Understanding Cloud Computing & How Global Trade Management Solutions Work in the Cloud

© 2014 Integrat ion Point www.Integrat ionPoint .com

Understanding Cloud Computing & How Global

Trade Management Solutions Work in the Cloud

© 2014 Integrat ion Point www.Integrat ionPoint .com 22

Overview

• Business applications in the cloud are moving us all into

the next phase of computing and data sharing, especially

in the area of global trade

• We’ll examine the basics of what cloud computing is, its

characteristics and deployment methods, among other

topics



What is Cloud Computing?

The storing and accessing of applications and computer

data often through a web browser rather than running

installed software on your personal computer or office

server. It is internet-based computing whereby information,

IT resources, and software applications are provided to

computers and mobile devices on demand. It is the using of

the internet to access web-based applications, web

services and IT infrastructure as a service.

www.cloudcomputingdefined.com


Is Cloud Computing New?

• Some documented history shows that the first cloud

computing concept was introduced in the late 1950s

when universities and large corporations set up

mainframe computers that could be used to

communicate between parties but not handle any form of

workflows or computations.

• The next version of cloud computing came in the 1990s,

in the telecommunications industry’s development of

virtual private networks, or VPNs.


Why Choose the Cloud?

The cloud is becoming more of an acceptable option

among companies looking for ways to grow and expand

without having to invest additional resources (time and

money) into technology infrastructure,

solutions, services, etc.


Characteristics of Cloud Computing

The cloud can be defined by its characteristics as well:

• Maintenance – Cloud applications do not have to be stored on a server or

client desk top, thus reducing the need for constant updates or installs to

access the most up-to-date resources

• Flexibility – Companies have the flexibility of being able to access

infrastructure resources as needed in the manner that best works for their

business without requiring human interaction with each service provider

• Cost – Depending on the type of cloud used, cost is shared across many

versus one having to should the cost of set up, storage, memory, network

bandwidth, etc.

• Accessibility – Users can access it from any location around the globe

• Scalability – Companies scale their use of the cloud as their business

grows to provide resources and infrastructure in real-time, without having to

decipher usage times, balance loads or invest in additional IT resources


The Rise of the Cloud

The National Institute of Standards & Technology

(NIST) has broken down the delivery models into

three that are most commonly accepted today:

– Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

– Platform as a Service (PaaS)

– Software as a Service (SaaS)


Software as a Service (SaaS)

• SaaS is the most commonly known and most widely

used delivery model

• It eliminates the need to install and run an application on

multiple machines– This means less costs and a more simplified process for maintenance

and support


Saas in Global Trade Management

SaaS models are also how we see many Global

Trade Management (GTM) providers such as

Integration Point deploying software to clients

around the world to assist with the management of

compliance in their import/export processes


Security in the Cloud

• Generally, the SaaS model, through a private or hybrid cloud method, provides the

most integrated functionality built directly into the offering, and a high level of

integrated security where the provider bears the responsibility for the security

• To help make sure data security is not compromised, it is important to have security

protocols for your company as well as ensure the service provider has fully vetted

security on their platform

• There should also be a protocol for monitoring the service of the platform as well as

monitoring for any attacks or failures


Business Applications & the Cloud

• Companies need applications that help them do everything from

manage payroll to invoice customers to pay suppliers and more

• Companies should look to access solutions through a public cloud

as much as possible, but use a private cloud to protect vulnerable

data

– That is where the hybrid model works best -- The hybrid approach allows

companies to share infrastructure between companies with common needs,

while providing the confidentiality needed to protect company specific data

For example:

Integration Point offers a Denied Party Screening solution that places over 250

different global restricted party lists in a public cloud that can be accessed by all

customers. When our customers upload their customer list to be scanned before

export, that list is shared across only their company in a private cloud. Users are

able to benefit from both the public and private clouds without sacrificing data

quality or security.


GTM in the Cloud

• Global Trade Management (GTM) in the cloud means having access to a solution

that not only provides up-to-date information in a secure environment, but also allows

companies to add compliance areas as their needs grow

• It is a single source of truth that is accessible to all parties in the supply chain, while

maintaining the integrity of that data in a secure environment

• According to a study done by the

AberdeenGroup, 78% of respondents plan to

centralize the trade compliance function and

establish shared data access/exchange across

the global enterprise in the next 12 months

Enhancing trade compliance and global shared access emerged

as one of the key themes for GTM improvement initiatives from this study


Why move your GTM to the cloud?

Being able to gain visibility into the entire supply chain through one

platform allows a company to bring other areas or locations on board in

a seamless fashion. Benefits include:

• Increase productivity without increasing costs

• Reduce expenses related to IT infrastructure

• Streamline processes and provide access to data to your global workforce

• Add on services and solutions as your compliance needs grow

• Improve collaboration between teams and reduce time wasted on emailing

files

• Connect directly to supply chain partners and government agency systems

to share data

• Access regulatory information that is updated and maintained by a service

provider

• Create internal data repositories to share company specific data across the

supply chain


Example

Let’s look at an example of a company using a shared global trade

management platform and the benefits they are experiencing.

The company has now automated the following manual processes using the centralized cloud-based

GTM software from Integration Point:

• Classification management for all of its production parts globally

• Tracking current and historical exchange rates with multiple countries

• Free Trade Agreement certification tracking and filing based on information within the system

• Manifest automation with multi-party, shared access

• Inventory level detail of imports and exports in multiple locations

• Export Management including data filing with government agencies

• Supplier risk assessment and compliance

This resulted in millions of dollars saved and improved efficiency in global trade

management and compliance. The new platform allows for the online exchange of and

access to data for any department within the company and to external groups.

A Fortune 200 Automobile company with global operations realized they were expending many

man-hours to ensure accurate trade communication and compliance – all of which included enormous

amounts of data entry, manual document creation, and event tracking. The company automated all of

these processes, plus others, using Integration Point’s Global Trade Management solution.


Finding the Right Cloud-Based GTM Vendor

• Find a system that meets your business needs

now and in the future

– A benefit of having a GTM platform in the cloud is that

you can start off buying access to the solutions you

need at that time

– As your company grows and your needs expand, you

can easily add on other solutions that are part of the

platform


How Do I Know What’s Right?

When looking for the right technology, what

questions should you be asking?

Divided into four areas – cloud computing, tools,

software functionality and software

implementation – Integration Point presents

some vital questions that should be asked when

searching for a cloud-based GTM provider.

View the questions in the White Paper here.

http://www.integrationpoint.com/ComplianceCloud-ad.html


In the Cloud – Is It That Easy?

There is a lot to think about when considering business applications in the cloud.

However, leveraging software in the cloud has many advantages, especially when

managing and automating your import/export compliance processes.

The right Cloud provider is out there – are you ready to make the move?

To learn more, download the Cloud Computing White Paper here.

http://www.integrationpoint.com/ComplianceCloud-ad.html


About Integration Point

A leading provider of global trade management solutions, Integration Point

provides import and export capabilities, up-to-date regulatory information for

160+ countries and connectivity to supply chain partners and government

agencies across the world.

The Integration Point Global Trade Management platform is the most

comprehensive global compliance platform with the greatest customer adoption

in every industry segment, having the deepest and broadest functionality

available from a single global trade platform. Integration Point built its products

with a global perspective, recognizing that every customer would differ

depending on whether they import, export, or both.

Contact Integration Point at [email protected]

Visit the website at IntegrationPoint.com

mailto:[email protected]