My expert comments given to LogLerney portal appeared to be the fundamental issue for this article. I do consider cloud-based technologies have a huge potential for the entire field of logistics.

Cloud-based solutions and backup have proved to be a better alternative to traditional options. A growing number of applications and management software lets businesses reduce the costs and concentrate on some prior issues and targets. What is the idea of such advanced supply chain managing tools and how can they be implemented in logistics?


How do cloud-based solutions differ from traditional ones?

The main idea of so-called Cloud Computing refers to shared data or software accessible by multiple users using different web means. Such approach comes with a set of essential benefits for businesses. First of all, they do not need to store all necessary data using physical servers as well as hard drives.

Cloud computing provides better and more reliable information storage facilities that are supported and maintained by cloud software providers. When it comes to users’ perspectives and benefits, all the data is available online 24/7. Users are free to access it whenever they need using any device featuring Internet connection. They may include corporate computers and laptops in addition to desktops, smartphones tablets and some other portable devices.

Organizations and companies can now reduce their costs, as they do not have to use physical servers and hard drives as well as benefit from easy accessibility and 100% data protection. For this reason, more logistic experts and enterprises opt for cloud-based IT software that comes as an individual solution united by a single web platform.

Cloud-based technologies appear to be extremely beneficiary for the B2B sector. They can be used as innovative and advanced tools to handle caf?, shops and filling stations assortment delivering an efficient remote managing experience in addition to merchandising. Both huge oil enterprises and separate filling stations can easily cope with technological equipment monitoring and tracking.

What are the key technology advances? How do they differ from what they used to be? What are the main benefits if compared with traditional options?

We have all witnessed a boost of Pokemon Go popularity. The game has taken the audience by storm at short notice. Moreover, we have many other examples showcasing users who are ready to opt for VR (virtual reality).

When we firstly introduced our automated merchandising system to the market 5 years ago, the majority of top managers considered it nothing more but a toy. Today our system appears to be in huge demand and comes as a cost-effective shelf space-managing tool. Imagine a merchandiser who completes all his reports via his or her corporate smartphone. The employee will be unable to complete a real-time report unless the smartphone is linked to a particular geo location. In other words, our system prevents any types of cheating and fraud. Your merchandiser will never send reports from home or any other location that is not linked to the corporate area.

The system automatically provides access to the generated data to all business participants involved in the process.

Are there any examples of successful cloud-based solutions in logistics?

Cloud-based technologies are developing hand-in-hand with the IT market growth. A single transport-monitoring platform will hardly be a surprise for many logistic enterprises as well as the cargo tracking system. Organizations can manage their supplies chains using current technological solutions starting from the production launch to product distribution and deliver it to the end customer. Developed and successfully implemented by RusHOLTS specialists, BMS Smart Order system appeared to be extremely handy letting filling station staff create orders automatically based on multivariate analysis. The advanced tool lets customers make procurement plan as less human-dependent as possible to avoid overstocking of the trading hall.

Those who have already installed our system at their filling stations can boast rapid sales growth in addition to high turnaround. The system operates on a single-platform basis. However, it can be easily customized in accordance with every customer’s requirements including accountant and report systems, documentation, etc.

BMS Control system is another great example of a remote monitoring IT tool letting you keep in touch with your caf? technology equipment 24/7 detecting and eliminating any malfunctions, drawbacks and more. The idea of building BMS Control system appeared after launching an efficient remote coffee machine monitoring solution. It managed to make a name for itself immediately letting coffee businesses cope with various tasks at the same time resulting in cost-efficiency and higher revenues. The system lets customers handle different duties ranging from controlling an unlimited number of coffee machines to managing the quality of the drink. Observing a great success, we decide to extend our managing tools by linking the entire filling station equipment to a single monitoring system. In other words, customers are free to track the conditions of every unit ranging from fridges and conditioners to coffee machines and heaters. As a result, we have a single IT solution to handle various business processes at the same time.

Generated big data reveals a detailed information available in form of coffee machines plain and maintenance reports, coffee consumption statistics, drink volume comparisons and more. Customers may forget about those times when cashiers cheating with checks and fault sales. The system reveals up to 98% of any types of frauds within the first month after implementation. Businesses have a great chance to reduce their costs that result on regular product plains and maintenance expense. After you start using our IT solution, you will witness the sales growth by 400% within the first quarter featuring 40 cups of coffee daily sold at fillings stations across the country.

Are there any risks and ways to minimize them when it comes to cloud-based solutions?

Some Englishmen decided to conduct an experiment in a local caf?. Every visitor could benefit from a free cup of coffee for providing his or her address to a Facebook page or any other social network profile. After they provide all necessary data, they eventually receive their free cup of coffee displaying customers’ private information written right on the cup. Most people were shocked with such an approach. There is nothing surprising in such a reaction. One would hardly appreciate any third parties knowing about family members, age or preferences. People still value privacy and confidentiality. For this reason, choosing a reliable and trustworthy partner is vital for any field. This is why Blockchain databases are widely spread whenever it comes to clear and fair elections as well as copyright-defending. Our company develops the idea of a cloud-based solution for non-fuel businesses represented by filling station chains. We provide tools that combine product flows, automated merchandising and service & maintenance monitoring system.

Are there any problems with integration of such cloud-based solutions?

The integration process always comes with a set of technological aspects necessary to consider. They depend on the prior tasks, their volume and the required level of system integration. As a rule, basic solutions do not call for any additional actions or special knowledge from the customer. All you need is a device connected to the Internet to use cloud-based systems and transfer any type of data you need with a couple of clicks.

Always keep in mind that only 30% of all problems are related to technology malfunctions. The rest 70% depend on human factor only. However, this fact is a matter of another case.