Business software and ERP: answers to the most common questions
Cost, cloud or on-premise, open source ERP, integrations, cybersecurity and project timescales: the most common questions, answered without unnecessary jargon.
How much does business management software cost?
It depends on the number of users, the areas covered, the level of customisation and whether it is hosted in the cloud or on-premise. We always provide a quotation based on an assessment of your processes: this avoids both oversized systems and solutions that fall short after a few months.
Cloud or on-premise: which is better?
There is no single answer. The cloud reduces initial investment and management effort; on-premise offers full control over data and existing systems. We often adopt a hybrid model, choosing on a case-by-case basis according to operational, organisational and security needs.
What does open source ERP mean?
It means the source code is open and available: there are no user licence fees and the system can be adapted without depending on a single supplier. iDempiere, which we work with as a founding member of ERP Open Source Italia, is a mature platform with an Italian accounting localisation maintained by the community.
Can new software be integrated with the systems we already use?
Yes, and it is one of the areas we work on most. We connect management systems, e-invoicing, payroll, time clocks, CRM, business intelligence, document management and production machinery, using standard interfaces or dedicated developments.
How long does an ERP project take?
A focused project can go live in a few months; a complex multi-company or multi-site programme takes longer. What makes the difference is the analysis phase: time spent mapping processes at the start is time not lost in corrections later.
Do you provide support after go-live?
Yes. Support is a service in its own right, not an add-on: ticket handling, remote assistance, updates in line with regulatory changes, monitoring and ongoing advice. Many of our client relationships have lasted for decades.
How do you protect the data behind the AI Dashboard?
Data stays within the systems agreed with the client, with defined access profiles and traceability of operations. Analysis environments are designed together with the security measures, not added afterwards.
Is backup enough to protect against ransomware?
On its own, no. A backup that can be reached and encrypted by an attack is of little use. It needs to be combined with separated or immutable copies, endpoint and email protection, monitoring, and above all periodic restore tests: a backup is only worth what its restore is worth.
Can you handle both software and infrastructure?
Yes, and that is the point of what we do. Having a single partner for applications, servers, networks, cloud and security avoids the finger-pointing between suppliers that so often leaves problems unresolved.
Do we need to replace all the software we already use?
Not necessarily. The project can start from your existing systems, keeping the applications that work and gradually integrating new solutions where needed. The goal is to build a coherent ecosystem and avoid unnecessary replacements.
How is data migrated to a new ERP?
Migration is planned by analysing the structure, quality and volume of the available data. Before go-live, extraction, cleansing, conversion and verification activities are defined, with dedicated tests before the final switchover.
Can the solutions grow with the company?
Yes. The modular approach lets you start with the features you need and later add modules, users, integrations or services as your organisation evolves.
Can the AI Dashboard be connected to systems other than the ERP?
Yes. The AI Dashboard can be connected to different information sources, provided that data, access rights and integrations are properly defined within the project.
Where do we start to work out which solution is right for our company?
We start by analysing processes, pain points and objectives. Only after this phase are the architecture, modules, integrations and project priorities defined.
One partner for your digital ecosystem
Tell us what you need: we look at your processes and propose the right solution, from business software to infrastructure.