Digital transformation graphic, cloud & business icons connected by lines

Does Digital Transformation Manufacturing Need Cloud?

Digital transformation graphic, cloud & business icons connected by lines

Guest Blog from Infor...

In greater numbers, manufacturers are choosing the Cloud to deliver mission-critical ERP functionality and related applications to end users. It's true that many of the early adopters of Cloud ERP were motivated by cost reduction. Internal IT staff could spend more time on high-value tasks by delegating routine maintenance tasks to the Cloud's data center. Software and hardware patches, bug fixes and upgrades, for example, can be monitored, scheduled and approved by the manufacturer's IT department administrator with a simple click of the mouse.

Today, it's important to understand that Cloud ERP adoption in manufacturing is being driven by Digital Transformation. The ERP ecosystem as we've known it has been changed by rapid advances in mobile, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. Scale attracts specialized edge manufacturing solutions to specific Cloud ERP ecosystems where end user demands are maximized while IT support costs are minimized. That's why industry-specific Cloud ERP solutions go hand-in-hand with your company's Digital Transformation strategy.

Cloud ERP Empowers IT Staff to Focus on the Manufacturer's Digital Transformation

The profusion of digital technologies that exists in and around the ERP's 'edge' requires a level of technical support that challenges nearly every business today. Few manufacturers have the resources necessary to ensure that all of the legacy and on-demand applications that may be required to run their companies are managed securely and reliably and are scalable. Relocating some or all of their IT ecosystems to the Cloud enables manufacturers to rapidly access the innovative solutions and services that are deemed most critical to the success of their company's digital transformation. The Cloud creates a more agile enterprise, too. New locations can be brought online without any downtime or detailed IT support. The benefit is not just that manufacturers like you can save on its IT overhead expenses. Thanks to the Cloud, your IT staff can spend more time helping your manufacturing business successfully implement its digital transformation strategy, and spend less time sweating the small stuff.

Cloud ERP Empowers Customer Service

Manufacturers frequently use Cloud ERP solutions to enrich their customer service interactions. Cloud-enabled applications can help your manufacturing enterprise differentiate itself from the competition. The Cloud ERP vendor's ecosystem might also include applications that allow vendors and end-users to order and check on existing orders, for example, or collaborate with buyers and suppliers. When you are successful in automating more of your business' rote processes and services to the Cloud, then your customer service people can spend more time on relationship building. Think about the value-added services and solutions that your shop could offer once your people have the opportunity to learn more about your customers' needs. Simply put, Cloud ERP accelerates the time to value of your digital transformation by putting state-of-the-art, customer relationship-building tools at your representatives' fingertips.

Five Things Your Cloud ERP Solution Must Do

Manufacturers have a number of excellent Cloud ERP solutions to choose from. It's important that the prospective Cloud ERP solution is configured in a way that can support your Digital Transformation strategy, too. Here are the five things your Cloud ERP solution must do to make your digital transformation a success.

  1. Adapt - does the Cloud ERP solution enable you to pay only for the computing resources you need?
  2. Streamline - does the Cloud ERP solution reduce the burden on your internal IT resources by reducing system complexity, licensing hassles and the automation of routine maintenance tasks?
  3. Innovate - does the Cloud ERP solution enable your shop to more easily implement innovative 'edge' applications for scheduling, supplier collaboration, order processing and so on?
  4. Grow - does the Cloud ERP solution have the ability to rapidly scale up (and down) as your business adapts to continuous change, competition and opportunity?
  5. Capitalize - does the Cloud ERP solution offer flexible financing options that align with your business' present and future growth and profit expectations?

Let's Get to Work

Not all Cloud ERPs are the same. Reach out to a trusted Cloud ERP solutions consultant who has expertise in your specific manufacturing industry. Challenge the consultant. Ask how their solution can support your Digital Transformation strategy. A recommended best practice is to select a manufacturing industry-specific Cloud ERP solution. Work with IT consultants who possess know-how in your industry. Make sure that the Cloud ERP solution you have selected will help your company adapt, streamline, innovate, grow and capitalize.

 

Michele Shannahan
Marketing eManager

Synergy Resources, an Infor Channel Partner

Republished from Infor's Blog, with approval by Infor.

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