Is your backup solution running on a Raspberry Pi?
We’ve all tinkered with DIY tech—but when it comes to business data, even a Raspberry Pi has its limits. Let’s explore business backup and disaster recovery plan options for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) workloads.
DIY Backups Can Be Fun—But Are They Enough?
Many businesses struggle to figure out how to properly back up their data. We all know that backup is important to prevent data being lost. Many things can happen such as ransomware attacks, natural disasters, data breaches, or even internal attacks on your backup system. With this in mind, it is of utmost importance to ensure your company is making proper backups. A well-built business backup and disaster recovery plan protects data, ensures uptime, and gives your team the confidence to handle the unexpected.
You never know when disaster might strike, whether it be something like flooding, an earthquake, or even something as simple as a hard drive failing in your NAS or an employee accidentally deleting a file. These things can greatly affect the productivity of your team, and cause your business to lose money, data, and time.
Common threats that make a business backup and disaster recovery plan essential:
Ransomware and cyberattacks targeting small businesses
Natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, and fires
Employee error, accidental deletions, or insider threats
Hardware failure, aging on-premise servers, or NAS crashes
Data breaches requiring fast compliance-driven restoration
Why Professional Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions Matter
When it comes to data backup and disaster recovery, small businesses and enterprises alike need robust solutions that go beyond basic file storage. Professional backup and disaster recovery services, which are built into business application cloud hosting solutions, ensure business continuity by providing automated backups, version control, and rapid data recovery capabilities. Without a comprehensive backup strategy, companies risk losing critical business data, customer information, and years of operational history that can never be recovered.
Enterprise-Grade Data Protection Features
In light of this, as a business owner, you must ask yourself the important question, is your backup solution running on a Raspberry Pi? Is your team making trips to the bank on a weekly basis to put a LTO tape backup of your data into a safe deposit box that is intended for rare coins and jewelry? Or, even worse, is all of your data stored in a cabinet in the basement of your office, making all of your data stored on-site?
The True Chaos (and Cost) of Data Loss for Businesses
The old saying goes “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” and this absolutely applies to backups. If all your data is stored on one site, what will you do if your building gets swept away by a tornado or broken into in the night? Will you call Sherlock Holmes and try to find your Linear Tape-Open (LTO) backup tapes or hard disk drives?
LTO Tape vs. Modern Cloud Solutions
While simple solutions like a Raspberry Pi can be great for ensuring the coffee pot in the break room is never empty, your backups are the backbone of consistent service for customers. Your business deserves better than a solution designed for hobbyists, or even something like a NAS (Network Attached Backup), which only really ensures a secure backup if it is located off-site.
Thankfully, EstesGroup is here to help, with our dedicated team which will help you analyze your current business backup and disaster recovery solution, and help you improve your business continuity plan. Our on-premise and cloud-based solution suites make disaster recovery of your important data fast, secure and available 24/7/365.
Our team works hard to meet your advanced cybersecurity and compliance needs, and will help you ensure everything from your customer data to your email accounts are backed up to allow for recovery in case of a disaster.
Integrate, Automate, Report — And Prepare for Disaster
Modern backup solutions should include features like cloud storage integration, automated scheduling, encryption, and compliance reporting. Enterprise-grade backup systems provide redundancy across multiple geographic locations, ensuring your data remains accessible even during widespread outages or natural disasters.
Automated Business: Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan Scheduling and Monitoring
The best backup and disaster recovery services offer both on-premises and cloud-based options, giving businesses the flexibility to choose the right mix of speed, security, and cost-effectiveness for their specific needs.
What to look for in a business backup and disaster recovery solution:
Automated backups with customizable scheduling
Cloud-based redundancy across secure, geo-distributed locations
End-to-end encryption and ransomware protection
24/7/365 support with SLA-driven recovery
Compliance-ready reporting for audits and regulations
Scalability to grow with your business needs
Business owners often underestimate the true cost of data loss until it’s too late. Studies show that 60% of small businesses that lose their data shut down within six months of a disaster, and few IT departments leverage expert network and security assessments.
3-2-1 Backup Rule
Professional IT services and managed backup solutions can help prevent this scenario by implementing industry best practices for data protection, including the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies of your data, stored on two different types of media, with one copy kept off-site.
Don’t let your business become another statistic – invest in professional backup services that scale with your growth and protect your most valuable digital assets.
So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to our team today at [email protected] or call us at (888) 300-2340 (if you prefer the old-fashioned telephone). Let us help you ensure your business is prepared for anything.
