Head in the Clouds: Floating toward Cloud-based Solutions

Kiara Walker • July 11, 2022

Should I stay or should I go...

Within the ERP eco systems, a push toward cloud-based solutions from on-premise has been in recent time accelerated. Rapid growth and development from legacy and new systems are growing the number of available options for those looking to leverage a cloud infrastructure. But it leaves us to wonder- why now and what could it mean for your business processes going forward?


When you imagine cloud-based solutions, we don’t necessarily mean stratus or cumulus ones but instead a new way to manage solutions in real-time from any location around the globe, even a beach! Cloud based solutions refer to using a network of solutions connected to the internet and grants you the ability to access services from anywhere via the internet. Businesses are starting to step away from the hassle of dealing with on-premise solutions and on-site maintenance. With products like SAP S4 Hana and Sage Intacct, it is becoming increasingly popular to move toward cloud-based solutions for several reasons.


  • Cost 
  • Security 
  • Accessibility 
  • Reduced Risk 

“You know what's unique about Fisher Technology? Whether or not you decide to stay on-premise or explore the opportunities of a cloud-based solution, our experts will guide you through all options for your BPA Connections and help you figure out the best next steps” - Penny Process

Why the Switch?

As mentioned previously in an earlier blog, it is no secret that businesses are not too fond of dealing with on-premise issues and on-site server maintenance. After switching to the cloud, there are a far less tasks to worry about. While directly handling on-premise solutions may seem like an advantage, that's not always the case. Employees may end up spending more time on maintaining servers, updating software, or creating backups instead. Additionally, there may be certain system requirements needed for on-premise servers and, in all likelihood, need an IT services team to keep systems running at peak efficiency.


Thinking about switching to the cloud? It's important to advancing your business goals when determining which solution best fits your needs. Take time in exploring both the advantages and disadvantages of integrating. Here's a few key points to keep in mind:


Advantages Disadvantages
No need to use on-premise hardware and reserve server space Data limitations based on storage and cost availability
Access key information at anytime and anywhere Internet outages cuts access to your information
Ability to back-up data in regularly scheduled intervals Time consuming data recovery
Software updates and maintenance handled by the cloud provider Dependence on cloud provider
Cost can be low, spread evenly through a subscription-based model Discontinued support if a product successor is released


What do cloud-based solutions mean for you? 

It is important to address the elephant in the room…Yes, I’m looking at you, on-premise solutions. With the great migration to on-cloud, there becomes less of a roadmap for products like Sage 100 or 300 as well as SAP Business One, the predecessors to Intacct and S4 HANA.


Security and control play a factor in whether a company decides to switch from an on-premise solution to a cloud-based solution. In an on-premise environment, enterprises retain all their data and are fully in control of what happens to it, for better or worse. Companies in certain industries with extra privacy concerns are more likely to hesitate to leap into the cloud before others because of this reason.


In a cloud-based environment, the validity of ownership of data is one that many companies – and customers, tend to have doubts about. Unexpected errors or system outages can render your software unusable, meaning during that time you may not be able to reach valuable information and data.


Because the software does not often run on allocated hardware, this makes local hardware requirements significantly lower. Additionally, maintenance of the hardware and software is also carried out automatically by the cloud provider. Software updates are installed automatically. Those advantages significantly reduce the workload for the company's IT department (if they have a department at all, and they could choose to outsource IT entirely).

The Fisher Difference 

We challenge you to look at what a cloud based solution means for your day-to-day business operations. Can you avoid manual entry and avoid critical business errors by optimizing your workflow?


Regardless of whether you are using an on premise system or and in-cloud solution, the bottom line is that BPA Platform will fit perfectly into either environment. For existing customers, we want you to know that Fisher Technology is here to help you move toward a system that works for your business process. If you currently host an on-premise environment, we encourage you to see what your future may look like if you decide to stay with your existing configuration or explore the possibility of moving to a cloud-based solution. Whether it is ease of use or convenience, those using a cloud-based system should know that there are numerous features accessible to use through BPA Platform, we’re here to connect with you and demonstrate which ones best suits your needs in any environment of your choosing.


That is where BPA Platform comes in. More than just offering a piece of software, Fisher Technology provides unparalleled service, and consulting that not only gets your automation started, but optimizes and enhances your existing processes.


P.S. Are you following us on LinkedIn yet? That is the best way to stay connected with us on a daily basis! Like, comment and share all of our posts!

