Three Solutions for Low-Cost Cloud Collaboration

How can small and medium-sized factories achieve cloud collaboration at a low cost? We offer three practical solutions: how to choose cloud collaboration tools, how to optimize data sharing, and how to control costs. These solutions will help factories to improve management efficiency, reduce operating costs, and adapt to the need for digital transformation.

Why do small and medium-sized manufacturers need cloud collaboration?

Small and medium-sized factories often face problems of scattered orders, low communication efficiency and disorganized data management.Traditional management methods rely on paper records or single-computer software, which can easily lead to information lag or loss.Cloud collaboration not only allows for real-time sharing of production progress and inventory data, but also allows for cross-departmental cooperation and reduces communication costs.Even more important, the low-cost solution allows limited-budget small factories to use it easily without having to shell out big bucks for a high-priced system.

Plan 1: Use existing SaaS tools to build a 3D collaboration network.

Small and medium-sized companies don't need to develop systems from scratch. They can get by with a combination of mature SaaS tools.For example:

Dingtalk / Wechat Business + SimpleCloud Spreadsheet.

WeChat Work or DingTalk can be used to establish internal communication groups, and Tencent Docs or Kingsoft Docs can be used to create and share production plans and lists of required materials.When salespeople are out visiting customers, they can use their mobile phones to update orders in real time. The workshop supervisor can use his tablet to check the latest requirements at any time.

Free ERP modules.

For example, the free versions of T + and Kingdee's Cloud Star can be used to break down inventory and sales or production modules.For example, if you only use the inventory management functions, and combine them with manual tracking of progress using WeChat groups, you can keep the monthly cost below NT $ 300.

Option 2: Build your own private cloud and use a lightweight workflow tool.

If you have high security requirements, you can set up your own private cloud.

Deploying low-cost NAS devices.

Buying an entry-level NAS like the Synology DS220j (about NT $ 1500) and setting up a system of permissions.By storing all of the company's design drawings, quality control standards and other documents in one place, businesspeople can use a mobile app to retrieve the latest versions, so there is no longer any risk of sending the wrong drawings.

Visualization tools are linked.

They used the no-code platforms Jandao Cloud and Minda Cloud to build a simple work order system.For example, in the process for reporting equipment repairs, the team leader in the workshop takes a photo of the broken equipment with a mobile phone and submits it, the photo is automatically sent to the repair group, and the photo and repair record are updated simultaneously.The entire process is paperless, and it can also generate repair logs.

Option 3: Hybrid cloud model--local storage of key data and cloud-based general functions.

Core production data is stored on local servers, while general collaborative functions are provided by public cloud services.For example, "I'm not a man.

Production schedules are stored locally.

We use Excel or Access to manage our core production plans, and we back up our data to a portable hard drive on a regular basis.It also synchronizes non-sensitive data such as procurement and logistics information to Baidu Cloud, making it easier for suppliers to view.

The WeChat Mini Program connects with external partners.

Using platforms like Weida, we made a simple app that lets customers check the status of their orders and suppliers upload delivery slips.This way, the core information is protected, and the order takers do not need to repeat the same information over and over again.

What should I pay attention to when I arrive?

Don't try to do too much at once. Start with a single pain point.For example, start by "going online" with the daily production reports, and then gradually expand.Regularly collect feedback from employees. For example, if the warehouse staff are more used to hand-scanning barcodes, then don't force them to use a complex app.The most important thing is to choose a solution that can quickly produce results, so that the team can see the actual value and naturally be willing to go along with the upgrade.