10 Key Questions to Ask a SaaS ERP Provider When Considering the Cloud

In the 2023 Deltek Clarity Government Contracting Industry Study, 87% of respondents said that over half of their business applications are in the cloud. Moving to the cloud is now the popular choice for developing and delivering enterprise-level applications for companies of all sizes. Businesses worldwide are embracing the cloud to meet their growing needs and stay competitive.  

As remote work and digital solutions become more vital, businesses rely on cloud technologies like Software as a Service (SaaS) ERP to remain agile and competitive. SaaS ERP offers lower costs, access to data and services, and drives innovation efforts as the market changes.  

Before making the switch to SaaS ERP, it's critical to choose the right provider. Factors to consider include functionality, security, integration, customization and support. Don't risk ending up with a solution that doesn't meet your needs or puts your data at risk. To help you make the right choice, we've prepared a list of 10 important questions to ask any SaaS ERP vendor you are considering. 

1. What’s the Scope of Your SaaS ERP Solution?

To understand the scope of your SaaS ERP solution, it’s important to know its capabilities. Inquire about the core features, optional modules and customization options to ensure they align with your business requirements. You should also ask about the cloud provider’s product innovation strategy and how they leverage artificial intelligence to automate tasks and enhance the user experience. A good cloud provider will have a vision for the future and use GenAI to make the ERP easier to use and more efficient.

2. Can We Integrate with Existing Systems?

You want to avoid data silos and optimize your workflows. Ask about the integration capabilities to ensure compatibility with your current or future business applications, on-premises or in the cloud. You should also look for a cloud provider that offers open APIs and flexible customization options to tailor the system to your specific needs and preferences. 

3. How Do You Support Cybersecurity Compliance? 

Data security is a top priority when moving to the cloud. In today’s digital age, cybersecurity compliance is crucial for businesses to protect sensitive data. Are you confident in the security measures the vendor has in place? Ensure the SaaS provider follows industry best practices and provides support for relevant regulations and frameworks, including the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements. 

4. What is Your Data Resilience Strategy?

Disasters can happen anytime, and you need to protect your business continuity. Ask about the provider’s disaster recovery plan and redundancy measures to ensure minimal downtime in case of an emergency  

5. How Do You Manage Your Cloud Updates and Regular Maintenance?

SaaS ERP providers usually take care of system updates and maintenance. Find out how they keep your system up to date while minimizing disruption to your operations. You should also ask about their release schedule and how they communicate new features and changes to their customers. A good cloud provider will have a regular cadence of cloud release readiness, such as quarterly product releases, and provide adequate training and support to help you leverage the latest innovations. 

6. What Support and Training Services Are Included?

You need to prepare your team for the new ERP system. Does the provider charge an additional fee for customer support or is it a service that’s baked into the agreement? Ask about the training and support options available and the provider’s response time for troubleshooting. 

7. How Easy is it to Scale and How Much Does It Cost?

Your business needs may change, and your ERP system should be able to adapt. Ask about the scalability of the SaaS ERP solution, ensuring it can grow with your organization. Find out if scaling your operations will result in extra fees. 

8. Do You Provide Analytics and Reporting Tools?

You need to make data-driven decisions. Ask if the SaaS ERP solution includes powerful analytics and reporting capabilities to help you gain insights from your data. What data analytics services are included, and which are options for integrations? You should also look for a cloud provider that offers dashboards that allow you to easily visualize your data and track your key metrics. Dashboards can help you monitor your performance, identify trends, and optimize your processes. 

9. What’s the Track Record of Your SaaS ERP Implementation?

You want to learn from others’ experiences. Ask for references or case studies to understand the provider’s track record. Find out how long the ERP provider has been in business. This can give you valuable insights into what you can expect. Not only do you want a track record of experience, but you want industry-specific experience.   

10. What is your SaaS ERP Roadmap, and How Do You Incorporate Customer Feedback and Requests?

When it comes to SaaS ERP solutions, staying ahead of the game is crucial. As a customer, you want to ensure that the software you invest in will continue to evolve and meet your changing needs. So, what can you expect from the plans and roadmaps of your chosen SaaS ERP solution? And how does the provider incorporate customer feedback and requests into their development process? Tools like Deltek’s Idea Portal offers customers a continuous feedback loop. 
 

How the Deltek Cloud Can Power Your Project Success

Moving to a SaaS ERP solution can be a game-changer for your organization, but choosing the right provider is essential for a successful transition. By asking these ten key questions, you’ll be better prepared to evaluate potential providers and make an informed decision. Remember that the right SaaS ERP solution should align with your business goals and provide the flexibility and support you need for long-term project success. 

Deltek’s SaaS ERP allows project-based businesses to access mission-critical data anytime and anywhere. Companies can automate core business processes and real-time access visibility into operational and financial performance with the security, privacy, and flexibility required in the modern project economy.