Its ok, you can say it…. “What is The Cloud? I see some in the sky but I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about is it?” And guess what, you’re right! The Cloud isn’t the little fluffy white things hanging around on the blue canvas we call the sky, it is a network of servers around the world that enable us to use applications and software on multiple systems as well as store information online.
Cloud Computing has essentially been around since the 50’s with mainframe technology, in a nutshell, computers. Due to the sheer size and expense of these machines companies could not afford one per user so they adopted the idea of ‘time sharing’ on the devices so everyone could use the software and get computer time. This ‘time share’ is the principle on which The Cloud developed from. It wasn’t until the 90’s, when internet bandwidth could accommodate the principles of the cloud, that it really took off and became available to the masses even though the term ‘The Cloud’ wasn’t coined until 1997.
So…. How does it work?
As previously mentioned, The Cloud is a network of servers each executing different functions. These functions could be the delivery of a service such as web applications or software. Some servers are used as a storage facility, allowing users to upload data to be stored and retrieved at any time and in any place by the user from The Cloud.
Sound familiar? That’s because many of us are already using The Cloud without realising it. Things such as Apple iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox & Netflix are just a few examples of cloud services that the mainstream will recognise. Some of these services allow the user to access their documents from any device and download/edit them at will before saving them back to The Cloud. This has the ability to save drive space on your device and also means you do not necessarily need to have the most powerful device to do your work on.
And the benefit to manufacturing is?
So how does this factor into the manufacturing industry exactly? Whilst cloud computing in manufacturing is still in its youth, If accompanied with the plethora of other technological advances hitting the shop floor in the near future (AI, IioT & Automation), The Cloud gives companies the ability to store and process mass data from their assets relating to their operations and then analyse said information to help prevent problems further down the line, create efficiency savings, improve supply chains and so on. The knock on effects of this real time data processing will create lower operational costs and greater productivity which improve the overall quality and service offered by the company.
The integration and connectivity of cloud services does not only benefit the manufacturer, it also allows the design and engineering teams to collaborate further and create ever more integrated products as brand new items or upgrades to existing models, giving the consumer more choice.
A dream come true?
Cloud computing has the ability to enhance every aspect of the manufacturing process, it can improve performance, drive efficiency & save money. Whilst switching to cloud based services may seem daunting the benefits far outweigh the negatives and it is imperative that any manufacturer considering the switch to research and plan a migration strategy before doing so. Whilst many providers have worked hard to ensure the switch is as seamless as possible it’s always best to be prepared. Cloud computing is the future so it would be advisable to do your research to prevent being left behind.
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