Businesses and companies have been employing the latest technology to amplify their supply chain processes and network. Cloud technology has gained wide popularity in various industries for the past few years. It is because it offers remote access, analysis, and data mobility; rather than relying on the on-premise infrastructure. Today, we’ll discuss cloud computing in supply chain management; its definition, key elements, benefits, and implementation.
Businesses and companies have been employing cloud computing for innovation and creativity in their SCM operations and activities. The solutions and applications of cloud computing work and deliver results in the form of SaaS (software as a service) models.
What is Cloud Computing in Supply Chain Management?
Cloud computing in supply chain management offers optimized software solutions, platforms, and infrastructure for the SC network to achieve operational and financial advantages. SaaS (software as a service) is the best method for shipping cloud computing into the SCM market; because SaaS works best when it involves collaboration.
Nowadays, the focus of SC is on establishing connections and collaboration among various activities and resources. SaaS and cloud computing would perform well and their growth would increase exponentially in the upcoming years.
According to an estimate by Market Report World, the worth and revenue of the global SaaS-based SCM market in 2022 reached roundabout 11470 million US dollars. It would reach 27230 million US dollars by the end of 2029 with a growth rate of 15.5%.
Elements of Cloud Computing in SCM
Some of the main elements and activities of cloud computing in SCM are as follows;
Planning & Forecasting
Planning and forecasting is the key element of SC operations. The focus of every business is to predict supply and demand so that they could manage their production processes. However, cloud computing gathers information and data from various sources like producers, wholesalers, retailers, and customers. They analyze the data and predict upcoming trends and plan for the future of the company.
Logistics
Poor logistics could jeopardize the SC operations of the company from transportation to inventory management. Cloud computing assists logistics in various ways like transport route optimization, automatic inventory management, and tracking operations.
Spare Parts and Service Management
Cloud computing allows you to improve spare parts and service management. In order to avoid a shortage, you could order the availability of spare parts at the lowest level. You could easily find the servicing time based on the cloud information, and it results in the form of downtime.
Procurement and Sourcing
The database of the cloud platform has got all the information about suppliers and vendors. All you have to do is to establish a minimum stock; it would automatically reorder stock from the best suppliers. The cloud system helps you to develop your contract automatically.
Benefits of Cloud Computing in SCM
Some of the main benefits of cloud computing in supply chain management are as follows;
Cost Efficiency
Cloud system allows businesses and companies to achieve cost efficiency and save cost from logistics issues, bottlenecks, and other types of disruptions. Interestingly, it doesn’t need a lot of investment in the software or the in-house server.
Agility
The efficiency of the cloud system allows businesses and companies to perform their SC operations and activities with agility and speed. The proactive forecast and identification of risks and opportunities would make sure that the companies would move quickly to take action.
Scalability
The cloud system amplifies the scalability of SC operations and makes the whole process easier. It allows you to perform your SC scalability efficiently, whether you have a large database of customers or employee staff.
Real-Time Transparency
Due to an overload of information, it is difficult to keep up with the number of occurrences. Cloud computing would make sure that you should remain updated about the latest events. Real-time visibility would help you to make quick decisions about quick decisions.
Automation & Intelligence
The cloud system offers you cognitive intelligence and an analytical approach to transform your SC operations. It offers you a key insight into the key operations of the company, and it also provides you with methods and strategies to implement operational efficiency.
Implementing Cloud Computing in SCM
It is tempting and desirable to have cloud computing for your SC operations and functions. But you have to be very careful because not every SC system is suitable for cloud system migration. Two main types that are not suitable for cloud deployment are as follows;
- Any type of unique process and system that needs high personalization and customization
- Processes or systems integrated with other technology systems and physical processes
The implementation strategy is completely different for every company, especially the ones that are planning to completely move to the cloud system. Sourcing, planning, logistics, and procurement are some of the main activities. You should keep in mind the ease of the onboarding process to the cloud platform before implementing it.
Conclusion: Cloud Computing in Supply Chain Management
After an in-depth study of cloud computing in supply chain management; we have realized that cloud computing is a game changer for your SC operations. If you are learning about cloud computing in SCM, then you should keep in mind the abovementioned elements, benefits, and implementation tips.
Ahsan is an accomplished researcher and has a deep insight in worldly life affairs. He goes Live 3 days a week on various social media platforms. Other than research writing, he’s a very interesting person.
