Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud-based delivery model where software applications are hosted by a provider and made accessible to users over the internet. This model eliminates the need for companies to install and maintain software on individual machines, offering a flexible and scalable solution. In the context of manufacturing and Industry 4.0, SaaS facilitates the integration of advanced analytics and IIoT platforms, enabling real-time data access and collaboration across global teams. For example, a manufacturing company might use a SaaS application for supply chain management, allowing seamless updates and communication between suppliers and production sites. The benefits of SaaS include cost-effectiveness, automatic updates, and easy scalability, though challenges such as data security and internet dependency may arise.