Industry 4.0 Foundations: Cloud Computing

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing how Industry 4.0 practices and technologies like Big Data, Internet of Things and System Integration can help organizations to better gather and analyze operational data to drive improvements. Cloud computing takes data management to the next level, making it quicker and more collaborative than previously possible.

WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING?
For many organizations, trying to find the right piece of information when it is needed is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Failure to have certain information readily available can pose serious consequences for manufacturers, with factors such as quality, safety and productivity put in jeopardy. By using cloud computing, these risks are eliminated. 

Cloud computing involves storing and accessing data and software applications through internet connectivity. This provides a faster, safer and more efficient method for locating company information. With all data held in one convenient place, manufacturers can find exactly what they need, when they need it.

CONVENIENCE & COLLABORATION WITH CLOUD COMPUTING
Is your business: Investing countless hours into trying to locate key information? Unable to easily share information between multiple departments and locations?

Cloud computing can help by:

• Allowing for quicker, easier access to information. Organizations that transfer all data storage to the Cloud can instantly access any type of information, whenever it is needed. With data made available in one digital location, employees can easily locate the specific information they need without having to spend time sorting through endless physical records. Speeding up this process then enables workers to spend more time focusing on achieving larger business goals. 
• Empowering greater collaboration. Using the Cloud for data storage can greatly increase a manufacturers’ ability to collaborate. By creating one single data center that all workers can access, cloud computing fosters an environment that is more conducive to collaboration between users in different locations or departments. 

Transform your company’s data storage and management with cloud computing. Learn more about how to use cloud computing to store your data by contacting our experts at inquiry@the-center.org and stay tuned for next week’s blog where we will explore Robotics and Automation.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENTS WITH HELP FROM THE CENTER
Whether your company is well into its Industry 4.0 journey or just getting started, The Center’s experts can help ensure you achieve the maximum return on all investments. To assist Michigan’s manufacturers with understanding and adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, The Center has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Automation Alley to drive awareness of the many uses and benefits of these innovations. From conducting an initial Technology Opportunity Assessment to identifying and applying relevant technologies, The Center guides manufacturers through technological implementations in a way that makes sense for their businesses.

Learn more about how The Center can support your company’s Industry 4.0 journey by contacting inquiry@the-center.org or visit the-center.org.

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses to successfully compete and grow. Through personalized services designed to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.the-center.org.