Cloud based Logistics and Supply Chain

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of different services through the Internet. These resources include tools and applications like data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software.

Rather than keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud-based storage makes it possible to save them to a remote database. As long as an electronic device has access to the web, it has access to the data and the software programs to run it.

Cloud computing is named as such because the information being accessed is found remotely in the cloud or a virtual space. Companies that provide cloud services enable users to store files and applications on remote servers and then access all the data via the Internet. This means the user is not required to be in a specific place to gain access to it, allowing the user to work remotely.

Cloud computing can be both public and private. Public cloud services provide their services over the Internet for a fee. Private cloud services, on the other hand, only provide services to a certain number of people. These services are a system of networks that supply hosted services. There is also a hybrid option, which combines elements of both the public and private services.

Types of Cloud Services

Regardless of the kind of service, cloud computing services provide users with a series of functions including:

Email

Storage, backup, and data retrieval

Creating and testing apps

Analyzing data

Audio and video streaming

Delivering software on demand

Types of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is not a single piece of technology like a microchip or a cellphone. Rather, it's a system primarily comprised of three services: software-as-a-service (SaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), and platform-as-a-service (PaaS).

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) involves the licensure of a software application to customers. Licenses are typically provided through a pay-as-you-go model or on-demand. This type of system can be found in Microsoft Office's 365.1

Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) involves a method for delivering everything from operating systems to servers and storage through IP-based connectivity as part of an on-demand service. Clients can avoid the need to purchase software or servers, and instead procure these resources in an outsourced, on-demand service. Popular examples of the IaaS system include IBM Cloud and Microsoft Azure.2 3

Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) is considered the most complex of the three layers of cloud-based computing. PaaS shares some similarities with SaaS, the primary difference being that instead of delivering software online, it is actually a platform for creating software that is delivered via the Internet.

Major Cloud Service providers:

Google Cloud

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Microsoft Azure

IBM Cloud

Alibaba Cloud

With digital disrupting today’s businesses, the supply chains are also undergoing rapid digital transformation. The supply chain can be better termed as a digital supply chain which not only includes physical products and services but other digital resources. This is boosting the value of the supply chain to businesses.

Cloud computing is empowering supply chain managers with new-age solutions which are aiding in performance management. Analytics is helping businesses gain new insights from their business data. Through supply chain management applications delivered through SaaS models, cloud is helping drive major benefits across organizations. It is also assisting in mobility and social aspects of your business.

Cloud-based solutions are helping businesses face up to the challenges of the new marketplace. Challenges such as volatile business environments, global networks, increasing amount of data, and other pressures can be well contained through cloud resources.

Through cloud- enabled smart supply chains, businesses have access to business intelligence which can propel their organization forward. Moreover, it allows companies to scale their operations as per their market needs. Additionally, cloud delivers a digital supply chain network at speed.

Cloud computing applications and platforms are improving supply chain networks in the following areas:

Planning – Companies can deliver planning and forecasting applications which can be used to capture data, gain insights and execute demand forecasts.

Logistics – Businesses can utilize the cloud for warehouse and transportation management. It can be used for compliance, order processing, fleet management and a host of other areas.

Collaboration – Cloud can help your organization collaborate with your vast supplier network. You can also use the cloud capabilities for improved reports and supply chain visibility.

Services – Companies can use the cloud to improve their service capabilities at significantly reduced costs. You can use cloud-based applications for reverse logistics processing, inventory distribution and technician tracking, among other service areas.

How Cloud Can Transform Supply Chain Management?

Cloud helps organizations innovate processes at every level of their supply chain, from planning and sourcing to manufacturing, logistics, and distribution, glean new insights for decision-making and automate activities. It helps build stronger, smarter supply chains.

Cloud enables a connected, intelligent, scalable, and rapid supply chain, which drives unprecedented visibility, resiliency, agility, and flexibility across businesses.

Benefits of Cloud based Supply Chain

? Real-time visibility

? Seamless collaboration

? Next-gen operating models

? Reduced disruption mitigation time

? Improved automation

? Enhanced innovation

? Maximum efficiency

? Enterprise-level flexibility

? Improved customer experience

? Optimized costs

? Quick response to supply chain disruptions

? Proactive threat prevention

? Repurpose resources at scale

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