Factors that Brought College ERP Prices under Control

Perhaps, you are planning to install a college ERP system. Do you wonder why the upfront and implementation costs for the software have dropped? Here’s a look at factors that affected the software price factor during the last two decades: 

  • Choose and pay for features that you need 

When it comes to the list of features, every college might have a different need. Why should you pay for other modules if your institution requires a system focused on data storage and security?

Education institutions or schools often end up spending funds on unwanted tools if they opt for the complete package. Instead, you can save a fortune by opting for software to manage specific activities. 

Your software vendor will assess your requirements and recommend modules. Selecting features helps in saving costs. You can always add extra modules at a later stage as per requirements. 

  • A single dashboard 

Your college probably has library software, payroll management, accounts module, online admission, and other systems in place. Handling multiple software programs without a central, combined dashboard is difficult, isn’t it?

An integrated system that offers everything under a single dashboard is the need of the hour. Consider opting for an ERP that enables access to all the data from a centralized location. It can help save time and resources.

  • Cloud-based tools cost less for implementation and use 

Until the last decade, most education ERP software worked with on-premise hardware. These systems cost a fortune. Thus, highly secure, affordable cloud-based tools came into the picture. They cost less and do not require maintenance.

The overall workforce required for hardware installation and maintenance has reduced drastically. 

Engineers assist in installing and integrating these secure systems with existing school management hardware and software. As programs are cloud-based, you can access them from remote locations with a secured internet connection. 

  • No need to install big servers 

Thanks to cloud-based options, big servers and dedicated rooms for them are a thing of the past.

If you don’t need many modules and have less than 2000 students, you won’t need to put in additional money. Even app-based systems can work for your students and teachers. 

You can choose from a cloud-based, browser-based, or server-based private cloud-style college management system.

  • Third-party integrations cost less 

Educational ERP can integrate with RFID readers and biometric systems for attendance.

You can also integrate email gateway, payment systems, and other solutions. Most vendors do not charge additionally for integrations. 

  • Lesser cost for customization

At times, customization can cost even more than the price of the primary product.

Module additions can make any product more useful for institutions. Thus, software vendors offer customization for free. The approach helps institutions save a lot of money spent on customizations. 

  • Automatic updates instead of manual upgrade

Modern ERP solutions do not require a manual upgrade. These systems stay connected to the server, and updates can be automatically downloaded and installed.

There is no need to get in touch with vendor tech support to upgrade the software. 

  • Workshops for implementing best practices 

Process redesign and reimagining need time. Colleges, even owned by the same institutions, may prefer implementing things differently. You need to make hundreds of small decisions during implementation system integration. Thus, the process may continue for several days.

No worries. From implementation, integration to staff training, and resolving post-implementation issues, ERP vendors readily assist in everything. 

A substantive change is required in the way college functions. Vendors assist institutions in implementing best practices and training. They hold workshops for finance, HR, lecturers, and administrative employees. 

  • Shared system for multiple locations 

Your institution can let your colleges get the best out of shared services.

Buying software in alliance and implementing the same together has helped colleges save millions. Using shared systems is nothing new for public universities. They have been doing the same for a long time. 

Some colleges and schools also prefer collectively negotiating with vendors to get the best prices. The ability to set up a shared environment clubbed with world-class functionalities and pricing can help you gain the edge. 

Colleges with different niches can work together and use best practices. The software keeps them separate as far as records are concerned. Employees from one college cannot see anything from others due to independent user interfaces. Data sets always remain separated. 

  • Multiple pricing options 

You can approach cloud-based ERP developers or set a request-for-proposal process to choose the best system.

You can pay an upfront cost and purchase the software or go for SaaS. The latter involves paying yearly or monthly subscription fees instead of a one-time upfront cost. SaaS ERP systems are incredibly affordable.

Conclusion: 

The college management system saves ample time, resources. Plus, the reduction or elimination of manual, paper-based processes leads to different long-term productivity gains. Do you wish to avoid a high upfront cost? You can always opt for SaaS ERP systems. Connect with a reputed college ERP vendor today. 

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