A growing number of businesses are likely to consider implementing cloud computing-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software in future, according to an expert.

Alan Bowling, chairman of the UK & Ireland SAP User Group, told Computerworld UK that he expects many firms to move towards a hybrid model of cloud and on-site ERP systems.

He suggested that employing cloud technology can help companies to reduce upfront costs and make it easier for workers to access business software on the move, while the functionality of cloud-based ERP is constantly improving.

Mr Bowling stated that firms should therefore review their current ERP setup to assess its cloud suitability, a process that could be beneficial in itself.

He explained that it will “provide a great opportunity to improve the overall effectiveness of your ERP application, by looking at how business processes are working and whether they can be made more efficient”.