Identifying the Divide Between the Plant-floor and the Enterprise (Market Focus)

This publication has been discontinued on July 19, 2011.

Introduction

Abstract

Overview

Introduction

Manufacturers have long had problems with the disconnect between plant-floor and enterprise systems. Now, a wide range of market pressures are creating problems that are being exacerbated by that divide. To alleviate these issues, manufacturers are going to have to act - fast.

Scope

• Looks at three key issues making life difficult for modern day manufacturers.
• Considers the manufacturing industry as a whole in the global marketplace.

Report Highlights

The manufacturing industry is in a constant stage of change as supply-chain dynamics shift and economic conditions take hold. The ability of a manufacturer to react to these changing conditions is being increasingly seen as a competitive differentiator, with those companies able to adapt production, quickly becoming the leaders of their market.

Reasons to Purchase

• Understand the key market issues being faced by manufacturers.
• Assess the best problems with which to frame an IT solution or go-to-market strategy.

Table of Contents

• DATAMONITOR VIEW
  • CATALYST
  • SUMMARY
• ANALYSIS
  • Manufacturers are looking to improve market agility as down-stream dynamics shift
    • Changes in customer demand are forcing manufacturers to react quicker or lose business
      • Customers want newer products faster
      • Larger customers and competition are putting significant pressure on prices
      • A trend for shorter production runs while maintaining scale is becoming a headache for manufacturers
    • Changes in competition continue to hound manufacturers
    • Natural and other unforeseen disasters occurring are forcing manufacturers to assess their agility
  • Manufacturers are experiencing rising cost pressures
    • The basic cost of materials is increasing and squeezing profits
    • Overhead costs such as energy are also increasing
  • Regulatory compliance requires a rapid response
    • Track and tracing is heavily affecting the batch manufacturing industry
    • Implementing a compliance strategy is only one step towards total compliance
    • Manufacturers need to ensure that they are meeting regulatory compliance at an operational level
    • Documentation and proof of compliance needs to be managed effectively
• APPENDIX
  • Definitions
  • Methodology
  • Further reading
  • Ask the analyst
  • Datamonitor consulting
  • Disclaimer
  • List of Figures
    • Figure 1: Increasing customer satisfaction is the most important priority for manufacturers
    • Figure 2: Manufacturing regulations target multiple areas

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