How Cloud-Based Controls & Monitoring Provide Real Time Data

Global business runs at a speed most can’t comprehend. It’s fast, and business runs all day every day around the world. Whether you have one machine in one location, or multiple machines in many locations, keeping tabs on the data must be kept as a high priority. It’s no longer required to walk to each machine to check settings nor carry a clipboard to record the statuses. All business can be run and monitored remotely in real-time with cloud-based applications and controls. If you’re ready to run a business in the 21^st century, these are the next steps to get up to date with technology.

What is Cloud-Based Monitoring?

You’ve heard of ‘the cloud’, the vast data storage entity that seems to have unlimited storage for everything. It’s a real thing, and it can help your business run more efficiently. You normally monitor your business metrics, whether you have one site or many, but how you manage those metrics can be improved by using cloud-based monitoring. Cloud-based monitoring allows your business to upload, store, and analyze data from one single source location. It can hold and store everything including the applications and programs to analyze and report the data stored within. You don’t need individual computers running the same software or hardware in multiple locations anymore. One computer can monitor, review, and make adjustments completely remote anywhere in the world with the correct permissions and applications.

Most internet users already have experience with cloud-based applications. Email accounts with services such as Outlook and Gmail, storage locations with Google Drive and Dropbox, and many webpages account for examples utilizing cloud-based solutions.

What are the Benefits of Cloud-Based Monitoring?

There are numerous benefits to utilizing cloud-based software, applications, and storage for monitoring business activities.  The top items include:

• Cloud-based controls and monitoring already have tools, infrastructure, and configurations established to make any installation quick and efficient. Most monitoring tools are maintained by the host clients, which can make usage seamless with your business.
• Monitoring and application solutions are designed for businesses of all sizes. If you need just a few items, but need the potential to grow, each application can be scaled appropriately.
• Cloud-based solutions can keep investment and variable costs low by utilizing subscription-based applications. These will not require large investment in software or infrastructure expenditures, and frequency-based maintenance updates can be spread among all users. Independent SaaS (Software as a Service) providers can also offer services that work together with cloud-based solutions to manage optimum performance and monitoring.
• Cloud-based applications aren’t based on local servers and workstations, so they won’t incur disruptions if local service goes down for any reason.
• Many cloud-based tools and applications can be used by multiple devices from tablets, desktop PCs, or smart phones. This can allow your business to monitor and control everything from anywhere with an internet connection and correct permissions.
• Cloud-based solutions have built-in cybersecurity that is regularly tested by the hosting networks. Your business needs to be kept safe from hackers and prying eyes and having your own cyber team may not be in the fiscal budget.
• The last benefit is the speed at which changes can be made and monitored for optimum performance. Cloud-based solutions can make changes quickly, and have the changes cascaded across the globe in seconds.

What are the Best Practices with Cloud-Based Controls & Monitoring?

The best organizations utilize cloud-based controls and monitoring as a priority for their business and plan accordingly to ensure it is fully integrated. These are some of the targets and goals that should be included when cloud-based solutions are added:

• Identify key metrics and special events – With cloud-based monitoring, you should be able to set limits on key metrics to keep business moving forward. Identify what should occur if an event happens. If a monitored item goes beyond its threshold, what should happen? Keep focused on the key things that need to keep running, and don’t overcomplicate what you’re controlling.
• Use one key platform or software to report all data – Cloud services have many options that can filter and report to one specific platform for streamlined organization. Find one option that works well to monitor your metrics and make all other inputs report to that platform on the frequency needed. A large amount of time can be wasted searching for data, then needing to filter it into a format your business can use.  Make the cloud-based solution work for you, not the other way around.
• Minimalize usage and fees – Cloud-based solutions can have a lot of bells and whistles, and that can drive up costs. Keep tabs on the usage of the services and how that affects their associated fees. That may be a on a simple frequency of month per month, or what makes sense for your business.
• Understand key user experience – You will most likely have key personnel that use your cloud-based solutions in their daily activities, while some may only use it on a monthly basis. Tailor your user experience to the performance of your key players and make changes that keep their experience at optimum performance.
• Keep centralized data with exporting as needed – World-class organizations keep their data in a centralized location in the cloud, but have it exported at a key frequency to monitor business metrics. Decide what data is needed when, and how it needs to be exported accurately to support your business.

Cloud-based controls and monitoring are the next evolution for industrial business solutions. These examples of world-class solutions are just the tip of the iceberg of what Automation Electric and Controls can support to ensure your business runs at optimum performance. If it can be measured, it can be controlled.  AEC is a licensed ETL 508A panel building shop, and our work is defined by quality, safety, security, and flexibility. We can support your business with enclosures, breakers, motors, wiring, relays, contactors, and cloud-based solutions to monitor your software and hardware. We are locally owned and have operated in the Pacific Northwest since 2003. We have provided products for companies both local and global. When you’re ready for a new custom designed industrial panel, a custom mobile trailer or container, or the next evolution in cloud-based solutions, give us a call at (360) 428-0201 or email us at sales@automationelectric.com.