In recent times, the Cloud has gained prominence and has become identified with agility and convenience when it comes to IT in logistics. More businesses are turning to cloud-based systems to enhance their operations and offer faster, better services. In the coming years it will become even more crucial for logistics service providers (LSPs) to use Cloud-based applications to enhance data analytics, improve communications, and synchronize resources across operations.
By leveraging on the Cloud, logistics companies can more quickly communicate across operations and also with customers. This should improve delivery schedules, better manage operations and prevent last-minute complications, in the process improving and simplifying logistics management.
Coming round initial concerns
Logistics companies have come round their initial concerns about security and response time of Cloud-based systems, as these systems have matured considerably and their adoption has become more widespread. The replacement of legacy enterprise software systems for Cloud-based technology is starting to gain momentum. A huge advantage of Cloud-based systems is the cost savings they bring. The systems are more flexible and are better able to adapt to varying workloads; they are also more cost effective than acquiring hardware processing power based on maximum capacity levels.
Taking the Cloud route enables logistics applications to be offered as Software as a Service (SaaS) or as license-based, bringing additional advantages to users. This creates a flexible payment environment, allowing companies to scale up their use of the system and resources based on actual requirements. The Cloud technology creates a level-playing field for local companies to compete against multinationals.
Advantages of Cloud-based system
A Cloud-based system means your teams can access, edit, update and share documents anytime from anywhere. Teams can do more together and better as workflow and data sharing help make updates in real time, giving full visibility to operations. All you need is an internet connection; you can be at work at the same time ensure the system works in a secure and controlled environment.
More collaboration between the logistics company and its partners, the greater the need for secured information control. Before the Cloud, files were sent back and forth as email attachments to be worked on by users one at a time ending up with a mess of conflicting and confusing data. As companies grow, the scope for complication also grows. With advent of Cloud computing, all data are stored centrally and all stakeholders can view and access updates real time. Greater visibility means improved collaboration, which ultimately means better work, lower costs and greater service capability.
The bottom line
The Cloud will enable better decision-making. As more companies deploy the technology to modernize their operations, the Cloud will allow them to gather data from more places throughout the operations and to analyze that data to make decisions in real time. By pulling data from multiple sources into a single system, logistics companies will be able to make better decisions, save on costs, enhance their operations and offer faster, better services.
Research companies point out that more companies will modernize their logistics operations with Cloud-based technologies in the coming years and that these technologies will drive better decision-making that leads to a superior customer experience.
The name Amit Maheshwari is synonymous with ‘IT in Logistics’. Amit’s 25 years of domain knowledge, vision and deep understanding of logistics marks him as a major thought leader in the industry. His passion for technology has led to the creation of exceptional innovation that has changed the way the industry operates today. Under his leadership, Softlink Global has become a leading global logistics software provider. One of his major creations Logi-Sys is a comprehensive ERP for the freight and logistics industry that has become a global success.
