Workshop software: better in the cloud or on-premise?
An honest comparison, built for machine shops, CNC subcontractors and manufacturing companies choosing how to run their software. No theory: just the criteria that really matter on the shop floor.
In two lines
If you have multiple sites, technicians on the road, or you'd rather not manage hardware, cloud workshop software is the fastest and cheapest short-term choice. If you work in a single plant, have constraints on data, or an unstable internet connection, on-premise installation gives you control and operational continuity that cloud can't guarantee.
Six criteria to choose
Every company weighs these factors differently. Use the table to see where you're winning — and where you're giving something up.
Accessibility and travel
Access from any PC, tablet or job site with just an internet connection.
Full access only on the company network. From outside you need a VPN or remote desktop.
Upfront cost
No hardware to buy. Predictable monthly fee, starting from €28.90/month.
FlowSystem Local – Complete software licence: 6.000 € One-off. Excluded from the licence: optional FlowSystem Gateway, machine connections, electrician, travel and logistics. Work by the trusted electrician sent by FlowSystem and physical on-site installation expenses require a separate quote.
Data control
Data lives on certified servers, with backups managed by us.
Data never leaves the company: maximum control, maximum responsibility.
Updates
Automatic updates, always on the latest version.
Updates scheduled with your internal IT or with us remotely.
Operational continuity
If the shop's internet goes down, the monitor stops. A 4G backup line is recommended.
Shop floor independent from external connectivity: if the internet drops, work continues.
Activation
Live in a few hours. No installation on the shop-floor side.
Takes one or more days of installation, testing and network setup.
Choose cloud if…
- You want to start in a few days without investing in hardware.
- You have multiple sites, agents or technicians who must see the same orders.
- You don't have (or don't want to maintain) an internal IT department.
- You prefer a predictable monthly fee to a one-off investment.
- Your workshop's internet is stable or you have a backup line.
Choose on-premise if…
- You have contractual or regulatory constraints on data residency.
- The internet connection at the plant is unreliable.
- You want full independence: if the public network fails, the workshop still works.
- You already have a company server and internal IT to maintain it.
- You prefer an upfront investment to a recurring monthly fee.
Frequently asked questions
Is cloud or on-premise workshop software better?
It depends on three factors: who needs to access the data, how critical internet availability is in the workshop, and whether you have contractual constraints on data residency. Cloud wins on accessibility and maintenance; on-premise wins on total control and independence from connectivity.
Is cloud software less secure?
No, it's usually more secure than a server kept in the office: automatic backups, managed updates, encryption in transit. On-premise is only more secure if you have internal IT handling backups, patches and disaster recovery with the same rigour.
What happens if the internet goes down in the workshop with cloud software?
The shop-floor monitor and the order list stop until the connection is back. In companies with unstable links, a 4G backup line — or directly an on-premise install — is a better choice.
Can I start in the cloud and move on-premise later?
With FlowSystem, yes: the modules are the same and data is exportable. Many workshops start in the cloud to be up in a few hours, and migrate on-premise when the order volume justifies a dedicated server.
Does the on-premise software also work on smartphones or tablets?
Yes, as long as tablets and shop-floor monitors are on the same network as the server. For off-site access you'll need a VPN, whereas cloud provides native remote access.