Simon DavisManufacturers worldwide are facing uncertain times. Forces are disrupting both traditional expectations and traditional capabilities in major ways. This is cause for excitement, but also cause for alarm for manufacturers who are worried about keeping pace and remaining relevant.It is clear that connected technologies and data-driven approaches will come to dominate manufacturing in coming years. But implementing these technologies affordably, effectively, and strategically is no small feat. Manufacturers understand what is possible, but many are unclear about what is practical.The solution that manufacturers are looking for is one that many rely on already: the cloud. This transformative approach to IT has already been widely embraced, but it will become more relevant than ever in coming years. Here are several ways that manufacturers of all types and size can leverage the cloud for continued success in manufacturing:

Create a Shared Platform for Data

Much of the talk in manufacturing right now is centered on the promise of technologies like IoT and machine learning. But in order to take advantage of these new and genuinely exciting technologies, manufacturers must utilize cloud ERP manufacturing platforms. These platforms integrate massive amounts of data in one place without becoming overwhelming or unmanageable. The cloud is the natural solution thanks to its flexibility and universal accessibility. Manufacturers can feel confident embracing a data-driven approach once the most fundamental challenges of data management have been satisfied. The cloud is the perfect place to start.

Scale and Evolve at Will

The old expression that change is the only constant is the perfect way to describe manufacturing right now. Much about the future over both the short- and long-term is unknown, but everyone agrees it will look drastically different than the present. When it is difficult or even impossible to predict what is coming down the road, manufacturers must be able to stay flexible and agile. The cloud is the natural fit, because one of its defining features is the ability to grow, shrink, and change at will. Whenever and whatever comes next, manufacturers can feel prepared.

Minimize Threats and Catastrophes

Data is the future of manufacturing, but it’s already an essential asset. Manufacturers understand that if data was to become breached, compromised, corrupted, or inaccessible, their operation would grind to halt. And in the worst cases, it would be struck dead on the spot. Unfortunately, data security is a titanic challenge that only gets more complicated and less certain by the year. The cloud does not guarantee safety, but it is undeniably safer than any in-house or on-site IT deployment. Plus, cloud management makes the burden of securing data easier since much of the required maintenance and monitoring is outsourced to a team of professionals. A big part of striving for success is minimizing the possibility of setbacks. The cloud offers a welcome level of insurance.

Integrate Manufacturing into Enterprise

Historically, manufacturing has been treated as an important but largely separate entity. Plans and actions filtered down from the C-Suite, through the ranks, and onto the factory floor in the form of plans and directives. But the speed, complexity, and hyper-competitive nature of 21^st century business has rendered this top-down approach woefully inadequate. The manufacturing of the present and future must be integrated into the rest of the enterprise if it is going to operate as effectively as it needs to. The homogeneous nature of the cloud ensures that manufacturing is a part of the process rather than the last to know.Embracing the cloud is the most urgent step for manufacturers. After that, it becomes a question of picking the right tools and strategies to use the cloud to maximum effect. Success is never a sure thing, but the manufacturers who have established themselves in the cloud will feel a lot more confident about whatever tomorrow brings. [author]About the Author: Simon Davis has been a full-time business writer since the last 4 years and has had the privilege of attending some of the most renowned business conclaves held across the world. When not on business he loves spending time with his girlfriend and a bit of adventure sports. [/author]