The bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model has changed the way a number of companies do business. While traditional desktop PCS reigned supreme for a number of years, more organizations are switching to mobile devices as a way to build efficiency by promoting operational flexibility. Instead of deploying smartphones or tablets to employees, however, companies are allowing workers to bring in their own gadgets.

This certainly saves on operational and maintenance costs, but there are a number of factors companies have to consider before embarking on this initiative. In industries such as manufacturing where ERP software will likely run the majority of the business, there are even more considerations to take into account. 

Working with an ERP or manufacturing software solutions provider will help organizations obtain the tools they need to fit their systems into a BYOD environment. Companies are not going to implement software on individual devices – particularly those that double as an employee's personal phone or tablet – but by hosting systems in the cloud, this concern can be alleviated. 

Earlier this month, this blog examined the benefits of ERP in the cloud. While it can help save physical working space and reduce a number of risks pertaining to data loss, it can also give users the ability to process tasks from their devices. 

An article in the online publication Cloud Tweaks addresses this issue and explains the benefits of cloud ERP hosting for companies that implement a BYOD strategy.

"If each employee brings his or her device, you need to make sure your ERP system works with it," the article says. "Cloud ERP systems are web-based, so there is no compatibility problem – you can use a smartphone or tablet the same way you would use a desktop or laptop computer."

By finding the right software and cloud solutions, companies can enjoy the benefits of BYOD without damaging the integrity of their operations.