On-Premise, Private Cloud, SaaS – What Makes the Most Sense for Your Manufacturing Org?
Recently, Infor has adopted a few different naming structures for its manufacturing ERP software. We are here to help clear up any confusion you may have about your options. SyteLine is back and refers to the ERP system, no matter where it’s deployed.
CloudSuite Industrial (CSI) includes SyteLine ERP, along with other Infor technology when deployed as a SaaS (Software as a Service) option.
It is worth noting, SyteLine is equally reliable from a database standpoint, no matter what the deployment method — it just runs, and runs, and runs. Thus, there is little concern over one option compared to another, from an administrative standpoint, unless you wish to install monthly releases.
Like all deployment options, the value and ROI truly come down to you and choosing the option that best meets your organization’s concerns, needs, and feelings.
Now, let’s break down which deployment option makes the most sense for your manufacturing facility.
SyteLine Deployment Options
SyteLine – On-Premise
An On-Premise or In-House ERP solution means the hardware, software, and business data reside inside your organization. With this option, you purchase the licenses and pay annual maintenance fees. On-Premise gives you more control over how you use your data, how you feel about its security, and your upgrade paths. This is the best option for your company if you have any of the following:
- Unique industry needs or requirements that are beyond the standard software
- Require integration with your own custom databases
- Need more options for industry available add-on software
- Like to stabilize your footprint of software for an extended period, without changes
- Want full control and access to the back-end databases and perform functions on your schedule, at your control
SyteLine – Private Cloud
A Private Cloud solution can be a broad topic. However, it essentially means you own the software and have the flexibility to modify it as you would with on-premise. Still, the hardware and potentially the administration can be done by someone else — since Private Cloud can be hosted by a company whose business is built on not only hosting, but also professionally managing SyteLine. These types of providers are available and offer very done-for-you solutions. This is the best option for your company if you have any of the following:
- Minimal IT staff and you want to focus their talents elsewhere
- Want to eliminate the need to buy and maintain hardware
- Want to control the timeframe of when upgrade functions are done to your solution
When professionally managed, the option would require fewer internal IT resources needed to maintain your ERP system. Private Cloud also makes data backup and disaster recovery more manageable and less expensive.
CloudSuite Industrial (CSI) – SaaS (Software as a Service)
Software as a Service is when you do not own the software or hardware. Instead, in the CSI world, SyteLine is bundled with other Infor solutions and provided as a service offering directly through Infor. You pay an annual fee covering software, maintenance, and software technical resources for your installation to Infor, who contracts with a company like Amazon Web Services to host, maintain and provide all server hardware. Similar to the Private Cloud option, this typically means less internal IT support resources are needed to maintain your ERP system. When looking at SaaS there are important items to be aware of. Including, that it still requires on-premise resources, so you will need someone to manage PC’s, laptops, printers, copiers, document scanners, bar-code scanners, and all the other information technology devices beyond the database servers. This is the best option for your company if:
- Your industry requirements fit into the standard software
- You are looking for a set it and forget ERP Solution
- You want to stay current on the latest functionality without a jump in costs for your ERP solution and hardware
The key to SaaS deployment is that the host is looking for consistency with controlled variability. With a SaaS environment, it may result in fewer options than the other deployment methods — yet that assessment is all yours, and if your needs fit the offering, SaaS can be an excellent option.
The interesting capability of SyteLine ERP is that, from a single code base, it supports On-Premise, Private Cloud, and SaaS solution deployments. What does that mean? There won’t be multiple software versions out there for every deployment option, making the product easier to maintain. More importantly, innovations made to the application are available for all deployment options.
We’ve already seen implementations transition from On-Premise to SaaS, from SaaS to On-Premise, from On-Premise to Private Cloud, and from Private Cloud to On-Premise. Interestingly enough, the reasons for the moves are all unique. Freedom of choice is always a good thing, and Infor allows that choice to be in your hands.
Still have questions? Want to know more? The Lake Companies team is here to help you select the best deployment option for your organization. You can reach us here, call us at (920)406-3030, or email info@lakeco.com.
