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Cloud Computing has become the focal point for driving today’s industries, with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, ML, Blockchain, Voice Recognition, Big Data Analytics and geoprocessing. In just a few years’ time it has become the top priority of every organisation and the pandemic has increased this need manifold. Though many industries like IT, Finance and ecommerce have already been using cloud-based products and services for a long time and are reaping the benefits, there are still some sectors that are yet to fully utilize the capabilities of cloud computing – the manufacturing Industry being one of them. According to Nasscom, the amount companies spending on cloud computing is expected to reach $7 billion by 2022, which is a 30 per cent growth each year. In addition, when it comes of specifically the manufacturing sector, another report by Market research future states that the cloud manufacturing market is expected to reach $111.90 billion by 2024. These numbers are a testament to the growing demand and fast adoption of cloud computing in the manufacturing sector.

How can cloud computing benefit manufacturing industry?

The manufacturing industry must fulfil large volumes of production at a faster delivery rate while at the same time being cost effective and flexible. Cloud computing can help the industry fulfil these needs. Connectivity is a major pre-requisite for the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers can utilize cloud-enabled services to stay connected with the supply chain and the end consumers. According to IDC Manufacturing Insights survey, manufacturers in Asia Pacific region are already using a mix of public and private clouds with an adoption rate at 49 per cent and the numbers are growing exponentially. For others who are planning to integrate cloud computing into their business now is the best time and any delay would be a major reason for falling behind.

Benefiting manufacturers

Better collaboration: Many manufacturers are still using many legacy softwares that are connected in silos. Using cloud-based applications will enable these manufacturers to eliminate these silos and let them collaborate across geographies. Innovations in AI, IoT, Mobility and Geo Processing can also help manufacturers to predict equipment failures and advanced analytics based applications will enable them to work with partners across supply chain by sharing interactive dashboards.

Better planning: The current infrastructure of manufacturers are labor intensive with high costs and unpredictable productivity where the demand and planning is insufficient. Using CRM, cloud based analytical and enterprise mobility tools while transform the production process and enhance accuracy. The speed of production, cost and accuracy in the production cycle will witness a drastic change. Cloud based applications will dramatically transform the entire supply chain management for better monitoring and tracking.

Increased innovation: Worldwide hybrid cloud adoption is gaining a lot of momentum in the manufacturing industry as it helps manufacturers to move away from traditional ERP systems and implement cloud-based systems to create web-based applications, mobile apps and different software testing modules that enables them to create new capabilities within their manufacturing plants.  

Controlling production level: Manufacturing does not involve production at the same level throughout the year. Cloud based applications can help manufacturers to keep an eye and monitor production seamlessly. Depending on the changing market needs and various other scenarios, manufacturers can bring down the level of production and increase it. It can also help them understand the level of raw materials needed to ramp up or slow down production.

Cloud computing is the future for the entire world and manufacturers should not fall behind. With the government’s impetus on both manufacturing and IT, it is high time for all manufacturers to implement cloud-based applications and reap the benefits in the years to come.

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