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Why Cloud Computing is Cost Saving for Manufacturers

When discussing the opposing sides of old manufacturing methodologies, it always comes to dreadfully expensive costs in a boxed manufacturing software, consulting fees, and lengthy software deployment procedures. In recent years, inexpensive and more straightforward “Cloud computing solutions” emerged, becoming many manufacturers’ best choices for cost saving.

What is Cloud Computing?

The definition of “Cloud Computing” is that all essential data is stored in a secured external data server and accessible to all devices. If there is an internet connection, users can read, enter, and change anything related to users’ production plan, anywhere and anytime, hence the phrase “On-the-Cloud”.

Why is Cloud Computing important for Manufacturers?

Cloud computing manufacturing solutions fundamentally help manufacturers cut expenses, adapt to modern changes, scale up the sizes, and most importantly, uncover wasted manufacturing power and capacity, leading to a data-driven and profitable business model.

With such a cost-effective and flexible software alternative, you no longer need a proprietary and fixed software system that would be disastrous to change, expand, or alter. For many companies, these in-house or “on-premises” systems are things of the past. Cloud computing manufacturing solutions have been seen as the go-to choice for the present and the foreseeable future.

Cost-saving with Cloud Computing: anytime and anywhere

The main reason behind such popularity, especially among manufacturers, is apparent: Cloud computing systems only require essential Internet connections. Instead of a lengthy installation for an in-house server inside the factory or office building, all users need is just their PC, tablet, or smartphone. It is exceptionally effective for large manufacturing businesses with several bases of operation. It is also incredibly efficient for small and middle-sized companies in this day and age of mobility.

A illustration shows the connectivity of cloud computing in the manufacturing industry and industry 4.0, which is a cost saving way to do manufacturing.
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Cost-saving with Cloud Computing: Cut-down big expenses

The investment costs for manufacturers are enormous for in-house software as companies have to look after themselves and by themselves. Their data servers must sit inside their own company buildings, with expensive maintenance fees, increasing hardware costs, and electricity bills. In addition, the company’s employees need to guarantee the security of the data, which requires their strong know-how and, of course, rising wages for the company.

Such high costs for the infrastructure or professional IT staff make acquiring new software nearly impossible. Some of these additional costs might even jeopardize the company’s future.

Let’s be honest: you should probably spend your money elsewhere. With a cloud computing structure, your data is available to you and your employees by a secured internet connection. Reputable data providers and their high-secured large data centers ensure that your data is encrypted with high standards and safe from data loss— All with substantially better cost-saving potentials than managing everything yourself.

It is easy to understand why many manufacturing businesses have moved toward Cloud Computing Solutions because of their excellent time and cost-saving power.

Cost-saving with Cloud Computing: A future-proof licenses model

An on-premises software system must be installed locally and stuck forever in the building, in contrast, a company with a cloud computing solution usually rents the service for a certain period.

The user license model is tailor-made for forward-thinking manufacturers to customize the functionalities of their planning solution on a monthly or annual basis. It is comparable to a subscription model with no ongoing costs if the solution no longer suits users’ needs at some point.

A illustration explains how users can use Cloud Computing Solutions, to choose the functionality they need with a user license model in order to save costs and time.
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To conclude, the advantages of cloud computing solutions for production planning in the manufacturing industry are obvious: It is cost-effective and time-efficient and a better way to plan — for now, and for tomorrow.