Many industries have been impacted by the growing software solution landscape. As computing devices have matured and gone mobile, more organizations are looking for quality software solutions that can take advantage of this new hardware and improve the effectiveness of the business and its processes.

Recently, LNS Research released the 2013-14 version of its Manufacturing Operations Management survey. IT examined the different approaches that companies have taken when it comes to adopting operation management solutions and improved software systems.

The study polled 325 manufacturing professionals. The goal was to determine the preferences of company decision-makers when it comes to internal resources, system integrators and consultants and software suppliers to support manufacturing improvement initiatives.

The study found that 44 percent of companies purchases software and solution providers at the same time and 43 percent pick software first and then find a compatible integrator that specializes in the service. The remaining 13 percent partner with a solution provider and then take recommendations on what software to purchase.

This shows that having the right manufacturing software solution is the top priority for most organizations, ahead of picking the right solution provider. That does not diminish the importance of partnering with a quality integrator, but rather it shows that software is the primary concern.

The report also examined what qualities companies put as a top priority when they are looking to find the right partner. Topping the list is specific industry experience, cited by 37 percent of respondents. The rest of the top five consists of experience in the chosen software (36 percent), implementation methodology (34 percent), services cost (27 percent) and proven references (26 percent).

What about adopting the cloud?

While it is clear that there are a number of different options on the market when it comes to manufacturing software, perhaps the best option is to invest in something cloud-based. A recent article from Plant Engineering makes the case that the cloud is a "no-brainer" for the manufacturing industry.

"Some people still debate the merits of using cloud computing in manufacturing, but there are specific cases when a cloud solution is the obvious choice," the article reads. "Many controversies about using the cloud come from outdated information about cost. But in the last few years, leading vendors have dramatically dropped the cost of running cloud-based solutions. Those economies add to the savings you gain from not having to build and support data centers and IT staff."

The piece goes on to make the case for several different situations that can be improved with this kind of approach. These include mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, offshoring/nearshoring/reshoring, two-tier company structures, strategic alliances, fast turnaround of special projects, test environment and expanding to new locations.

The cloud is all about speed and accessing real-time information. In the manufacturing industry, speed is incredibly important. Implementing these solutions is increasingly complicated and businesses need to know the best way to manage them. This is why partnering with a quality solution provider that specializes in manufacturing and business management software can become a wise choice for any company looking to improve its operations.