Cloud-Based Analytics for small Businesses

 Hello everyone !! and welcome back to week five. This week I will be writing about cloud-based analytics for small businesses.  So, what is cloud-based analytics? 

Cloud analytics refers to the manipulation and analysis of data that happens in the cloud instead of locally, in and on-premises business system. Analytics systems enable users to access, gather, analyse and utilise data. These systems allow businesses to deal with big data volumes, discover trends and pinpoint development opportunities across the organisation.

In cloud-based analytics, there are various types of clouds that serve various needs. Here are three clouds:

Public Cloud: Services offered via the public internet and shared among organisations. It is low cost and scalable, making it beneficial for processing non-sensitive data in large volumes.

Private Cloud: Dedicated to just one organisation. This provides increased security and control for sensitive data and regulatory needs. Think of it as having your own private server but hosted by a third party.

Hybrid Cloud: This combines the two clouds previously mentioned above, private and public. This enables data and applications to be shred between them and provides increased flexibility and optimisation of existing infrastructure while maintaining privacy and cost-efficiency. However, this is hosted by a third party. 

So how does cloud-based analytics work for a small business? 

Although increasing profitability is typically the ultimate goal of cloud analytics, firms may have more specific needs, such as boosting foreign sales or maximising income from current clients. Reports and visualisation tools can shed light on areas where a company is underperforming or overperforming to shape larger strategies. Cloud-based analytics may be used by both small and large businesses to search through vast amounts of customer and corporate data for important insights. 

That concludes this weeks blog. If you have any thoughts and opinions, feel free to leave them below and I will see you all next week !!!

SaaS ERP For SME'S

 

Hi Everyone and welcome back to week four !! This week I will be writing about SaaS ERP systems for SME's. I hope you enjoy. 

SaaS ERP (Software as a Service Enterprise Resource Planning) systems have transformed SME’s (small and medium-sized enterprises). Traditionally, ERP systems were expensive and advanced, making them primarily available to large enterprises. However, the rise of SaaS ERP has levelled the playing field. These cloud-based tools provide SMEs with the opportunity to connect and streamline company operations, from HR and finance to supply chain management without incurring significant upfront expenses or requiring a considerable amount of IT support. Because of their flexibility and scalability, SMEs can respond swiftly to market changes, increase efficiency, and focus on growth and innovation rather than operational issues.

There are many benefits to SaaS ERP systems to SME’s such as data security, compliance and scalability and many more. Data security is critical to aiding the best possible decisions and ERP can protect this. Instead of having all this data in one place, having it spread across multiple systems with varying levels if protection. Compliance is important as having up to date records that are easy to find and searchable reduces the work required to comply with any regulations. Some ERP systems can even support financial standards like GAAP. For scalability, SaaS ERP systems will help down the road as the company grows and evolves. The company can add new members as the business grows without needing to change system.

One of the best SaaS ERP systems of 2024 is the ‘Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central’. ‘Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central’ provides support for every department regardless of if you choose to purchase the essentials or premium plan. With this software, you will get real time views on your data with its dashboards, charts and automated workflows, available to access on phone, tablet or PC. With 3500 apps to extend functionality of your system, all for €64.05 ($70) monthly with €10 extra for add-ons. ‘SAP Business one Professional’ is also a great SaaS ERP system. For as low as €51.24 ($56 per month) for the limited license or € 98.82 ($108) for the professional license, it is an all-in-one solution for business management with tools to aid with financials, manufacturing and CM. The differences between the two software’s are SAP business one Professional is more costly to upgrade and is missing the supply management tools that Microsoft Dynamics 365 has. I have linked an article discussing the best SaaS ERP systems for SME’s here: Best Cloud ERP Software Of 2024 – Forbes Advisor

In conclusion, SaaS ERP systems have opened up a world of possibilities for SMEs. They offer affordable, scalable, and flexible solutions that can revolutionize how businesses operate. By embracing these innovative technologies, small and medium sized enterprises can not only streamline their processes but also gain a competitive edge in an ever evolving market. AS always I will leave links to videos below for more information. 

