The use of cloud computing, or cloud computing, is growing rapidly around the world. This is what a recent Gartner study, the largest IT research company.
The study shows that 70% of organizations that use cloud services intend to further increase their investments in digital solutions by 2024. The research also points out that the increase in the consumption of platforms as a service (PaaS) has been driven mainly by remote work.
The adoption of cloud computing not only impacts the competitiveness of companies, but also contributes to curbing global warming. International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts a reduction of 1 billion tons of CO2 by 2024, with the optimization of IT infrastructures.
Next, we tell you what SaaS is (Software as a Service) and PaaS (Plataform as a Service) and we selected the main benefits of cloud computing for B2B purchasing management.
What is SaaS?
SaaS is the acronym for Software as a Service (software as a service, in free translation), which uses the cloud to deliver services and allows access from any location and device connected to the internet. The simplest example of SaaS is the email service.
The SaaS model is already a trend in the market, mainly because it eliminates the need for physical infrastructure and hardware and software installations. For this reason, SaaS eliminates the costs of program installations, maintenance and updates.
What is PaaS?
PaaS stands for Plataform as a Service, that is, platform as a service, also known as “cloud platform”. The PaaS model allows users to develop, test, deploy and manage business applications in the digital environment, without worrying about IT infrastructure.
PaaS platform providers are responsible for managing security, operating systems, service software, and backups. Using SaaS encourages collaborative work by allowing all collaborators to work on the same project.
Also check out the post “SAAS and PAAS: greater control over purchases and sales in the palm of your hands".
Key benefits of the cloud for supply chain management
1. Scalability
The term “scalability” is related to a company’s ability to meet increased demands without losing quality.
Adopting the cloud in B2B purchasing management ensures greater scalability, because resources are easily adaptable to these needs.
A scalable supply chain integrates people, processes and technology, which is essential to gain agility and competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic market.
2. Visibility
Increased visibility is significant when opting for a cloud solution, as data is updated in real time.
This factor also has a positive impact on the transparency of information, which favors compliance, collaboration between all parties involved in the supply chain and risk management in B2B purchasing management.
Furthermore, having quick access to data and KPIs is essential for more assertive decision-making and insights.
3. Automation
By adopting a cloud solution, such as e-Procurement of the Electronic Market, a P2P tool (Procure-to-Pay), it is possible to eliminate costs generated by manual and decentralized processes.
Work automation frees teams to work intelligently, with short and long-term strategies, which, in addition to reducing unnecessary expenses, increases the competitive strength of companies.
Here on the blog, we have a post about how the e-Procurement automates purchasing management.
4. Return on Investment (ROI)
In addition to considerably increasing companies' productivity, cloud solutions help to avoid financial losses in B2B purchases.
This is because, when adopting a SaaS or PaaS tool, the speed and availability of services have a positive impact on the economy of organizations.
Another important factor for ROI with the adoption of cloud solutions is the increase in energy efficiency, as organizations do not need to invest in complex IT infrastructures.
Above, we have seen some of the main advantages of cloud solutions to optimize the work of B2B Purchasing teams. But we know that there are many others.
Do you know any? If so, write in the comments and participate in our blog. 😉
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