Modex 2012: HighJump sees jump in cloud-based computing

Interest in cloud-based supply chain software solutions, like warehouse management systems (WMS), is growing, according to Chuck Fuerst, director of product strategy for HighJump (Booth 609). “Anywhere from 35% to 40% of our new prospects are asking about cloud solutions as a deployment option,” Fuerst told Modern during a booth visit.

While not all of those potential customers are opting to implement a cloud-based solution, it is the starting point for more customer conversations than in the past, he said.

A cloud-based implementation is one in which a solution provider like HighJump hosts the software application on its server, which is then accessed over the Internet by the end user. Cloud solutions were traditionally marketed as a way to save money because a customer has a faster implementation time, doesn’t have to invest in an infrastructure of servers, and doesn’t have to maintain the solution.

Increasingly, Fuerst said, the business conversation is changing. “There are upfront cost savings to a cloud solution compared to a conventional implementation,” he said. “However, we think that the gap narrows when you look out three to five years.” Instead, he said, end users are asking whether they want to devote their IT resources to a WMS or transportation management system. “Customers are telling us they’d rather devote their IT resources to other issues than maintaining and WMS system,” he added.

Modex 2012 is scheduled to be held February 6-9, 2012 in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete Modex 2012 coverage.