Advantages of SaaS Solutions for Enterprise Companies

Software as a Service (SaaS) is the present-day answer to all enterprise software requirements. It provides a robust and continuous solution to any small or large-scale software needs. SaaS is the de-facto, modern-day, hi-tech solution to all industrial software needs. It utilizes cloud computing services. Cloud computing is on-demand computer resources that include computing power and data storage. Cloud computing does not need active user management. 

What is SaaS?

SaaS is also known as web-hosted or on-demand software. The software delivery and licensing are on a subscription basis. In SaaS, the software is centrally hosted and users are charged as per their use. There may be a base subscription fee as well. A user accesses a SaaS-based application over the internet through a web browser. The common examples of SaaS are Microsoft 365, Salesforce and Google Workspace. SaaS is expected to have a market of $122.6 billion by 2021.   

SaaS, as a concept, dates back to the 1960s. IBM and other tech companies provided utility sharing or time-sharing computing. This type of service was categorized as service bureau business. The term SaaS first appeared in 1985 in a USPTO trademark application filed under the goods and services description. SaaS is categorized as Horizontal SaaS and Vertical SaaS. Horizontal SaaS provides services to a broad range of customers. Vertical SaaS provides specific user demand services to a particular group of users. 

The Advantages of SaaS Solutions:

Using SaaS solutions in enterprises has several advantages. Some of them are:

• Provides easy customization: Every business and every user has specific software needs. SaaS provides an easy way to configure the applications to the needs of everyone.
• Has simple updates:  SaaS provides centralized software updates. The SaaS-based utility developers upgrade the software in a professional, risk-free manner. The users don’t have to worry about data loss or software installation issues.
• Has low operational costs: SaaS users need a computer with a web browser and internet connection. It does away with the cost of procuring high-end computers and expensive, stand-alone software. The users have to pay only for the features they use. Enterprises can also go for customized deals with SaaS providers. 
• Provides better access: SaaS users can access their applications from the office, home, or on the go. Since it does away with the need for heavy-duty computers, users can work from anywhere. This, in turn, improves office productivity saving work hours. 
• Allows indefinite scaling: SaaS allows companies to scale up their business. They don’t have to worry about the associated increase of infrastructure. Enterprises just need to buy additional SaaS-based licenses for increased work.
• Empowers partnerships: SaaS platforms are standard platforms. When firms work on them, they can collaborate with ease. They don’t have to worry about standard formats or data exchange protocols. In other words, SaaS does away with time-consuming technical attributes.
• Provides centralized data analytics: Since data is centrally stored, SaaS users can extract real-time analytics. This helps them make on-the-go decisions needed in several businesses.

Applications of SaaS Technology in Logistics & Transportation

SaaS technology can be especially beneficial for logistics companies and departments. Since IT staffing and the responsibility of maintaining and upgrading the software would fall on the shoulders of the technology provider, mentioned logistics companies and teams would be able to designate more resources towards building relationships. Additionally, the advantage of leveraging the most up-to-date and cutting edge technologies will help optimize processes, eliminate human errors, and streamline communication.

ZUUM Transportation offers SaaS solutions for shippers (ZUUM Business & ZUUM Enterprise) and freight brokers (ZUUM Automated Broker). Contact our freight technology experts to learn more.