How does it actually help the users and why is it considered the future of the manufacturing sector? Let’s see.<\/p>\n
What Is Cloud Manufacturing?<\/h2>\n
If the term “cloud” gives you a headache, let’s try to define that.<\/p>\n
The definition of “cloud computing” is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer<\/em>.<\/p>\n The same principles of shared information are at use with cloud manufacturing. It is a service-oriented business model to share manufacturing capabilities and resources on a cloud platform.<\/p>\n In simple terms it means that people can visit a website to order their manufacturing, while the production is not limited to one company only. All the necessary info about manufacturers is available on the cloud.<\/p>\n This creates a model where several companies are sharing their capabilities with those website visitors.<\/p>\n At the same time, these platforms are not just mediation services. They offer possibilities to reduce environmental impacts and cut down costs by making intelligent decisions.<\/p>\n Today, we see such manufacturing platforms offering services for sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, CNC machining<\/a>, etc.<\/p>\n The main reason for the growing popularity and belief in cloud manufacturing is its sustainability<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whereas the demands for lower environmental impacts and costs are growing, many are seeking for solutions in the realm of on-demand manufacturing. And cloud manufacturing’s aims align well with those needs:<\/p>\n How are these goals attained, though? For that, we shall take a closer look at the key characteristics of cloud manufacturing.<\/p>\n Depending on the manufacturing platform, cloud manufacturing offers a large variety of capabilities at one place.<\/p>\n The manufacturing of parts is assigned to the nearest manufacturer who has the expertise to execute the job. Thus, the supply chains are highly configurable and not fixed, minimising the reliance on certain connections and partnerships.<\/p>\n Also, the automated system’s capability of choosing a production partner based on those qualities accounts for achieving lower costs and lessened environmental impacts through shorter delivery distances.<\/p>\n Quality is one of the key aspects customers look for in manufacturing. Finding great suppliers is not always an easy task though.<\/p>\n Some cloud manufacturing platforms just try to get as many partners on board as possible. Others do their due diligence and send in a bunch of test orders first.<\/p>\n This helps to ensure great production quality without having to go through the pre-vetting process on your own<\/a>.<\/p>\n The access to procurement<\/a> information is available for anyone involved. While legacy workflows include back-and-forth emailing, the information is not readily available for every related person to see.<\/p>\n With manufacturing platforms, any involved party has an overview of progress. This lets a team of several members work on a project at once without the need to constantly keep each other updated.<\/p>\n The ability to receive instant quotes for CAD models or drawings<\/a> enhances efficiency and offers optimal resource allocation. Less time is now spent on communication and making engineering drawings<\/a>. Engineers can direct their efforts towards value-adding activities.<\/p>\n All the while these intelligent systems are accruing data to optimise the pricing process further.<\/p>\n ![\"Cloud](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cloud-computing-2153286_640.png\")
The Objectives<\/h2>\n
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Features and Benefits of Cloud Manufacturing<\/h2>\n
Flexibility<\/h3>\n
Production Quality<\/h3>\n
Shared Accounts<\/h3>\n
Instant Quotes<\/h3>\n
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