Integrating big data and cloud computing into the existing system and performance impact: A case study in manufacturing

Abstract

Manufacturing companies generate vast but underutilised business data in ERP systems. Valuable insights can be derived from unexplored data by using big data analytics, enabling managers to make well-informed decisions. Cloud computing, with its cost-effective resources, offers access to hosting and facilitating such access. Despite extensive literature, real-life applications illustrating how manufacturing companies can derive value from data through the integration of big data and cloud are still lacking.

This study, based on a manufacturing case study, investigates the process of integrating big data and cloud computing into the existing ERP system. It is argued in the literature that big data benefits will be limited if it is not aligned with the established culture and resources in the implementation process, known as big data capability. The paper explores the company's journey, evaluating the importance and overall development of preexisting capability during adoption. The work assesses the impact of big data on operational performance. The several insights obtained from the real-life case serve as a valuable guide for managers embarking on big data projects. The findings establish the importance of big data capability and illustrate how manufacturing companies can seamlessly integrate these technologies and improve performance without compromising existing ERP systems.