Firstly, let me explain what cloud is; it is not just something that floats around in the sky, it’s a little bit more than that!
The cloud is a technology service that is provided over the internet, off premise! So, say goodbye to managing your own servers and hardware because this means you can access the services you need, just by using the internet browser. The cloud enables users to access the same data and services from almost any device at any time.
Moving to the cloud is a process that more and more organisations are adopting as part of their IT strategy. Cloud computing not only changes how a business stores and accesses data, but it also changes how businesses now operate. Within the UK in 2020, 6 out of 10 businesses had migrated their systems to the cloud (ref: Access Group). You may want to know why this is? And more specifically, given Zalaris’ focus on simplifying HR & Payroll, why it is important to HR & Payroll functions within your organisation?
I am going to share 7 top reasons on why moving to the cloud will help transform your HR department, how it will simplify daily tasks and enable your HR team to focus on the people issues that really matter.
1. Ease of access – Moving to the cloud means that your entire workforce and manage and input their own data, freeing up valuable time for your HR department to focus on things that matter more. It makes it easier for the employees as they can update their data as and when they need to without having to rely on anybody else.
2. Sustainability – You no longer need to have on-premise servers which means less power is been used which overall means less energy wastage which is fantastic for the environment. Having all data on the cloud systems instead of paperwork means that any duplication, human error or even losing data doesn’t happen as frequently because it is all in one place. Being able to work from anywhere means less travel, meaning your business becomes more sustainable as it can adapt easier.
3. Cost saving – By moving to the cloud, you are eliminating the need to purchase and maintain servers on-premises. You will only be paying for what is being used by your organisation, no additional services which then means you are able to cut any wasteful spending.
4. Data security – Recovering data from damaged storage devices can be difficult, or sometimes even impossible, which can result in businesses potentially losing vital data. Providing backup and replication systems is expensive (and requires even more technology). With cloud computing this is usually part of the service by the provider so that your systems and data are accessible, even if a problem arises. The cloud also allows companies to implement security policies, governance, and compliance to make sure their data is secure.
5. Flexibility – If your business expands then so will the capacity of the cloud, it is really easy to scale up or down if needed. Now employees expect to have the option to work remotely, the cloud enables employees to access their work from wherever, whenever they need to making it a lot more flexible which leads to a rise in productivity and helps when it comes to hiring new employees, you can offer the flexibility out to suit what hours suit them.
6. Future proofing – Now the times have changed where we don’t have to do everything ourselves, for example when we used to have to buy a DVD, have a DVD player and then play it, now we just log onto Netflix and it’s all there for us ready to watch. It’s the same with the cloud; the updates will always be done for you, it will always be keeping up with the times, adapting to changes, you don’t have to worry about there being an end of life. You always have access to the new updates and they are done automatic with little, or even no, downtime, to minimize the impact on your business.
7. Ease of connectivity – Are you tired of not having access when your servers suddenly go down? Well, this wouldn’t be a problem anymore with the cloud systems as they are located in multiple locations, so if one goes down the rest will continue to keep you going. Another factor is that you don’t have to rely on the IT department as much, you can self-serve yourself without the need of human hands.
These are just some of the top points on why businesses have moved over to the cloud, freeing up valuable time for your employees and cutting massive costs in your business so, why wouldn’t you choose to move to the cloud?
This post was written by Zalaris. They are an exhibitor on the HRTech247 Payroll, Time & Attendance floor in the technology hall here, and the SAP Partners floor in the Partners Hall here.