The rise of digital payment systems

 

Hey everyone!! Welcome back to week three. This week I will be writing about the rise of digital payment systems💰 In recent years, we have seen an incredible increase in the use of digital payment systems. This transition, fuelled by technological advances and changing customer behaviour, has completely altered the way we conduct trade. The rise of e-commerce platforms, particularly during the covid-19 pandemic, has fuelled demand for protected, secure and contactless payment options. Companies are spending extensive amounts of money in digital infrastructure to cater to this ever-growing market, improving the user experience with effortless checkout processes and several payment options to choose from.

Smartphones are at the heart of this transformation. We now utilise mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay on a daily basis. These enable customers to make purchases with just a tap, completely removing the need for wallets and purses. Mobile payments are becoming increasingly popular due to their simple and improved security features such as biometric authentication.

Due to this transformation, banking has been improved. Say goodbye to traditional banking ways and hello to online banking. No need to que up at the bank to pay rent, paying bills, transferring money with ease, and splitting expenses with your friends has never been easier. This is all down to apps such as Revolut, PayPal, Venmo, BOI (bank of Ireland) and AIB.

Despite its volatility, cryptocurrency is a significant participant in the digital payment ecosystem. Bitcoin, Ethereum and other forms of cryptocurrencies offer a secure, alternative solution to traditional money. The blockchain technology that powers these digital assets ensures transparency and reduces the risk of fraud. This makes cryptocurrencies and encouraging option for both tech-savvy people as well as businesses. I have inserted two videos below with more information about blockchains and cryptocurrency:

As we look into the future it is clear that digital payment systems are not just a trend but the new norm. So, lets embrace the change and tap into the future of payments and transactions.

 

South-East of Ireland, a good place to invest for a tech firm?

Hey everyone!! Welcome back to week two. Pack your bags and set your GPS to the sunny Southeast of Ireland ☀️ The Southeast is more than beautiful scenery and welcoming residents; it is a thriving tech hub, ready to take the world by storm. Here’s why tech firms should consider investing in this gem of a region.

 The Quality of life is a major factor. Imagine a destination where you can relax on the beach or go for a hike in the vast countryside after a hard days work. The Southeast provides an unrivalled quality of life that your staff will enjoy living and working there. The cost-effective operations also contribute hugely to investing in the Southeast. Yes, Dublin may be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of tech in Ireland, but the Southeast offers a more cost-effective alternative. The living costs are lower which directly leads to lower salaries. This is great for the business side as this translates to significant savings in line with affordable office spaces and lower operational costs.

The Southeast is overflowing with skilled professionals with the new highly regarded SETU (Southeast Technological University), producing tech savvy graduates eager to produce and innovate. The talent is not only restricted to university students but also the local talent pool. With prominent levels of Government backing, talent is supported through state-funded training centres. These helps develop skills in AI, data analytics and learning to blockchain. You can read more about the tech talent in Ireland using this link: Tapping Irish Talent to Drive Tech Companies | IDA Ireland

 The Southeast is brimming with tech companies. You can see them all on the map below:

 

Tech companies such as Waterford-based virtual reality company ‘Engage XR’ and ‘Scurri.’ Engage XR says it expects its revenue for 2022 to b in the region of €2.4 million, up 68% from the previous year. ‘Scurri’ develops software for companies in the e-commerce game to manage and optimise their packaging, dispatch and delivery of goods. Silicon Republic highlighted ‘Scurri’ as one of their 20 success stories. You can read the Silicon Republic article here: 20 success stories from a decade of Irish start-ups in the spotlight (siliconrepublic.com)

 

There you have it!! The sunny Southeast is a tech firm heaven waiting to be discovered. With its cost-effective operations, quality of life, the huge talent pool and the tech firms that have invested here previously, you do not want to miss out. Ready to make the move?

Please see below video for more information: