The Future is Cloud-Based: 5 Reasons Why for Modern Logistics

Digitalization, paired with globalization, has created a concoction of epic proportions: a world alive and connected. Today, we see transactions and exchanges that would drop people’s jaws from only a decade ago.

And as goods move around, logistics now plays a crucial role in ensuring that people and organizations continue moving products safely and accurately. To do that, we need to start adopting cloud-based solutions and systems in logistics. Without them, we can’t scale with the increasing demand.

In this article, we look at why cloud-based is the future of modern logistics and how to implement those systems in your logistics operations.

Pros and Cons of Cloud in the Supply Chain

If you’re unfamiliar with cloud technology, let’s start with a basic definition. This solution lets you access software or a system from anywhere with only a basic device (i.e., a phone, tablet, or desktop) and an internet connection.

Cloud computing has become increasingly popular in supply chain management. Mostly, this is due to its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. One out of 5 organizations now run around 75% of its workload on cloud-based systems. These systems can include:

Accounting software
Marketing software (emails, website, social media, etc.)
Customer relationship management
Enterprise resource planning
Inventory management
Delivery tracking
Project management
Content management systems
And, last but not the least, logistics systems.

However, like any technology, it has both advantages and disadvantages. Here are five pros and five cons of using cloud computing in the supply chain:

Pros

Scalability. Cloud services can easily scale up or down based on demand. This scalability ensures supply chain operations adjust to varying activity levels without significant infrastructure changes.
Cost-Effectiveness. Cloud computing reduces the need for heavy investment in IT infrastructure. About 94% of IT professionals agree that this is true for their organizations. Businesses can pay for only what they use, which can be more economical than maintaining their own systems.
Real-Time Data Access and Collaboration. The cloud enables real-time data sharing and collaboration among stakeholders in the supply chain. This feature enhances visibility, route planning, coordination, and decision-making across the supply chain network.
Disaster Recovery. Cloud providers often offer robust disaster recovery and data backup solutions. This ensures business continuity and data protection in case of any unforeseen events.
Ease of Integration and Updates. Cloud-based solutions can be easier to integrate with other systems and technologies. Also, updates and new features can be rolled out more seamlessly. This keeps your cloud-based system up-to-date with the latest advancements.

Cons

Security Concerns. Storing sensitive supply chain data on the cloud can raise security concerns. The risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks necessitates robust security measures, which can be complex and costly.
Internet Dependency. Cloud services don’t normally work without internet connectivity. Any disruption in internet service can lead to interruptions in supply chain operations.
Compliance and Regulatory Challenges. Depending on the industry and location, regulatory challenges may be associated with storing data on the cloud, especially regarding data privacy and cross-border data transfer.
Limited Control. Using third-party cloud services means less control over the IT infrastructure. Companies may find it challenging to customize or have specific requirements met by the cloud provider.
Potential for Vendor Lock-In. Switching cloud providers can be difficult and costly. This potential for vendor lock-in can limit your company’s flexibility and bargaining power.

5 Reasons to Use Cloud-based Logistics Software

Warehouse stock

Considering all the pros and cons of cloud systems for logistics software, there are still some compelling reasons to make the shift. The range of benefits this system provides can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics operations.

Here are five key reasons to consider using such software:

1. Higher Scalability

Cloud-based logistics software offers unparalleled scalability, which allows companies to manage their resources efficiently and adapt quickly to changes in demand. Cloud solutions can seamlessly adjust to increased workloads without substantial infrastructure investments.

For instance, you can increase demand during a seasonal peak, a sudden market opportunity, or long-term growth. This flexibility ensures businesses can scale their logistics operations up or down without significant cost or time implications.

2. Better Data Safety and Security

If data is the backbone of modern logistics, we need to start thinking about securing it like we would other valuable assets. Cloud-based logistics software provides robust data protection you’ll need to comply with data security standards and avoid cybersecurity threats. As a benchmark, most cloud-based systems will have encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits.

These systems are often more secure than traditional on-premises solutions, given that cloud providers invest heavily in state-of-the-art security technologies. This focus on security protects your sensitive logistics data from unauthorized access, cyber-attacks, and data breaches.

3. Intelligent Supply Chain

Integrating your cloud-based logistics software will create an intelligent supply chain for your organization. How? These systems often leverage data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. With these tools, you can pick up insights that drive smarter decision-making.

Cloud-based solutions integrate all data and activity into one dashboard. With that unified database, you can predict trends, optimize routes, manage inventory more efficiently, and anticipate and mitigate risks.

4. Better Uptime

Yes, cloud systems rely on internet connections. However, you still have better uptimes than most on-premise solutions with cloud technologies. Why? Because now you have multiple access points. That means you can transfer to another internet connection if one goes down. You can’t do this when your sole on-premise system goes down.

Uptime is critical in logistics, where delays can have significant ripple effects throughout the supply chain. This reliability ensures that logistics operations can continue smoothly and without interruption.

5. Better Data Availability and Performance

Cloud-based logistics software gives you readily available data and high-performing systems. Cloud storage lets you access your data and dashboards from anywhere and anytime.

This could be a big plus if you have global or distributed operations. Better accessibility improves stakeholder collaboration, including suppliers, distributors, and customers.

How to Implement Cloud Supply Chain in 5 Steps

Implementing a cloud-based supply chain involves careful planning and execution. Follow these five key steps to guide you through the process:

1. Assess Your Needs and Define Objectives

Evaluate your current supply chain processes to identify areas where cloud computing can add value. This includes assessing your inventory management, logistics, demand forecasting, and other supply chain functions.

Next, you’ll need to define what you want to achieve with cloud implementation. This could be improving real-time data access, enhancing collaboration, reducing costs, or increasing scalability.

2. Choose the Right Cloud Solution

Check out different cloud service providers and their solutions and compare their features and offerings. Consider factors like functionality, scalability, cost, security features, and user-friendliness.

It helps if your chosen solution offers customization so you can fit your unique supply chain needs and integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, like ERP or CRM software.

3. Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan

Once you have your chosen cloud-based system, outline a detailed plan for the implementation process. Include timelines, milestones, and specific tasks in your plan to measure progress.

Assign a dedicated team to oversee the implementation. Ensure they have the necessary resources, including budget and personnel. Don’t forget to lay out potential risks and challenges during the implementation and set a plan to address them if these issues arise.

4. Train Your Team and Test the System

Provide comprehensive training for your team to ensure they are comfortable with the new system. This includes training on using the software and understanding best practices for cloud security.

Conduct a pilot test with a segment of your supply chain before full-scale implementation. This helps identify any issues and make necessary adjustments. Most careers in logistics will involve some form of technological application, so it’s best to get this training as early as possible.

5. Implement and Monitor

Once everything is implemented, roll out the cloud solution across your supply chain. Regularly monitor the system’s performance and gather user feedback. This is crucial for identifying any issues or areas for improvement.

Continuously look for ways to improve and optimize the cloud system. Stay updated with the latest cloud technologies and trends that can benefit your supply chain.

Is Cloud-based the Future of Logistics?

There’s no way to predict the future, but signs can give you a good idea of its appearance. And when it comes to logistics, all the signs seem to point to cloud-based systems as part of this industry’s future. That means any professional or organization with a logistical need should start implementing these systems if they don’t have them yet and be ready to ramp up as the need for these solutions expands, which they will for sure.