The manufacturing industry is one where companies must stay ahead of the competition to remain on top, and in today’s landscape with unparalleled disruptions, delays, and uncertainties, manufacturers must keep track of a lot of moving parts – literally. As manufacturers adapt to growing trends, changing needs, and accelerated demand, they need a business management solution that is as agile and responsive as their business operations.

If you use on-premise manufacturing software, it may be time to consider adopting a cloud-based solution. Here are five ways manufacturers can benefit from upgrading to a cloud manufacturing ERP system:

1. Productivity

Innovative and fully-featured, cloud-based ERP solutions like Dynamics 365 Business Central are packed with automation features that cut down on time spent on repetitive tasks, break down complicated data, and unify daily processes with ease. Routine automatic updates bring you the latest capabilities and system upgrades as they are rolled out, so you never have to miss out on the best new work productivity features. Automation, high-speed processing, and machine learning allow you to reallocate time back to your team instead of spending countless hours on time-consuming tasks and processes. Cloud-based solutions like Business Central provide end-to-end service and deep visibility so your team can make data-informed decisions, keep workflows running smoothly, and provide tools for the most necessary parts of a manufacturer’s day.

2. Security

Manufacturers know that if systems are down, then operations can come to a screeching halt. Clunky machinery and offline servers are prone to breakdowns, outages, and costly repairs – not to mention cybersecurity threats, potential hacks, and complete crashes – but this can all be a thing of the past with cloud hosting. On the cloud, your data is deployed, backed up, and updated on a globally-hosted, secure server – so security is built into the fabric of your system, and it never has to be an additional responsibility or costly add-on. Airtight deployment and daily operation leave fewer gaps, so users and administrators always have the ease of mind that their systems are running at peak performance with reduced risk.

3. Profitability

Operating on the cloud facilitates constant connection and communication, and when you know what’s happening in real time and make data-informed decisions, it’s easier than ever to cut down on unnecessary downtime, leading to higher profitability without any extra effort. The time saved due to simplified access, quick workflows, automation, and connected processes quickly adds up to roll back on downtime – and your system will only get smarter as you continue to use it. Azure for Manufacturing can be used to connect factory floor machinery and operations so you can track performance and predict risk using your real-time data and insights, implement automated processes and quality checks, and utilize machine-learning to work quickly and accurately across all touchpoints of your operations.

Cloud-based software also reduces your overhead costs by cutting out expensive infrastructure – so gone are the days of repairing, updating, and running servers (let alone entire server rooms!) just to keep your day-to-day operations running. Your IT operations will appreciate reduced maintenance, and your total ownership costs will have noticeable reduction as well. Your system licensing is flexible, so you only need to pay for what you need (but more on flexible licenses in a moment).

4. Flexibility

Agility from the top-down allows you to support adapting practices, changes, and improvements without compromising the core structure and functionality of your business management solution. SaaS licensing models mean you only pay for what you need, allowing you to scale your number of licensed users up or back based on your real-time business requirements. Plus, using a cloud-based system means you can work from wherever your day may take you (a cornerstone in hybrid and remote working styles – a staying trend across all industry types).

5. Competitiveness

Having the right business management tools gives you an edge over the rest, and with the ease of mind that comes with using the right ERP system, your attention stays focused on bolstering business growth. Investing in your business management tools is an investment in your ability to succeed – both in the short and long term. Staying current in an increasingly digital landscape and embracing digital transformation keeps you prepared for whatever may come your way so you can come out on top.

Business Central for Manufacturing is a leading midmarket manufacturing management solution that offers rich, industry-specific functionality to drive automation, cut down on overhead costs, and give your operations a cutting-edge advantage. If your manufacturing business is ready for a new business management system, let us know. We’d be happy to provide you with a free system demo and help custom-build the solution you need.