Small Steps to a Big Advantage: Laying the Groundwork for a Gradual Cloud Adoption
The inevitability of the cloud is often overwhelming, especially for organizations with a complex and mission-critical PLM system. The first step of a long-term cloud adoption must be small, unobtrusive, and yet somehow part of the production value chain.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” —Laozi
Our clients have found their first small step toward the cloud in creative corners of their organizations. It is usually embodied by a non-critical process that can run on the cloud alongside the on-premise PLM suite. They start with a small subset of functionality, representing as little as 5% of the full system capabilities, while the rest of the ecosystem is untouched.
Download our complimentary ebook: How to take your first step toward the cloud with a small subset of PLM applications.
What Does “Start Small” Look Like?
We can help you identify a self-contained bundle of applications (a discrete “Role”) to be used by a single person or small team on the cloud. Meanwhile, the on-premise solution remains completely intact.
For example, here are 3 processes our clients have leveraged as small cloud trials:
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Evaluate a new application or version.
A large automotive company wanted to experiment with CATIA Electrical. By testing the application on the cloud, designers were able to make a decision quickly without the effort from IT that would have been required to install a trial on-premise. In addition, new versions of existing applications may be previewed via the cloud to test drive enhancements and scope the work required to upgrade. -
Equip the marketing team with production models.
A large manufacturing company transitioned its marketing users to the cloud. They can now upload models from the on-premise installation, independently create renderings using 3DEXCITE on the cloud, collaborate across regions, and efficiently produce deliverables. -
Turbocharge an ancillary line of business.
A tier 1 supplier was considering implementing an engineering-to-manufacturing process on the cloud. Within the enterprise, a self-contained division which services a peripheral market segment was willing to try new things. This non-core business was the perfect candidate to take the organization’s first step toward the cloud.
Step by Step
Despite many advantages of a cloud-based PLM system, change is hard. Internal resistance can be formidable. A stepping-stone strategy is often effective for breaking the gridlock.
First, find a small opportunity off the critical path to avoid any disruption to production. Along the way you’ll identify new ways the cloud can add value to your business, what processes must change and what can stay the same.
“Slow and steady wins the race.” —Aesop
Evolve Steadily
Ideal for self-proclaimed technological dinosaurs, this stepping-stone strategy is the key to survival as the cloud computing landscape evolves around you. You don’t have to move quickly, but you do have to move. And the time is now.
Ready to find your first small step?
Ask us about how to add a cloud-based Role to your on-premise instance of the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform.