Cloud computing for manufacturers

Manufacturers are switching to cloud computing systems to achieve improved business performance.

Do your portfolio companies have access to the real-time information they need to run their business as efficiently and as effectively as you would like?

If not, please read a recent Enterprise Minnesota magazine article written by Matt Haller, a Principal at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause. In the article Matt discusses how a client, Hiawatha Rubber Co., chose to use cloud computing and are how they are benefiting from real-time visibility in its operations.

Joining the cloud
The experiences of Hiawatha Rubber summarized at the outset of the article are not uncommon. But how can you decide if a cloud solution is right for your company?

First, determine if your current systems meet your needs. Talk with employees who develop your income statement, perform the journal entries, manage the production schedule or manage the sales pipeline. Ask questions such as "Are you using spreadsheets to perform calculations or manage information which is not in the system?" or, "Where are you primary challenges with the current software?"

Second, analyze the direct and indirect costs of your existing systems. Identify the existing maintenance costs for your software licenses as well as the cost for the staff to support your existing systems. Indirect costs include lower customer satisfaction due to delays in timely responses to customer requests, lost production time due to a lack of integrated data across functions, and lack of insights into efficiencies or opportunities to grow with existing customers.

Third, speak with a specialist that knows cloud technology. Many external organizations can help review your initial assessment and identify the potential opportunities for little or no cost. In order to maximize value from a cloud solution, search for an organization that understands both the cloud solution and the potential process improvement opportunities when implementing the new solution.

Learn more about how other companies are meeting their business needs with cloud-based solutions. 

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