8 Advantages of Cloud Computing for Engineering Companies

8 Advantages of Cloud Computing for Engineering Companies

The migration to the cloud has been swift and expansive.

A novel concept not so long ago, cloud computing will be a $150 billion market by the end of next year.

Clearly, individuals and businesses have found value in it. There’s no way the industry would have grown so rapidly if that wasn’t the case.

Engineering companies, in particular, can stand to gain.

It’s a dynamic field, with fluctuating and unpredictable staffing and resource requirements. As a result, it needs a modern, adaptable system to match up to the task.

The cloud is perfect for the job. There are a host of benefits to this practice of storing and managing data via a network of internet hosted remote servers.

Looking to find out more? Keep reading to discover the 8 key advantages of cloud computing for engineering companies.

1. Level the Playing Field

Cloud computing is a great leveler in business operations.

In the past, complex computing infrastructure was the reserve of giant companies. Smaller businesses couldn’t match up and found themselves at a competitive disadvantage from the very outset.

That’s no longer the case when the cloud is utilized.

These solutions provide the same function and benefits at a fraction of the cost. They require zero investment in expensive equipment and complex systems.

This saves time and money upfront. It also means businesses can operate at the same level (and enjoy the same perks) as the big boys in the industry.

2. It Makes Financial Sense

What would you say if someone offered your company lower overheads and higher profits?

You’d probably ask what the catch is!

Yet this is what cloud-based services provide. A study of 1,300 companies found that 88% of those using the cloud cut costs.

First off, there’s no need to invest in expensive physical computer systems. These come with hefty price tags and become outdated rapidly, depreciating at the same time and becoming increasingly prone to faults.

Next, IT personnel are no longer required to resolve computer problems. That saves on hiring and staffing costs.

Instead, a fixed monthly cost (that you can cancel) is usually the only expense.

3. Easy Adaptability

Cloud solutions have flexibility at their core.

Engineering companies experience fluctuating demands. Business rises and falls in line with economic situations; projects can overrun and clients can be lost.

That all amounts to significant variability circumstances.

Having a computing system that can vary accordingly will be an undeniable positive.

Imagine that your company is growing at an impressive rate. With traditional systems in place, your data requirements can start expanding beyond what the infrastructure at your disposal can handle.

There’s nothing worse than technical issues stymieing growth. With cloud-based job management software, the process of taking on new staff, and tracking and invoicing jobs is far easier.

4. Accessible Remotely

Cloud-based systems mean you don’t have to be at work to access them.

You could be on a beach in the Bahamas! With internet access, you can log in from any old computer to check on your data and systems.

This has major positive implications for engineering companies working in different places.

Anyone involved can monitor things from afar. That’s a major advantage in terms of flexibility and productivity. Work doesn’t stop just because you aren’t on-site. Work goes where you go; you can use your mobile phone (or laptop, or tablet…) to perform all necessary tasks.

From paying invoices to ordering supplies; it’s all possible, no matter where you are.

5. Supports the Hiring Process

That remote accessibility has further positive ramifications.

Companies can now hire anyone they want, regardless of where they reside.

The best person for the job might live hours away. Without being able to access project info from afar, it wouldn’t be practical for them to take on the role. They’d have to move town to take it on.

Such inconvenience can dissuade talented professionals from applying for positions.

However, being able to operate from anywhere mean that’s no longer a problem. Everyone’s a winner.

6. Centralized Systems

Cloud-based software centralizes company data.

AKA, every important file or piece of paperwork, from every department, is in one place.

This offers major advantages. There’s no delving through endless filing cabinet trays to find what you need; there’s no more to-ing and fro-ing between different parties to glean the information required.

Everyone’s working from the same script. The entire project is managed from the same location. Project management is exponentially more straightforward as a result.

You (and everyone else) can log in and see each party’s progress in one place.

7. Enhanced Transparency

Cloud-based computing facilitates transparency between individuals and departments.

Everyone refers to the same working documents.

Outdated paper files (and even digital files in traditional systems) require updating and redistributing upon revision. Storing documents on the cloud means they can be updated on the go, in real-time.

Anyone has access and can amend accordingly. There’s no going back and forth between parties. This speeds up many processes; expediting business operations in the process.

Greater efficiency is always key to growth. Also, the chance of errors being made and the ensuing problems, is far reduced.

8. Mitigates Worst-Case Scenarios

Storing your data off-site might sound risky.

You’re handing the lifeblood of your business to a third-party.

It feels like giving your bank details out over the phone!

However, cloud storage firms are bound by the highest levels of security. They also have the resources to stay up to speed with protecting their systems.

In addition, your data is no longer kept on site. That means your priceless business data is secure, regardless of any disaster that befalls your physical business headquarters.

Time to Leverage the Advantages of Cloud Computing

There you have it: the 8 advantages of cloud computing for engineering companies to enjoy.

Cloud-based services have risen drastically in popularity in recent years. Simply, businesses have realized the benefits on offer and jumped ship accordingly.

As we’ve seen, engineering companies in particular stand to gain. The nature of the industry lends itself to cloud computing. Hopefully, this post has demonstrated why.

Are you looking for a cloud-based IT solution? Be sure to contact us today to see how we can help.