ERP Platforms That Require a Strong Backup and Recovery Plan
EstesGroup supports a wide range of ERP systems for manufacturers, distributors, and service-based businesses. Our team provides consulting, optimization, and secure cloud hosting for leading platforms, including:
Infor SX.e and Infor SyteLine (CloudSuite Industrial)
Whether you’re running a legacy ERP system or planning a cloud migration, EstesGroup can help you build a disaster recovery plan that aligns with your technology, operations, and compliance needs.
Wondering if your backup strategy is really enough? Whether you’re running Epicor, Prophet 21, Sage, SYSPRO, Infor, or another ERP system, your business depends on consistent uptime and data protection.
Below are some of the most common questions we hear about backup and disaster recovery (BDR) for ERP users—along with expert answers to help you protect your systems, your data, and your future.
What is a business backup and disaster recovery plan?
A business backup and disaster recovery plan is a set of strategies, tools, and processes that protect your company’s data and systems. It ensures you can recover quickly from threats like ransomware, hardware failure, or natural disasters—minimizing downtime and loss.
Is a DIY (like Raspberry Pi) backup good enough for business?
Not really. A Raspberry Pi can handle basic backups for personal use or lab environments, but it lacks the redundancy, encryption, automation, and compliance features needed for enterprise-grade disaster recovery. Think of your DIY business backup and disaster recovery plan as the Raspberry Pi of the current digital landscape.
What’s the difference between a NAS and cloud backup?
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a local device for storing files, while cloud backups replicate your data to secure, remote servers. Private and hybrid cloud solutions provide better scalability, offsite redundancy, and disaster resilience.
How does the 3-2-1 backup rule work?
The 3-2-1 rule means keeping three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy stored off-site. It’s a proven strategy for avoiding data loss during unexpected events.
How can EstesGroup help with disaster recovery?
EstesGroup offers fully managed backup and disaster recovery solutions tailored to small and mid-sized businesses. From secure cloud hosting to compliance reporting and rapid restore capabilities, our team helps you prepare for anything. Schedule a free IT assessment with a vCIO today.
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Duplicated data. Delayed reporting. Missing information. Missing opportunities. Even local distribution businesses are feeling the heat of global competitors winning the technology integration marathon. As tariff turmoil creates a supply chain fervor amongst procurement specialists, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software vendors and resellers push customers into solutions that challenge control, distributors are facing the chaos of digital dissonance. The distribution industry is especially vulnerable to tech stack fragmentation because the entire foundation of the business is built for mobility. This means the entire system, from ERP to IT to cloud, is vulnerable to breakage, to disruption.
The Solution
Read on to learn how distribution companies are leveraging ERP systems like Epicor Prophet 21 with third-party integrations to move, shake, and innovate−without the risk of breaking the business.
Table of Contents
ERP: The Digital Box Unboxed by IT Disconnects
CRM: Syncing Departmental Windmills or Hopping Sales Silos?
Business Intelligence: Data’s Untapped Tapped
Integration: The Great Chain of Tech Strategy
Distribution Tech Stack Tips
Rethinking Tech Stack Fragmentation
According to industry insights, 60% of mid-market manufacturing and distribution companies use more than five disconnected tools to manage core processes. Without integration, businesses struggle with duplicated data, siloed teams, and decision-making that’s reactive instead of strategic.
Mid-sized distributors typically operate with lean teams and legacy tools. Sales reps track leads in spreadsheets. Inventory lives in an ERP system. Customer data floats around in a CRM—or worse, email threads. BI dashboards are built once, then forgotten. None of these systems talk to each other.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
ERP software promises operational harmony, yet without integration, it often adds to the noise. Systems need to talk to each other intelligently.
ERP software promises profitability. But even with ERP in place, distribution companies still face costly digital risks:
Inventory management discrepancies
Long, profit-draining quote-to-cash cycles
Invisibility due to limited visibility into stock or order status
Takeaway for IT Leaders
ERP is essential—but not sufficient. Look for ERPs with strong API support and native integration options.
CRM
A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool can transform how sales teams manage leads, follow up, and retain accounts. But when it doesn’t integrate with ERP or BI systems, it contributes to tech stack fragmentation—becoming just another disconnected app that limits visibility and slows down the sales cycle.
Without integration, sales problems multiply:
Sales can’t see real-time inventory
Reps manually enter order data across platforms
Managers lack a unified view of the customer journey
Takeaway for Sales Leaders
A CRM is only as powerful as the data it connects to. Ensure it’s embedded in your ERP workflows—not floating above them.
Business Intelligence (BI)
Business Intelligence (BI) tools help distributors visualize data trends—if the data is accurate and timely. But many BI implementations pull outdated or incomplete information from siloed systems, limiting their value.
When fully integrated, BI tools can do the thinking for you:
Forecast demand and reduce overstock
Analyze customer buying patterns
Identify profit leaks across departments
Takeaway for Finance Teams
BI needs clean, connected data. Integration isn’t optional—it’s foundational.
