Today, more and more software solutions are available in the cloud. This evolution in the supply of IT solutions has underlying reasons: the maturity of software solutions and the desire, on the part of companies, to reduce the costs of the IT structure.
The Cloud Market Trend: Continued Growth
The Cloud market, especially in recent years, has recorded strong growth. According to Gartner, the CIPS market, Cloud Infrastructure and Platform Services, recorded a global growth of 42.3% – source). A study by the Cloud & ICT as a Service Observatory of the Politecnico di Milano, on the other hand, states that in 2018 the Cloud recorded a growth rate of 19% in Italy (source). This is due to the fact that almost half of CIOs and Innovation Managers want to adopt the Cloud to introduce innovative technologies within their companies, quickly. The manufacturing sector is among the most dynamic, mainly due to the interest in the Enterprise 4.0 plan and Industry 4.0 in general. The government’s strategic development plan for broadband, which represents the overcoming of an important barrier for SMEs in adopting the opportunities offered by the Cloud, also participates in giving a boost towards the adoption of Cloud services.
The advantages of cloud-based solutions
The advantages for manufacturing companies that choose a cloud-based solution can be numerous: greater agility and speed of implementation of the solution, the possibility of creating scalable solutions and therefore more adaptable to the needs of the moment, manage upgrades more effectively, without forgetting the possibility of outsourcing some IT department costs.
However, the true value of the cloud is collaborative connectivity in real time: it goes from the ability to share procurement plans with your suppliers and follow progress with them in real time, to share information with your customers on orders fulfilled or stock levels in different distribution centers around the world, improving the level of service.
The new technology favours the exchange of data in real time, the collection of important information internal and external to the company, the dialogue between departments for decision-making processes and the possibility of analysing in detail the key values (KPI or Key Performance Indicator) and any critical situations between different company functions.
The benefits of the cloud for users
The Cloud market is therefore constantly evolving and has captured the attention of all software houses. This evolution is also driven in part by the attention it has received, in turn, from users and this due to the benefits they derive from it. In the case of a cloud APS, for example, several corporate figures benefit and benefit:
- Managers and management: installation and management costs are reduced to a minimum, in the long term the system remains up-to-date and able to react quickly to market needs. The problem of hardware obsolescence is eliminated as the supplier cares about the structure. Barriers to further development are broken down, as the budget required is lower and approval of the request is easier. The company’s data is also even safer thanks to a dedicated team that constantly improves defensive barriers against external attacks and acts quickly in the event of action by ill-intentioned individuals.
- IT and information services: the IT team is able to add value to the company by bringing technological innovations immediately and in the future, since it will no longer have to maintain the infrastructures with maintenance and prompt intervention activities. The Cloud supports IT thanks to its scalability that allows you to allocate resources to meet business needs.
- Users: the cloud is much more versatile for any user, compared to a fixed software, since it allows access to the service from any terminal equipped with web browsers.
Among all the APS in the Cloud, some are better than others and allow companies to return immediately and consistently over time, from the expenses incurred.
CyberPlan, the APS in the Cloud
Today, companies can adopt the powerful production planning and scheduling tool, CyberPlan, even in a cloud-based version. The APS software used by the most ambitious manufacturing companies can be used by the planning department also in the cloud and therefore also comfortably on the go or remotely through tools such as tablets or laptops. The cloud solution also facilitates remote work and smart working without the need to use VPN, or Virtual Private Network.
Tips and advice for adopting cloud solutions
In recent years, companies are increasingly looking for cloud-based software and an increasing number of Italian companies are placing them within their own context. Software houses are also investing energy in the research and development of cloud solutions, which will be maintained and improved over time. Industry studies also confirm that the cloud is a world that will evolve and grow significantly in the coming years. This solid and reliable service allows companies greater flexibility. The advice for manufacturing companies is therefore to seriously consider the implementation of CyberPlan in the Cloud version to benefit from a limited cost in the short term and continue to be always at the forefront in the future, in order to make the most of the improvements in technology available. All the developments and updates of the CyberPlan APS, in fact, are the result of experience and careful and meticulous analysis of the numerous manufacturing companies with which Cybertec collaborates. Taking advantage of the latest features, companies with APS are always at the forefront of responding precisely to market needs and changes.
Make your supply chain more modern and competitive with an APS solution in the cloud
Make the best decision every day based on easy-to-create, easy-to-read scenarios built from secure data and processes. Anticipate competition by reacting to market changes in the best possible way.
Equip your company with a powerful tool that can be used remotely, giving visibility into what is happening to the production chain, from suppliers to delivery to the customer.
Contact our experts for more information.