By Nicole Laurier March 22, 2025
When your business uses different tools and softwares that don't communicate, critical information can get lost and workflows can break down. This blog explores how Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) solves this problem by connecting your essential business applications. We'll cover why iPaaS is the best choice to help businesses overcome common challenges, the key benefits of implementing an integration platform, and a look at BPA Platform's specific iPaaS capabilities. Keep on reading to discover how the right integration strategy can transform scattered data into a powerful, unified business resource. Why iPaaS? Data visibility across an organization is crucial for improving efficiency, seizing new opportunities, and identifying potential threats. In the past, businesses operated within a single system, but today, the vast array of available software has led different departments to adopt applications tailored to their specific needs. While these tools enhance departmental efficiency, they also contribute to data silos, where critical information is stored in separate locations. This fragmentation can disrupt sales and accounting processes, hinder collaboration, create inefficiencies, and increase the risk of data errors. Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) provides a cloud-based solution that seamlessly connects, automates, and manages applications, systems, and data across business environments. By replacing traditional middleware with a standardized approach, iPaaS delivers cost-effective integration capabilities. How does iPaaS work? iPaaS is a cloud integration platform that creates a centralized ecosystem for managing data workflows. The platform offers pre-built connectors and automation tools that seamlessly link applications, services, and databases. With iPaaS, businesses gain a unified view of their integration landscape, allowing them to control and modify data flows across their infrastructure. As organisations grow, iPaaS scales effortlessly; new systems and services can be connected without significant cost, and custom functionality can be implemented to meet evolving business needs. The Advantages of iPaaS Reduced costs: Saves costs by automating integrations, reducing manual processes, and improving operational efficiency, which minimizes IT expenses and resource allocation. Reduced resources: Reduce the amount of time and number of personnel concentrating on system integration and data migration. Improved scalability: Easily add new applications and tweak business processes as the business grows. Centralised management: Once central ecosystem to manage data, integrations, processes, and workflows. Improved decision making: With access to real-time data across an organisation, employees and management can make better decisions to help improve efficiencies. ROI: iPaaS can help businesses drive company revenue and go to market quicker. BPA Platform’s iPaaS Solution BPA Platform’s iPaaS tool capabilities include: Drag and drop integration between cloud-based and on-premises systems and applications so that system integration steps are visually represented within a wider automated process. Innovative transformation functions that can be dragged onto the mapping area to change the data between inputs and outputs. RESTful web service integration by removing the need for bespoke development. SOAP web services integration Support OData and SData services Transform Your Business Integration Strategy with iPaaS As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, iPaaS solutions stand out as essential tools for maintaining competitive advantage. By breaking down data silos and creating seamless connections between applications, iPaaS empowers organizations to harness the full potential of their data. The result is not just improved operational efficiency, but also enhanced agility to respond to market changes, better customer experiences through integrated data flows, and ultimately, accelerated business growth.  Ready to eliminate data silos in your business? Contact Fisher Technology today to learn more about how BPA Platform's powerful iPaaS capabilities can transform your integration challenges into competitive advantages. Don't let disconnected data hold your business back!
By Nicole Laurier March 6, 2025
Imagine this: your sales team closes a deal, but the customer data doesn't reach your CRM in time. Or worse, your inventory system fails to update immediately after an online purchase, leading to overselling. These scenarios can spell disaster for businesses striving to deliver seamless operations and exceptional customer experiences. This is where data synchronization becomes a game-changer. This blog explores the importance of data synchronization, how BPA platform facilitates it, and the benefits it unlocks for businesses looking to operate more efficiently and grow. If improving your processes and staying competitive are your top goals, this is for you! The Importance of Data Synchronization Businesses today run on data—customer information, inventory details, financial transactions, and more. But having data isn’t enough; it must move across systems to empower decision-making and ensure operations flow smoothly. Without data synchronization, businesses face challenges like: Delayed decision-making due to outdated or incomplete data Inefficient processes , with systems unable to “talk to each other” Customer frustration caused by errors like incorrect stock availability or billing Take this as an example: A retail business might have separate systems for online orders, in-store sales, and warehouse inventory. If these systems don’t sync, customers might order an item online, only to be told it’s out of stock later—a poor customer experience that can negatively impact your business. But how can you achieve this synchronization without overhauling your entire tech stack? That’s where BPA platform comes in. Understanding the Role of BPA Platform BPA platform is a robust solution designed to streamline and automate repetitive tasks, including data synchronization between disparate systems. It serves as the glue that connects your software applications and ensures they exchange information seamlessly. Here’s how a BPA platform enhances data synchronization: Unified Integration : BPA platform connects various software systems—CRMs, inventory tools, ERPs, and more—so they exchange updated information without manual intervention. Event-driven Processes : BPA platform has event-triggered synchronization, meaning data updates whenever an action occurs (e.g., a customer places an order). Scalability : BPA platform can handle synchronization needs no matter how large your data volumes grow, making it ideal for scaling businesses. Benefits of Data Synchronization with BPA Platform Now that you understand the importance of data synchronization using BPA platform, let's explore the significant benefits it can provide. 1. Improved Operational Efficiency Data synchronization saves countless hours of manual work by automating the process of transferring data between systems. This reduces redundancies and allows employees to focus on high-impact tasks rather than administrative ones. With everything moving in sync, the outcomes are faster processes and smoother operations. 2. Better Decision-making Business leaders make critical decisions daily, and outdated or incomplete data can compromise these judgments. Synchronization ensures stakeholders have access to up-to-date data at all times. When everyone operates with the same, accurate data in hand, decision-making becomes faster and more precise. 3. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction Customers today expect flawless experiences across all touchpoints. Real-time synchronization ensures they aren’t disappointed by errors such as stock issues or pricing inconsistencies. A positive customer experience builds trust, loyalty, and brand advocacy. 4. Reduced Errors and Costs Manual data entry and delayed updates come with the risk of errors—mistyped numbers, mismatched records, and conflicting updates, to name a few. These errors can lead to costly setbacks. By automating synchronization with BPA platform, businesses significantly reduce these risks while saving money. A Pathway to Business Efficiency Data synchronization facilitated by tools like BPA platform, is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. Businesses that implement this technology experience enhanced operational efficiency, improved decision-making, and happier customers, all while setting the stage for future growth.  If achieving these results is your goal, there’s never been a better time to start optimizing the processes behind your business. Don’t leave your success up to chance—explore how BPA platform can transform your data management processes for good. Contact us today to discover how we can help drive your business forward!
By Nicole Laurier January 28, 2025
From managing inventory to processing sales data, repetitive manual tasks can drain employee time and increase the risk of costly errors. Whether you operate a brick-and-mortar store or an eCommerce platform, these challenges can impact productivity and profitability long before your product reaches the shelves. Business Process Automation (BPA) offers a game-changing solution by eliminating the need for manual data processing. BPA Platform automates essential retail tasks such as updating product information, generating sales reports, and handling returns, allowing employees to focus on more strategic responsibilities. By reducing operational costs, minimizing human error, and streamlining workflows, automation empowers retail businesses to process sales and manage critical data more efficiently—all without employee intervention. Keep on reading for more details! What is a Business Process? Business processes refer to a series of interrelated tasks or activities performed within an organization to achieve a specific goal or deliver a desired outcome. They represent the systematic way in which work is organized, executed, and monitored to ensure smooth operations and efficient resource utilization. Business processes can encompass various functional areas such as sales, marketing, finance, human resources, operations, customer service, and much more. These processes often involve the flow of information, materials, or services across different departments or individuals, following predefined rules or guidelines. They can range from simple tasks to complex workflows, and their optimization is crucial for enhancing productivity, quality, and overall organizational performance. Automated Business Process Examples So what types of business processes can be automated? Well, the list is endless and is dependent on the type of business or company structure that it is going to be applied to, and the specific needs, goals and challenges of the organization. Business process automation provides the ability to carry out and fulfill business processes without human intervention. These processes can cover a wide variety of business activities, tasks or workflows, ranging from order management and financial reporting, to data monitoring and critical notifications. Likewise, automated workflows can be used across a variety of industries and functions, from customer service and marketing, to finance and HR. Here are some common examples of business processes that can be automated: Invoice processing: Automating the invoice processing workflow involves capturing invoice data, validating it against predefined rules, routing it for approvals, and generating payment notifications. This automation can streamline the accounts payable process, reduce manual data entry, and improve accuracy. Order fulfillment: Automating order fulfillment involves integrating systems for order capture, inventory management, order processing and shipping. Automated workflows can help track orders, update inventory levels, generate shipping labels and send order status notifications to customers. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Automating CRM processes involves capturing and managing customer data, tracking interactions and automating communication workflows. This automation can help in lead generation, sales pipeline management, customer segmentation and personalized marketing campaigns. Performance reporting: Automating performance reporting involves collecting data from various sources, aggregating it, and generating reports for analysis. Automated reporting can save time, provide real-time insights and enable data-driven decision-making. Expense management: Automated systems can capture expense data, validate it against policies, route it for approval and streamline reimbursement processes, saving time and reducing errors. Why BPA Platform is the Right Choice BPA Platform provides the tools needed to quickly and easily build automated processes that are unique to the way a business works. It allows for changing business environments by providing the flexibility for automated processes to be adapted or completely re-written to meet new conditions. BPA Platform also provides a powerful and flexible workflow automation solution for managing and monitoring the flow of work within an organization, ensuring that business rules are adhered to and administration is removed. It permits users to receive and authorize multi-level workflow jobs, regardless of the device and business system the workflow starts or ends within, and creates an audit trail for complete peace of mind. Additionally, BPA Platform makes it extremely easy to automate any number of data management alerts and notifications for a host of different scenarios. They can be sent automatically in response to predefined conditions or events and be used to notify customers, partners or administrators of important, informative or critical system events. BPA Platform can monitor business systems for key data changes (to business rules) and automatically send email or SMS business alerts to both internal and external recipients when needed. They can be generated based on specific business events, such as stock level notifications, sales notifications, delivery alerts, service alerts, credit control notifications, support team updates or warehouse alerts. Ready to Automate your Business? Business Process Automation (BPA) is transforming the retail industry by streamlining operations, reducing costs, and minimizing errors. By automating essential workflows—from inventory management to performance reporting—retail businesses can save time, improve accuracy, and focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. With the flexibility and robust functionality of BPA Platform, your business can adapt to changing demands and achieve greater efficiency. Ready to unlock the potential of automation for your retail operations? Contact Fisher Technology today to learn how BPA can elevate your business processes and drive lasting success.
Share by: