Listicle The Pros and Cons of the Cloud Computing for Manufacturing
By Insight Editor / 14 Feb 2020 / Topics: Cloud
Moving to the cloud for manufacturing: Is it worth it? Unfortunately, there’s no clear right or wrong answer to this question as each factory has its own unique needs and goals. Assessing whether or not the cloud is right for you depends on a variety a factors.
This listicle helps factory decision-makers better navigate uncertainty around the cloud for manufacturing, including its risks and benefits.
Accessibility note: The listicle is translated below the graphic.
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Listicle text included for screen readers:
Cloud pros
- Off-site management
- Online storage that a third-party provider physically maintains elsewhere
- Protected against physical threats such as fire or unpredictable weather
- Doesn’t require IT staff training for IT infrastructure maintenance
- Connectivity
- Ability to freely share and access data anytime, anywhere, from any device
- Allows teams to work across time zones and geographic locations
- Speed
- Instant access to data whether working on the factory floor or at a desk
- Rapid deployment
- Bypasses legacy tasks of evaluating storage demands, investing in an on-premises data center, maintaining systems
- Scalability
- Virtually unlimited capacity
- Only pay for what you use or need
- Can add storage as your business grows or scale back during the off season
- Cost savings
- OpEx for monthly charges to provider
- Reduced investment in maintenance and upkeep
- Reduced annual operating costs
- Doesn’t depend on internal power source
- Security and recovery
- Backup solutions keep copies of files at a remote location
- Longevity
- Data is uninterrupted even if your company moves
- Providers will continually upgrade to keep up with the latest technology
- Environmental sustainability
- No physical server means lower energy consumption
- Reduced carbon footprint
Cloud cons
- Lifetime costs
- Monthly expenses that add up — could end up costing more than an on-premises solution
- Security breaches
- As nobody is 100% immune
- Risk of breach via malware
- Willingly giving sensitive data to a third-party provider
- Limited speed
- Bandwidth capabilities vary
- Reliant on internet connectivity
- Risk of unexpected downtime
- Costly outages halt production and impact deliverables
- Compliance
- Complex requirements and regulations
- Not customizable
- Provider to handle all firmware updates — limiting your control
- Vendor lock-in may mean an inability to switch between services freely
Sources
Robb, D. (2018, Oct. 10). Cloud Storage Pros and Cons. Enterprise Storage Forum.
