Dive Brief:
- Citrix staff used to spend hours updating hundreds of spreadsheets, which would soon become outdated by new data that was consistently coming in.
- Then, the company implemented Birst's cloud technology, which liberated the team to pursue larger projects and increase productivity. Birst reports Citrx reached 99% on-time delivery and quintupled their inventory size after implementation.
- Customers, suppliers and employees can add their data to the network through extranet capabilities without interfering with the overall plan, with all participants able to share forecasts, anticipate changes and make plans for different scenarios, according to the press release.
Dive Insight:
In addition, SCM World reports 64% of supply chain executives consider big data analytics a disruptive technology that will set the foundation for long term change.
A recent report from MHI and Deloitte reveals 70% of companies that have implemented cloud computing technology note some impact and adoption rates of the technology are expected to surge to 86% in the next 10 years. The report adds many do not see the technology as providing a competitive advantage.
Citrix's example shows, however, that cloud technology can improve productivity by decreasing computation and recording times across the supply chain. In addition, cloud technology often has mobile compatibility, which increases the workspace potential for many companies.
While originally cloud technology was seen as a solution for smaller companies, the MHI report adds that larger companies are now leveraging the benefits to liberate IT teams for other projects and can therefore present unexpected benefits.
