With the advent of the coronavirus pandemic and its associated impact on the supply chain, the issue of improving supply chain management has never been more topical. The entire world is laser focused on creating new and better ways to ensure this level of disruption does not easily occur again. And as modern commerce grows even more complex, the need for new technologies to maximize supply chain management capabilities is crucial. 

The supply chain business model as it relates to computing comprises cloud technology at its core. Cloud computing allows supply chain actors to store quantities of data safely in remote servers. In this way, the data can be used more efficiently to predict outcomes, make on-the-fly changes, encourage collaboration, and keep data infinitely safer from cyberattacks. 

Cloud Computing for Improved Supply Chain Management

Enterprise planning and management workflows can be easily set to operate in cloud environments, whether public, private, or a hybrid of the two. Cloud computing for improved supply chain management can include one or more of the following: 

• Software-as-a-service (SaaS) uses web applications or applications that are designed and maintained by a managed service provider.
• Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) that allows supply chain companies to leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) networking technologies, and even energy management technologies to manage and analyze data.
• Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) allows app developers to test services across existing products and application programming interfaces to help supply chain managers keep track of products from various vendors, among other tasks.

In addition, cloud computing helps improve supply chain performance through the following cases:

Logistics Management

Big data and data analysis capabilities allow critical logistical tasks to be deftly handled across the supply chain. This can include the prioritization of new orders, the movement of products in trucks and other vehicles, the automatic generation of shipping routes to reduce delays, and the automation of tedious manual tasks such as filling out of invoices, receipts, and other documents. 

Automating the Management of Inventory

Using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, cloud computing can help providers identify and manage low inventory situations in stores or warehouses, reducing the potential for critical material shortages. Rather than a production and shipping philosophy of “just in time,” smart supply chain actors are using “just in case” scenarios to ensure a steady and reliable supply. 

Improved Connectivity and Integration

Being able to access information from a remote location is essential, particularly as companies move toward remote or hybrid work environments. Cloud computing allows for data to be stored centrally, without the necessity of having expensive dedicated hardware. Not only can employees access data they need from anywhere, but storing data in the cloud ensures greater uptime for maximized efficiency. 

Forecast, Planning, and Scalability 

Planning is a crucial element of a healthy and reliable supply chain. By collecting data from the entire chain — from customers and vendors to producers and everyone in between — cloud environments can help companies generate accurate forecasts for better planning and performance. In addition, a cloud environment is infinitely and easily scalable, so supply chain organizations can easily add, or even subtract, utility as their needs change with market conditions. 

Get in the Cloud with Blue Technologies 

Moving your data to a cloud-based environment is a smart move if you want to maximize the performance and reliability of your supply chain operations. Cloud computing allows you to access data from anywhere, use the power of predictive analytics to forecast needs and respond to market changes, and keep your data safer than ever. And best of all, we can take care of all the details.

At Blue Technologies, our team of cloud computing professionals can expertly handle all of your organization’s cloud computing needs. When you partner with us, you do not have to invest in software, hardware, or even training or hiring an in-house IT department. We do it all. From analyzing your needs and creating a cloud environment to deal with your business challenges, our team can help get you in the cloud — and help you get the most from your data. 

Get the many benefits of cloud computing for your supply chain management team. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant and learn how cloud computing experts can help.