ERP Integrations
A truly modern tech stack connects ERP, CRM, and BI platforms into a single system of intelligence. Integration doesn’t just reduce friction—it increases revenue potential by aligning every team around the same data.
When these tools are integrated:
Sales, finance, and ops share real-time data
Customer experience improves dramatically
Leadership gains visibility for better forecasting
Takeaway for Company Leaders
Integration isn’t just an IT team responsibility—it’s a strategic imperative for business agility and growth.
5 Tech Stack Fragmentation Tips
Map the Fractures: Identify all your disconnected systems and where data overlaps or is duplicated.
Simplify First: Choose tools that play well together—favor platforms with open APIs and distribution-specific capabilities.
Train Cross-Functionally: Don’t let departments optimize in isolation. Train teams on how data flows across the organization.
Partner Smart: Work with integrators and solution providers who understand the distribution space—not just generic software.
Measure ROI Early: Use KPIs like quote-to-order time, error rates, and customer satisfaction to track integration impact.
If your team is rekeying data, struggling with reporting, or working across multiple platforms without sync, your stack is fragmented. Ready to fix your ERP and IT problems? One hour could save hundreds. Schedule your free tech stack review with the EstesGroup team today.
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity isn’t just for large corporations – it’s essential for businesses of all sizes. Many organizations don’t realize they’re at risk until after a security incident occurs. Here are five critical warning signs that indicate your business should consider a professional network security audit and vulnerability assessment.
1) Your Network Performance Has Changed
Unexpected slowdowns or irregular network behavior could indicate security issues. Malware and unauthorized access often create unusual patterns in network traffic. While performance issues don’t always signal security problems, they warrant investigation through a comprehensive security assessment.
2) Your Remote Work Force Has Changed or Returned to the Office
The shift to remote work creates new security challenges. Each remote connection represents a potential entry point for cyber threats. If your business has embraced remote work without updating security protocols, you may have unknown vulnerabilities in your network. If your employees are returning to a traditional office setting, you also need to revisit security policies and protocols. New employees in the office mean new potential for security breaches. A network security audit can reveal threat vectors that have been introduced to your business by your shifting workforce.
3) You’re Not Sure When Updates Were Last Applied
Security patches and updates are crucial for protecting against known vulnerabilities. If you can’t confidently say when your systems were last updated, or if you’re unsure whether all devices are current, it’s time for a security audit. Research consistently shows that outdated systems are involved in at least 60% of data breaches.
4) Multiple People Handle IT Tasks
When multiple employees or vendors share IT responsibilities, security protocols can become inconsistent. This fragmented approach often leads to new vulnerabilities in your network. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Inconsistent access permissions
Overlooked security updates
Gaps in security monitoring
Unclear accountability for security measures
5) You Haven’t Had a Professional Vulnerability Assessment
If it’s been more than a year since your last professional security audit – or if you’ve never had one – your business is likely overdue. Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and yesterday’s security measures may not protect against today’s sophisticated attacks.
Taking Action for Network Security
Don’t wait for a security breach to assess your network’s safety. A professional network security audit can identify vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. Modern security assessments are designed to be the following:
Non-disruptive to your operations
Completed quickly (often in just 30 minutes)
Comprehensive in scope
Actionable with clear recommendations
Next Steps to Limit Information Vulnerabilities
Understanding your network’s security posture is crucial for protecting your business assets and customer data. The EstesGroup team provides thorough network security audits that identify vulnerabilities without disrupting your operations. We also offer subscription-based IT services for businesses looking to streamline IT and security management. Contact us today to learn how we can help secure your business technology.
In today’s digital workplace, the phrase “endpoint management” appears in almost every serious conversation about cybersecurity solutions. Though it’s easy to add to your IT strategy, getting your organization to the point where you have a truly effective endpoint management system isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Let’s walk through the journey of transforming your IT infrastructure from chaos to control according to EstesGroup’s cyber experts.
Endpoint Management as the End to Pain Points
Before diving into complex solutions, take a step back and assess your current situation. What’s keeping your IT team up at night?
Are your help desk tickets overwhelming?
Do software updates feel like herding cats?
Is employee onboarding taking forever?
Are security patches consistently behind schedule?
Does remote work support feel like a juggling act?
Understanding your pain points is crucial because it helps you build a case for change and prioritize your needs.
