Steatite, a company known for delivering reliable technology solutions for harsh environments, took a major step in its business evolution by migrating its operations to the cloud. This shift aimed to reduce the workload on its IT department and enhance overall operational efficiency. The migration was not only a strategic move to keep up with technological advancements but also a crucial step to alleviate the substantial burden placed on its IT team by an increasingly complex legacy system.
The Drivers Behind Cloud Migration
Increasing Complexity and IT Burden
The central issue prompting Steatite’s transition to the cloud was the growing complexity of their legacy ERP system. Over the years, their on-premise solution had undergone multiple iterations and layers of customization, making the system increasingly unwieldy. As Jonathan Jackson, Operations Director at Steatite, revealed, moving from Vantage to Epicor had resulted in a highly complex structure that demanded extensive IT resources. Each update became a laborious task, fraught with the risk of disrupting essential operations. The legacy system, although tailored to Steatite’s unique business processes, had become a significant drain on the company’s resources.
The resource-intensive nature of maintaining such a highly customized system was unsustainable. The IT team was overwhelmed with routine tasks, such as software updates, data backups, and licensing management. This left little room for strategic projects that could drive long-term innovation and business growth. Given the increasing complexity and inefficiency, it became clear that an overhaul was necessary. Transitioning to a more streamlined, cloud-based ERP system presented a viable solution to these persistent challenges, promising not only to lighten the IT workload but also to ensure smoother, more reliable operations.
Strategic Fit for a Diverse Customer Base
Operating across the US and UK, Steatite serves a wide range of clients, from SMEs to government organizations, and large multinationals. The cloud offered a strategic solution to manage and ensure the reliability of their operations across these varied geographical locations and customer requirements. The diverse nature of Steatite’s client base meant that their operations had to be flexible and scalable. With different clients requiring different levels of service and technical capabilities, a cloud-based solution was crucial for accommodating these varying demands efficiently.
Moreover, the cloud’s ability to provide centralized access to crucial business applications from any location with internet connectivity was particularly beneficial. This ensured that irrespective of the geographical spread of their business units, Steatite could maintain uniformity and high standards in service delivery. The cloud also facilitated easier onboarding of new sites and users, a critical need for a company experiencing continuous growth and expansion. By migrating to the cloud, Steatite could effectively harness its resources, ensuring robustness and scalability across all its operations, and ultimately provide better service to its diverse client base.
Choosing Epicor Kinetic Cloud Solution
Avoiding Obsolescence and Ensuring Security
When choosing a cloud solution, Steatite opted for Epicor Kinetic due to its forward-thinking development trajectory emphasizing cloud-based advancements. Staying with an on-premise system posed the risk of technological obsolescence, which could result in falling behind competitors. Transitioning to Epicor Kinetic assured constant access to the latest updates, features, and security enhancements, keeping Steatite at the cutting edge of technology. Jackson noted that remaining on-premises would have made their systems more vulnerable to becoming outdated, whereas the cloud offered a future-proof alternative with the latest tools and cybersecurity measures built-in.
The robust security features offered by the cloud-based Epicor Kinetic were another significant factor in Steatite’s decision. Incorporating advanced security measures such as multi-factor authentication ensured compliance with stringent industry standards, such as ISO and CEP. Moreover, the centralized nature of cloud security resources allowed for more consistent and up-to-date protection against emerging threats. This was critical for Steatite, whose operations often involve sensitive data and high-stakes environments. By opting for a secure cloud solution, Steatite could not only mitigate risks but also provide greater trust and reliability to its clients.
Scalability and Access Across Multiple Sites
The scalability and accessibility offered by the Epicor Kinetic cloud solution were paramount in meeting Steatite’s needs. With multiple business units across various locations, some with limited technical capabilities, a cloud-based system provided the flexibility required to ensure seamless operations. The ability to easily scale resources up or down, depending on demand, allowed Steatite to efficiently manage its growing operational needs without incurring disproportionate costs or disruptions. The cloud solution’s ability to provide ubiquitous access also meant that employees, irrespective of their location, could access necessary tools and information, facilitating smoother coordination and enhanced productivity.
The cloud’s robust infrastructure facilitated faster onboarding processes, enabling new sites and users to be integrated with minimal hassle. This capability was crucial for Steatite, considering its continuous growth and the need to bring new locations online swiftly. The flexibility of the cloud solution also meant that varying degrees of connectivity at different sites could be accommodated, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical applications and data. This not only streamlined operations but also significantly improved the speed and efficiency of expansion efforts. Essentially, Epicor Kinetic provided Steatite with a dependable, scalable platform that could adapt to their dynamic and evolving business landscape.
Overcoming Migration Challenges
Simplifying the System
Transitioning from a highly customized on-premises system to a “vanilla version” of their ERP required Steatite to make careful, strategic decisions. Simplifying their system meant that they had to meticulously evaluate and determine which functionalities were essential and which could be discarded. This process involved untangling years of customizations and iterations, gauging their necessity against the streamlined operations promised by the cloud. Each customization represented a potential point of failure or inefficiency, so the objective was to retain only those components that added significant value. This painstaking process was essential to ensure that the new system remained efficient and manageable.
