CTRM / CM as an Architecture A ComTechAdvisory Whitepaper top-tier vendors indicate that such an approach is in the offing through the leveraging of cloud technologies for some or all parts of the horizontal capabilities noted above , in addition to already available commodity specific point solutions that are also moving to the cloud . Additionally , ComTech has had experience working with a few top-tier commodity firms who have decided upon a buy and build approach – licensing solutions from both established vendors and some of the interesting new entrants into the space - supplemented by horizontal capabilities like reporting or data analytics , either built in-house or licensed from firms that would not fall within the definition of CTRM vendors . Additionally , ComTech has been exposed to a number of admittedly early day platforms that do appear to be following a ‘ CM as an architecture ’ first and foremost approach .
Given these companies relatively successful experiences , and the strategic decision by some CTRM firms to embrace a cloud-based horizontal services approach , it does appear that after the endless discussion of buy or build that have circulated in this market for multiple decades now , the right solution is ultimately the hybrid approach of buy and build within the context of an overarching CTRM architecture .
The benefits of adopting such an architectural approach to solving the problem include :
/ Ability to leverage mature and functionally rich commercial solutions that excel in meeting the needs of certain commodities , unique supply chains , and particular business functions
/ Componentized upgrades / fixes , reducing testing and upgrade burdens that would otherwise be imposed by monolithic enterprise scale solutions
/ Addressing the real-time aspects of risk and position reporting required in some markets / commodities that are often missing from an all-encompassing CM solution , yet have a consolidated and visually rich presentation of companywide risks via leading horizontal risk and reporting solutions
/ Addressing the specific needs of trading firms with those of those who move and manage physical commodities , better enabling optimized hedging strategies and / or optimized commodity value along the supply chain ( physical location swaps , inventory plays , etc )
/ Ensuring that data of record is consistent , properly maintained and husbanded throughout the process
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