing you to easily manage your services, employees, and financial flows—all through a modern, remotely accessible interface.

Manage your entire digital services company with a comprehensive SaaS ERP system

With vsa, you get a SaaS ERP designed for the specific needs of service companies, particularly digital services firms. Our software allows you to:

• Organize and track your projects in real time;

• Plan your resources effectively (consultants, assignments, availability);

• Track the profitability of your operations and your key performance indicators;

• Manage billing for services with ease;

• Automate the administrative management of your business.

Take your business management to the next level with Veryswing

By choosing VSActivity, you’re opting for a next-generation SaaS ERP system that’s agile, scalable, and perfectly tailored to your industry. Whether you’re an IT services company, a consulting firm, or a service provider, our solutions support your organization’s growth.

Request a free demo today and discover how vsa can transform the way you run your business.