Dave Gilbert says he helps companies make their IT systems deliver. A NetSuite "super-user" with a strong operations management background, Dave is a specialist in the configuration and implementation of enterprise software delivered through the SaaS (Software as a Service) model, and has a small consulting business assisting San Francisco Bay Area clients.
What is SaaS, and Why Should I Care?
If you are not familiar with the Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model, one of the most common examples is QuickBooks Online, which, as the name implies, is an online version of QuickBooks desktop accounting software. Software as a Service, or software on-demand, as it is sometimes called, essentially takes a server-based software product and makes it available over the Internet.
What catapulted Dave Gilbert into the consulting business was realizing that the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) market was beginning to build momentum with SaaS offerings. NetSuite, for example, opened its virtual doors more than 10 years ago with a product that delivered on-demand ERP for small and mid-size companies that did not require enterprise-class products, such as those offered by Oracle or SAP.
While some technology purists think of ERP as a data and process management system capable of managing billion dollar corporations, Dave uses the term more loosely to fit SaaS applications designed for smaller companies. Dave is most familiar with NetSuite, which he describes as a set of applications, built to run on the Web, and capable of sales force automation, marketing automation, CRM, partner relationship management, financial planning, order fulfillment, inventory management, purchasing management, vendor management and more.
The Advantages of On-demand or SaaS ERP
SaaS represents a sort of paradigm shift, from enterprise business solutions built on the procurement and ownership model, to solutions built on a subscription-based Internet service model. "Bascially," Dave says, "you're leasing software instead of buying it, and what you save in other areas more than makes up for the subscription fee." The "other areas" Dave referred are what he sees as the real benefits of SaaS, which include not having to purchase, install and maintain software or hardware; rapid deployment; easy implementation across multiple location; no disruptions caused by updates or upgrades; no software support fees; no contracts; and no need for back-up, disaster recovery and support service.
Dave Gilbert also says SaaS makes it easy to share information, both internally and externally, which provides greater visibility and fosters more creativity and collaboration.
SaaS for Supply Chain
Traditionally, ERP systems were designed to support management and finance, but Dave Gilbert says the industry is changing and new service categories are emerging all the time.
According to Dave, "SaaS products that support supply chain are everywhere." Oakland California-based GT Nexus offers on-demand solutions for importers, exporters and logistics providers, Smart Turn offers on-demand and SaaS Warehouse Management Solutions, and 3PL Central is yet another player in the Warehouse Management Solutions and third-party logistics space. "Of course, Ariba," Dave says, "is huge in the on-demand Spend Management space." And while he is less familiar with Plex, than NetSuite, Dave says Plex Online offers Manufacturing Operations Management, Quality Management Systems, and Supply Chain Management, including electronic kanban, online releases, EDI, electronic invoices and shipment notifications, online supplier quality management, cross-company inventory traceability, cross-company quality and production data, and more.
Dave Gilbert's SaaS Blog Recommendations
Want to know more about software-as-a-service? Dave Gilbert recommends reading his favorite blogs, which include Kevin Dobbs's Smart SaaS, Philippe Botteri's Cracking the Code, and Joel York's Chaotic Flow.
In closing, Dave Gilbert said, "I hope people in the industry will start learning about this 'cause the future has arrived.”
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