Logistics Cloud Co. > Technology

Technology

The Cloud is ready for you now

Cloud technology has matured to the point that now, it’s advantages make it the most cost effective way for small and medium businesses to get the advanced technology they need to stay competitive. Scalable subscription pricing has removed the large capital cost and annual maintenance pricing model of on premises software, so that the price of entry into sophisticated software is no longer a barrier. You don’t need expensive servers and IT support staff. Our mission at Logistic Cloud Co. is to bring you the best available Cloud software and technology to help you manage your logistics operations. Our core product is the Warehouse Management System but we also help you implement systems for inventory management, inventory planning, freight and transport management to build out a total logistics management solution. Read more about our other products

Integration – connect everything

One of the key benefits of Cloud Software is the modular nature of the software; there’s an app for everything you need. Connecting all these apps together and making sure the data flows to the right places is the purpose of integration. We have taken the hard work and cost out of this by doing it for you. We can even connect our Cloud systems with traditional on premises software.  Read more about integration.

You’re not on your own – we’re here to help you achieve your goals

One thing we don’t believe is that software implementation is a DIY activity. All our implementations are run by logistics experts with an operations background. We’re not IT people, we’re logistics people, we only do IT because it supports better, cheaper faster logistics processes. So take the load off your busy staff and let us give you the support you need to improve your processes and get the best out of the technology you invest in. As Red Adair said  “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur”.  Read more about implementation

Cloud Software FAQ

So you’ve heard about the Cloud but are not really sure yet if it is the right move for you. We answer some of the most common questions below.

Top 5 reasons Cloud software is the best choice for small and medium business

  1. Build your own ecosystem of applications that work for your business. It’s like having a tailor made suit for an off the peg price,
  2. Fast to implement – the infrastructure is already built, it’s a bit like moving into a project home ready for you to put down your furniture and hang your pictures vs. designing and building your own home.
  3. Scales with you. Cloud software is a service, you pay for what you use as you use it, so the costs scale with you as you grow. You get the features of traditional expensive on premises software but not the up front capital cost.
  4. You always have the latest version. No more falling behind with old versions of the software and then playing catch up with expensive upgrades. You get new features as soon as they are released.
  5. More secure and available everywhere the internet is. Cloud software is usually hosted on the major platforms (Amazon, Microsoft, Google) which have enterprise grade security and 99.9% uptime guarantees and continuous data back up so you never lose access to your system or data.

What if my internet connection is slow or unstable?

Cloud software usually needs a continuous and stable internet connection. Some applications may have an offline mode that allows you to work with offline data, but they still need to reconnect to update the main server with the work you did offline. If you don’t have internet or your internet is too unstable or slow, then Cloud software is probably not the right choice for you.

Is my data secure?

Yes. Most Cloud software is hosted in data centers managed by Microsoft, Amazon or Google with high levels of physical and data security. The LCC WMS is hosted on Microsoft Azure in Australia.

Is it expensive?

Compared to traditional on premises software, Cloud systems are inexpensive. You don’t need to buy it so there is no up front capital cost. You don’t need a server or an IT support team to run it. You do have a cost to implement as there is no getting around the need to design the processes and set up the system to make it work for you.

Is it fast?

Yes. It’s easy for software companies to scale their computing power in the Cloud so they can respond to growth and load in seconds or minutes. When your on premises server runs slow you have to wait for new disks or processors to be installed by IT after your boss eventually signs off on the big upgrade cost.

Can my staff use it to work from home?

Of course! All they need is an internet connection and a device with a browser. This is one of the huge benefits of the Cloud. With on premises software you need to set up VPNs and remote log in software so your staff can access it. This adds a layer of cost and complexity, is often slow and clunky and reduces productivity. If your server is down, they have no access at all. Cloud software is usually available 24/7.

Am I locked in or can I switch to something else if I need to?

You are never locked in by large capital investments, but some applications provide incentives to pay 12 months in advance which inhibit you from trying something else during that time. The cost to implement any system plus the familiarity of use tends to keep you using a system due to the cost and disruption of switching (like the pain of changing banks or insurance companies). But these reasons are not contractual. You can and should move to another software when your needs change and there are better cheaper options available that would help your business perform better.

Is it easy to use?

Common User Interface (UI) designs are emerging for Cloud software that are making it easy to learn when you know how other similar software works. This makes switching between apps that do the same function fairly easy.

5 More reasons to use Cloud software

  1. Try before you buy. Many Cloud systems allow you to sign up for a free trial to use the software before you commit to buying it.
  2. Ready to go now! Cloud software is already installed on a server ready for you to use. You can sign up and start using it straight away.
  3. Stable. Cloud software is in constant and wide usage and if it was not stable then, no one would use it. You can read online reviews to see what other people say and what issues there are with how the software works and the support experience before you choose.
  4. No IT support costs. You don’t need IT staff or a service to run your own server and on premises software.
  5. Competitive edge. Your competitors may still be using outdated software with limited functionality that does not support modern business practice. Moving to the Cloud and taking advantage of the latest technology will allow you to develop a business that serves your customers better, is faster, more efficient and has a lower cost basis than your competitors. Moving before they do might give you an edge in the market.

Cloud
Technology

The fastest and lowest cost way to enable your business to scale up is with Cloud technology