The cloud offers indispensable value to the auditing process, which will make it a standard tool in the auditor’s toolbox in the coming years. With cloud-based collaboration, auditors all have access to the same data and source of information, allowing diverse, global teams to work together quickly and seamlessly. And since everyone is working with the same technology, the organization of data and files will also remain consistent, leading to a more efficient and frictionless experience. Overall, the efficiencies introduced by the cloud will decrease the amount of time spent in the audit process, allowing clients to get the information they need more quickly. The cloud also provides security in the form of data encryption and access levels, so only the right people are seeing the data relevant to them. In the coming years, the cloud will no longer be one possible avenue of communication for auditors — it will be universally expected. Anyone who hasn’t made the shift to the cloud is already falling behind.