The simplification process was further complicated by the necessity to develop new interface elements. Steatite had to create new forms, reports, and dashboards from scratch, utilizing different tools and environments compared to their previous system. This required a substantial investment of time and expertise. However, the effort was justified by the overall improvements in system performance, user experience, and operational efficiency. By carefully restructuring their ERP system, Steatite managed to streamline its operations, ensuring that the transition to the cloud yielded the desired benefits without unnecessary complexities.
Adapting to New Tools and Environments
Adapting to a new cloud-based environment posed its own set of challenges for Steatite. The creation of new elements such as forms, reports, and dashboards required the use of unfamiliar tools and environments. This transition necessitated a significant investment in training and development to equip the team with the necessary skills to navigate and leverage the new system effectively. To facilitate this process, Epicor assigned a dedicated project manager to work closely with Steatite’s internal team. This collaboration ensured that Steatite received continuous support and guidance, helping align their operational requirements with the new cloud system.
The migration process itself was conducted in phases over six months, incorporating careful planning, rigorous testing, pilot runs, and comprehensive training before the eventual rollout. This methodical approach minimized potential disruptions to ongoing operations and ensured that employees were adequately prepared to use the new system efficiently. The phased implementation allowed for continuous assessment and adjustments, providing a smoother transition overall. Ultimately, the successful adaptation to the new cloud environment laid a solid foundation for Steatite’s future operational excellence, ensuring that the company could fully leverage the benefits of cloud computing.
Post-Migration Benefits
Reduced IT Workload
One of the most significant benefits following Steatite’s cloud migration was the reduction in the IT department’s workload. By moving routine tasks such as software updates, backups, and licensing management to the cloud, the IT team was relieved of these time-consuming responsibilities. This shift allowed the IT department to redirect its focus towards strategic projects that foster growth and innovation. Freed from the burden of routine maintenance, the IT team could undertake initiatives aimed at optimizing business processes, implementing new technologies, and enhancing overall operational performance.
The central management of backups and recovery in the cloud also eliminated the need for the IT team to perform these tasks manually. Automated systems ensured data integrity and availability, significantly reducing the risk of data loss and system downtime. This strategic shift in responsibilities not only improved operational efficiency but also contributed to a more dynamic and proactive IT department. The enhanced focus on strategic initiatives has enabled Steatite to continuously improve and innovate, positioning the company for long-term success and resilience in an increasingly competitive market.
Improved Security and Predictive Maintenance
The cloud migration vastly improved Steatite’s security posture. The cloud system integrated advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication, ensuring compliance with industry standards and mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access. Additionally, cloud providers continuously update security measures to counter emerging threats, providing a level of protection that often surpasses what could be maintained in-house. This enhanced security framework was crucial for Steatite, given the sensitive nature of the data they handle and the critical environments in which their technology operates.
Another notable advancement brought about by cloud integration was the incorporation of AI-driven predictive maintenance. This feature enables proactive management of equipment, extending asset lifecycles and reducing system downtime. By leveraging AI algorithms, the system can predict potential failures and schedule maintenance before breakdowns occur, ensuring continuous and reliable operations. This capability is particularly valuable in harsh environments where Steatite’s technology is used, as it minimizes disruptions and maintains high standards of reliability and performance. Overall, the move to the cloud has bolstered Steatite’s security and operational resilience, reinforcing their ability to deliver exceptional service to their clients.
Future-Proofing Steatite’s Operations
Sustained Growth and Innovation
Epicor’s continued support and the robust infrastructure provided by the cloud have positioned Steatite for sustained growth and innovation. The cloud migration has not only decreased IT overheads but also enhanced security and operational efficiency, setting up a strong foundation for future initiatives. By leveraging the scalability and flexibility of the cloud, Steatite can quickly adapt to changing market demands and technological advancements, ensuring they remain competitive and cutting-edge. This strategic move has empowered Steatite to pursue innovative projects and explore new business opportunities with confidence.
Moreover, the streamlined operations facilitated by the cloud have enabled Steatite to direct more resources towards research and development. This has led to the creation of new products and services that cater to their clients’ evolving needs, further strengthening their market position. The ability to innovate rapidly and respond to customer demands promptly has become a key differentiator for Steatite, allowing them to stay ahead in the industry. The comprehensive benefits of the cloud migration have reinforced Steatite’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, securing their long-term success.
Learning and Industry Engagement
Steatite, a company renowned for providing dependable technology solutions in harsh environments, made a significant leap in its business trajectory by transitioning its operations to the cloud. This move was strategically designed to not only decrease the load on its IT department but also to boost overall operational efficiency. The migration represented a forward-thinking strategy to stay abreast of current technological advancements, which are critical in today’s fast-paced world. Furthermore, it served a pivotal role in reducing the heavy workload on its IT team, which had been struggling to manage an increasingly complicated legacy system. This transition to the cloud allowed Steatite to streamline its operations, ultimately leading to improved performance and productivity levels. By adopting cloud technology, Steatite could ensure that it remained competitive in an ever-evolving market. This strategic migration highlights the company’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to address operational challenges and sustain long-term growth.