Benefits of Cloud Computing: Industry 4.0 is a concept that is here to stay and refers to what experts call the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a process in which technology becomes the protagonist of production instead of a mere auxiliary.
This is possible due to the new tools brought about by digital transformation, such as automation, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence.
In this scenario, the way we produce in a few years will be completely different from the past decade. Management and production tasks will likely be almost 100% automated, and employees will be more creative in generating knowledge for their company. Do you want to understand this subject better and discover the benefits of cloud computing? Then check out our post!
Integrates Industry 4.0 Processes
Cloud computing enables the integration of all production line processes, from incoming quality inspection from suppliers to final quality control and after-sales.
In addition, by helping monitor defects in parts and preventing the loss of essential reports and documents, the cloud also significantly reduces the need for rework generated by poor quality or the lack of an outgoing invoice, for example. So, the cloud takes care of everything, both production, and essential bureaucracies.
Applications and systems hosted in the cloud can be used for various functions, such as tracking, analyzing, and reporting on the assembly line quality, products, management, customer relations, etc. After all, they integrate perfectly with ERPs, document management systems, and CRMs, among others, to generate fast and reliable data.
Thus, these insights generated by cloud-based systems allow quicker identification of productivity bottlenecks. With the cloud, data from different systems would be integrated manually or with server-based software tools, which require a costly IT infrastructure.
Enables Cost Reduction
Generally, when managers hear the suggestion of moving to the cloud, the first thing that comes to mind is, “will this increase my costs?”. A survey showed that about 20% of businesses have this concern, as they believe the implementation will generate a lot of additional costs with new software and equipment.
However, every investment has its cost, and the most important factor should not be it but the final benefit, the return on investment (ROI). In a quick Internet search, you will find that sources are virtually unanimous regarding the very positive ROI of cloud ERPs.
This is predictable since the speed of access, and the real-time integration of the data brings insights into the needs of its customers, the characteristics of its production, the efficiency of its employees, its inventory of inputs, etc. This way, you have a global view of your company, allowing your marketing, management, and other actions to be cheaper but more effective.
If you are worried that ERPs usually contain several tools your business will never use, remember that some cloud solutions, from TOTVS, allow customization by an authorized partner. You can look for an IT consultancy that will provide what you need.
If your business scales and needs more, contact her to add tools. Even the need for storage can be adjusted according to demand in the cloud. So, rather than buying expensive servers that will never be fully utilized, IT managers can upgrade their packages with their cloud provider.
Automates Processes
A cloud ERP also brings process automation to various company sectors, from the supply chain sector to sales through HR, marketing, and IT.
Thus, database integration, calculating metrics and indicators, preparing reports, and others are much easier.
Decreases Security Risks
Cloud vendors generally invest heavily in the security of their systems, as their reputation depends on it. So you can be sure you have state-of-the-art encryption and firewalls to protect your and your customer’s sensitive data.
Speeds Up Production Time
Just by eliminating the time lost with bottlenecks, much is already saved. However, the cloud allows for much more. Due to its quick update, it connects distant ends of the production with impressive speed. For example, as soon as an input arrives at the warehouses and an employee registers it in the ERP, the cloud updates the data of all the machines and, thus, can generate a real-time notification so production can start quickly.
Likewise, orders generated online are automatically registered on the platform. Thus, managers will have an exact idea of the demand at every moment to produce the right amount and, therefore, more quickly since no time is wasted with products that will remain in excess in the stock.
This insight into how production cycle time can be optimized makes your company more competitive.
It Provides Greater Flexibility In Accessing Documents
Finally, we cannot mention the flexibility of access to documents. In the cloud, you can also access them through smartphones and tablets. With this, managers and employees gain mobility, and even in the field, they can access important documents and feed the database with precious information for their business.
Also Read: Cloud Technology: 5 Benefits Of Using It For Your Company