Build Your IT Network Foundation
Think of endpoint management like building a house – you need a solid foundation. First you need to create and assess your unique technology blueprint. Here are the steps to do this:
Asset Inventory
Document all your endpoints (computers, laptops, mobile devices)
Map out your software licenses
Identify who uses what and why
Standardization
Create baseline configurations for different user types
Establish standard operating procedures
Define security policies
Network Infrastructure
Ensure your network can handle remote management
Set up secure access protocols
Implement backup systems
Take IT Management Step by Step
Don’t try to boil the ocean. Instead, implement endpoint management in phases:
Phase 1: Basic Monitoring
Deploy basic monitoring tools
Set up alerts for critical issues
Establish baseline performance metrics
Phase 2: Remote Support
Implement remote access tools
Train support staff
Create support documentation
Set up ticketing system
Phase 3: Automation
Automate routine maintenance
Set up automated patching
Configure automatic updates
Create automated onboarding workflows
Phase 4: Optimization
Fine-tune monitoring parameters
Optimize performance settings
Streamline support processes
Enhance security measures
Address the Human Element of Endpoint Management
Technology is only half the battle. Success requires:
User Education
Train employees on new procedures
Communicate changes clearly
Provide self-help resources
Get feedback and adjust
IT Team Development
Up-skill your IT staff
Define clear roles and responsibilities
Create documentation
Establish best practices
No End to Your IT Strategy
Your technology journey will never end. The cyber landscape will only become more complex. To prepare for the future, set up metrics now to track your journey:
Response times to IT issues
System downtime
Patch compliance rates
User satisfaction scores
Support ticket resolution times
Security incident rates
Endpoint Management is a Journey, Not an End in Itself
Getting to the point of effective endpoint management takes time, planning, and patience. Start with understanding your needs, build a solid foundation, implement changes gradually, and keep your users in mind throughout the process. The result? A more efficient, secure, and manageable IT infrastructure that supports rather than hinders your business operations. Remember that endpoint management is a journey, not a destination. As your organization grows and technology evolves, your approach should too.
Most importantly, remember that the goal isn’t perfection from day one. It’s about creating a sustainable system that grows with your organization and adapts to changing needs. Start your journey today, take it one step at a time, and keep moving forward. Your future IT team will thank you for it.
Would your team benefit from a partnership with a 24/7/365 team of ERP and technology experts? Learn more about our subscription-based services today.
EstesGroup provides managed IT services and enterprise consulting for all ERP systems: Epicor Kinetic, Epicor Prophet 21, Sage ERP, SYSPRO ERP, NetSuite, QuickBooks, and more!
How to Align Technology Policies with Business Goals
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations face the constant challenge of aligning their IT infrastructure with business objectives while navigating a complex web of regulations and security concerns. This is where a policy-led IT strategy comes into play, offering a structured approach to technology management that ensures compliance, enhances security, and drives business value.
What is a policy-led IT strategy?
A policy-led IT strategy is an approach that places organizational policies at the forefront of technology decision-making. Instead of allowing technology to dictate business processes, this strategy ensures that IT initiatives are guided by well-defined policies that reflect the company’s goals, values, and regulatory requirements.
What are the key benefits of policy-led IT?
Improved Compliance: By basing IT decisions on clear policies, organizations can more easily adhere to industry regulations and standards.
Enhanced Security: Security policies become an integral part of the IT strategy, reducing vulnerabilities and protecting sensitive data.
Better Alignment with Business Goals: Technology investments and initiatives are directly tied to organizational objectives, ensuring better ROI.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Clear policies provide a framework for consistent IT decisions across the organization.
Increased Transparency: Stakeholders have a clear understanding of how and why IT decisions are made.
How do you implement a policy-led IT strategy?
Developing and implementing a policy-led IT strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key steps:
Define Clear Policies: Start by creating comprehensive policies that cover all aspects of IT usage, security, and governance.
Align Policies with Business Objectives: Ensure that your IT policies support and enhance your organization’s overall goals.
Communicate and Educate: Make sure all stakeholders understand the policies and their importance.
Implement Technology Solutions: Choose and implement technologies that support and enforce your policies.
Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review and update your policies to keep pace with changing business needs and technological advancements.
Measuring Policy-Led IT Strategy Success
Track key performance indicators including:
Compliance audit scores and violation reduction
Security incident frequency and response times
IT project alignment with business objectives
Technology ROI improvements
Stakeholder satisfaction ratings
Partner with IT Strategy Experts
Implementing a policy-led IT strategy requires specialized expertise in technology governance, compliance frameworks, and business alignment. EstesGroup’s managed IT services team helps organizations develop, implement, and optimize policy-driven technology strategies that deliver measurable business results.
Ready to transform your IT strategy? Contact EstesGroup today to discuss how policy-led approaches can improve your technology ROI while maintaining security and compliance standards.
About EstesGroup: EstesGroup is a leading provider of ERP services, managed IT services, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity consulting, helping businesses align technology investments with strategic objectives through policy-driven approaches. Chat with us today, or fill out the form below, to schedule a free ERP or IT assessment with a solutions specialist.
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