Cloud-based solutions and applications are fast becoming the phenomenon in markets all over the globe as they are considered to be cost-effective, highly scalable and easy to manage. Small and middle sized companies are cornered to be more flexible and adaptive in order to handle hostile competitors. Big enterprises on the other hand, are also hypersensitive to cost and resource saving despite not warming up to innovation quite like SME’s do. This then means that all companies will eventually be pushed towards considering this technological advancement. Moving from on-site data handling to the cloud allows for new opportunities in the overall management of the company.
Helen Birk, an Operating Officer at a logistic company and a high-tech freelance writer, proposed the following main benefits and advantages of cloud-based logistics management.
A Better Time Administration
Cloud-based supply chain management helps schedule and set the deadlines more efficiently as executives have all the needed data and can react on issues immediately. It makes use of your resources and integrates them from every stage of the logistic process in the real-time. Every role player within the organization can then at this stage see what is happening and are able to coordinate their actions accordingly. The cloud system provides a unique point of confirmation, check and approval of each part of the operation whenever needed. This helps in risk control and aids in the ability to respond to threats.
A Better Scope Management
Each industry has its own unique and distinct factors and the logistics, manufacturing & supply field is no exception to this. Additionally, there are characteristic trends to also take note of. Having cloud-based supply chain software can enable customization that will suit your specific industry; your transportation; freight-forwarding and warehousing specialty; and import-export regulations. Customization of this level will lead to better satisfaction of your consumer requirements. It will also reduces your resources while improving processes.
A Better Cost Mainframe
Being able to manage your cloud supply chain in real-time makes your order processing, warehousing, inventory management, transportation and overall pricing more scalable and therefore cheaper. Managers can oversee the operation efficiently as the relevant information comes in time, from different sources with members being able to access current updates. A decreased demand for the on-site resources and administration will lower your capital expenditures. The cloud solution will introduce a new communication model that will save time and reduce costs on phone and e-mail information processing.
A Better Quality Evaluation
The cloud-based logistics presents a more realistic assessment of the company’s ability to perform. With a quicker and better control on every aspect of the operation, clarity is established on the issued standards. Any breach of quality is identified immediately. Such measurements in place then mean that there are fewer efforts and money needed to solve any problems that may arise. Solutions are easy to amend as well. Resources are also saved and repetitive quality issues reduce.
Continuous Improvement
It’s expected of every business to enhance its market positions and improve its processes. Having cloud solutions available makes it easier and cheaper to introduce new functionalities and remove obsolete features as well without a need for an upgrade. The new ideas are easily implemented with just a code change. This gives a chance to test the challenging ideas at a reasonable expense and to either introduce them immediately or to leave them as unworkable. The cloud-based logistics has numerous metric tools that not only provide simplified reporting, but also expose any areas that may need improvement.
A Better Communication Model
Choosing to have a supply chain cloud solution will help you build a highly collaborative community of users that can communicate and share knowledge in the real time. That aids in the notion of simplicity and wholeness of shared information. Access to the cloud helps solve issues quickly, with minimum effort and resources.
A Better Resource Management
With communication that is possible in real time as mentioned above, it becomes much easier to handle the resources. In order to track the transporting vehicles, parcels and packages, follow the shipment progress, contact warehouse partners or to identify the bottlenecks, managers should not have to have a separate desktop with a built-in application. There simply needs to be a browser and access to the internet.
New solutions bring in new opportunities. Past problems such as troubles with local servers may again take place in the future and this prompts companies to consider cloud-based systems. The increase of security level for such systems is expected and it will only accelerate the transition of business. Therefore, contemplating a cloud-based logistics strategy may be something to think about soon.
See how Exploring The Cloud Is Making Software Access More Affordable.
Source: Veridian Website