ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an understanding of the history of computing in manufacturing, different cloud business models, business efficiencies, and security considerations. In businesses surveys conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by VMware, senior executives from the manufacturing industry familiar with cloud computing revealed that there is great opportunity for the Cloud to penetrate the manufacturing industry. Computing in the manufacturing industry is generally not a new concept as computer integrated manufacturing has been around for over 30 years. However, the information and technological age demands speed, flexibility, and data processing. While there are many challenges with cloud adoption in manufacturing, this should not deter companies from considering its use or offered solutions. With all of the positives that cloud utilization promises, there are still companies in the manufacturing sector struggling with the adoption of manufacturing technology. There are a couple of major security considerations that companies need to examine when making the move to the Cloud.
