Cloud-based software in K‑12 education helps everyone from central office heroes to teachers and even students. After all, a district that is efficient and organized is poised to deliver the best possible educational experience for the modern student. Of course, most organizations are using software solutions for their ERP, but cloud-based software offers benefits that will make your district scalable, secure and more efficient than ever.
What is Cloud-Based Software?
The term “the cloud” refers to the internet. Any services – networking, storage, software, etc. – delivered over the internet is said to be “cloud-based.” Therefore, cloud-based software is that which is delivered over the internet.
The Benefits of Cloud-Based Software in K‑12 ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the use of software to manage your day-to-day operations. In the K‑12 industry this can include accounting, finance management, human resource management, inventory management, and budgeting, among other things. When you chose a cloud-based ERP solution, you’re gaining all of the freedom and flexibility that comes from receiving those services over the internet.
Scalability
ERP needs are constantly changing. There are periods of greater demand on your district, such as the renewal of staff and faculty contracts or the beginning of a new fiscal year. Cloud-based software is easily adjustable to accommodate your specific needs at any given time. In fact, cloud service providers already have hardware and software in place to scale up or down. They are also able to do so remotely rather than on-site, which is historically time-consuming.
Reliability and Accessibility
Imagine being able to send new employees their onboarding paperwork and get them ready for their first day in their new role from a remote location so district offices can close for the summer. Cloud-based software allows users access to applications and services from any device in any location at any time. This convenience comes with the assurance that the user’s connection is stable and secure. There is no need to worry about interruptions or downtime, which can be disruptive to the workflow.
Cost Efficiency
There are financial and time costs associated with the use of hardware. For example, the need to acquire new hardware and then find ways to dispose of it when it’s outdated. Cloud-based software allows your district to move faster on testing new ideas or procuring new apps without the traditional upfront costs and effort. Should your district choose to launch a new application, for example, you could get it up and running faster. If it is widely popular, the cloud service is expandable with minimal cost and effort. Unlike traditional hardware, cloud-based software is available on a fee-for-service basis. In other words, you only pay for the services and resources your district actually uses.
Software That Adjusts to Your K‑12 District’s Needs
K‑12 districts need ERP services that can adjust to their ever-evolving needs. The scalability and reliability of cloud-based software coupled with its undeniable cost efficiency makes it an ideal solution for any district that is ready to modernize its ERP practices.
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