February 19, 2022
Intense competition has always driven the manufacturing industry, leaving those who fail to keep up drowning in the sea of competition. After struggling to stay afloat, such businesses are forced to close shop.
But agility in the manufacturing industry is not just about being aware of more efficient ways of doing things. It all comes down to how fast you can employ new solutions and how well you make them work for you.
Consequently, rapid advancement in technology usually comes with a major disruption in the manufacturing industry. No one can forget how the assembly line transformed how the industry operated, and the new wave of giants that came with it.
Cloud manufacturing is the technology of the future that is threatening to create a major disruption in the industry.
What is Cloud Manufacturing?
Cloud manufacturing can be seen as a system of manufacturing where all the stages of production in the manufacturing process are operated on the cloud.
The cloud is a platform that exists on the internet. It exists on an external network of servers located remotely instead of an on-site server or personal computers
This system allows information and activities involved with all production factors (including procurement, design, engineering, management, finance, and maintenance) to be computed and managed on the cloud. Regardless of the physical location and computer used.
As long as the user is authorized and has access to the internet he can access, store, and manage this information all on a single platform.
What makes cloud manufacturing so groundbreaking is its ability to integrate and leverage other technological advancements like:
- Virtualization
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Artificial Intelligence and;
- And 5G technology
Using them to optimize and speed up the manufacturing process while reaching a larger audience.
How Cloud manufacturing Helps you Gain Agility
Streamlines the Manufacturing Process
Computer manufacturing lays down the complex manufacturing process clearly; and allows you to visualize how your company functions. With the aid of artificial intelligence, you can map out areas where waste occurs and eliminate redundancy.
The production cycle is easily optimized this way, increasing the company's capabilities and helping you use resources more efficiently.
Provides Real-time Feedback and Data Reporting
The data reporting process in cloud computing is unparalleled. The feedback allows you to identify and double down on your strengths faster while correcting or eliminating weaknesses.
Your company is also better able to predict potential problems and take preventive measures to stop them in their tracks.
Enhances Employee Productivity
Cloud computing can be accessed remotely and on mobile phones. This increased access alone helps employees accomplish more in less time. Productivity is also positively impacted when there are fewer windows among different departments and information flows smoothly across a single platform.
Facilitates Automation
Cloud computing can collect, analyze and process data independently to develop reports on different factors including sales and finances. Other routine processes like quotations can also be automated and tracked. Freeing resources and your staff to spend more time on more tasking demands.
Reduces Costs
A more robust data reporting system, supported by artificial intelligence can help you track the cause of cost variances.
Cloud manufacturing also reduces costs directly by minimizing the need for maintenance. Since your cloud software provider handles technical support, security, and software updates, you can cut back on your IT costs on maintenance.
Boosts Customer Satisfaction
This production system helps you reach more customers. Not just because your manufacturing process becomes faster, but also because you can better address individual customer needs.
Conclusion
It can sometimes be difficult to leap into more efficient systems simply because they are new. There is a valid fear that comes from a lack of familiarity and the difficulty in using new products.
Fortunately, software solutions like Infor are taking the lead on Cloud manufacturing. Allowing easy integrations of existing ERP software with cloud manufacturing solutions.
One certain thing is the revolution that cloud computing will bring to the industry. While still in its beginning phase, it has already been recorded to increase profits by 22%, along with other fascinating results.