While technology has had a variable impact on different industries across the globe, as a general rule widespread innovation has altered the way that products and services are delivered to customers.
To reaffirm this, you need only look at the way in which the development of Cloud technology has changed supply chain management during the digital age, creating far greater efficiencies in terms of record keeping, data sharing and the delivery of international shipments.
In this article, we’ll look at three actionable ways in which the Cloud has changed supply chain management in recent times.
1. Advancement in Analytics Capabilities
In days gone by, the collation of data and its subsequent analysis required the deployment of both data entry clerks and individuals with definitive analytical skills. These processes were also labour intensive, while they restricted firms in terms of the quantity and quality of data that they were able to leverage.
Thanks to the Cloud, however, it’s now possible to collate and store potentially huge data sets, while making these immediately accessible to key stakeholders. Similarly, Cloud-based technology has made it possible to analyse and scale data more efficiently, empowering businesses to make more informed and profitable decisions.
From the perspective of the supply chain, this means that businesses can reduce costs while improving the efficiencies of their service, particularly in terms of delivering goods and producing more accurate records.
2. The Integration of Multiple Platforms
If you look at SaaS software providers such as EDI, you’ll see that one of their core selling points is the fact that their software can be successfully integrated with existing business management systems.
This can be particularly effective when automating order processing, while it ensures that your business is able to capitalise on the advantages of using advanced supply chain software in the first place.
Previously, it was difficult for companies to integrate alternative platforms and systems, and the Cloud has played a key role has played a large role in breaking down this barrier to entry. More specifically, it has introduced a number of standard design protocols to eliminate digital boundaries and allow for seamless data sharing between platforms.
3. Enhanced Security Measures
In general terms, Cloud hosts are required to abide by strict government security standards, particularly with regards to maintaining privacy and the integrity of sensitive data sets.
Thanks to these regulations and the advanced nature of the Cloud, this technology has therefore been able to introduce state-of-the-art and integrated security measures that underpin your firms’ supply chain management processes.
The issue of interconnectedness is particularly important, as this allows for significant security monitoring measures that can be adopted universally across every conceivable industry.
Interestingly, firms can leverage these security benefits without compromising their own business practices, which is key to the successful implementation of supply chain management.
