2008 Trends to Watch: Manufacturing Technology

This publication has been discontinued on July 19, 2011.

Introduction

Abstract

Overview

Introduction

This brief examines the most important issues facing manufacturing organizations in 2008 and identifies key trends in manufacturing technology investment.

Scope

• An overview of challenges facing manufacturing organizations in 2008.
• Datamonitor' s view of the technology priorities of providers and payers.
• Strategies to help vendors in the manufacturing technology market.

Report Highlights

2008 has opened with a slightly grim outlook following the recent events in the US sub-prime mortgage market and their follow-on effects on the rest of the global economy. Suddenly, what had been an era of ' cheap money' has come to a very quick close with ramifications being felt around the world.

Reasons to Purchase

• Learn about the top trends in manufacturing in 2008.
• Gain insight into the technology areas manufacturing organizations are investing in.
• Identify strategies for expanding business opportunities in manufacturing.

Table of Contents

• DATAMONITOR VIEW
  • CATALYST
  • SUMMARY
• ANALYSIS
  • China is growing increasingly complex after key indicators ring alarm bells
    • Inflation is starting to rise in the Chinese economy
    • Production output is expected to continue to grow throughout 2008 despite international pressures
    • Technology maturity is at opposite ends of the spectrum within the manufacturing industry
    • Shipping capacity is having a constrictive effect on the growth of China' s globalization capabilities
  • Green initiatives will slowly start to gather pace
    • Green operations will primarily spawn from cost savings or regulatory enforcement
    • Green IT is still only emerging within the manufacturing industry
  • Rising energy costs will compound pressures for manufacturers in 2008
    • The increasing price of oil and coal will affect both manufacturing companies and their customers
    • Market volatility will drive investment in key forecasting technologies
    • Vendors will need to be prepared to shift go-to-market strategies quickly and effectively
  • Warranties will take prime position in the strategies of successful manufacturers
    • Warranty management is in part being driven by green requirements
    • A high priority for customer satisfaction will generate increased investment in aftermarket capabilities
    • There is significant opportunity for manufacturing companies to generate aftermarket revenues
    • Warranty management creates opportunities for vendors of multiple disciplines
• ACTIONS
  • Impact on manufacturing companies
  • Recommendations for those selling technology into the manufacturing sector
• APPENDIX
  • Definitions
  • Methodology
  • Further reading
  • Ask the analyst
  • Datamonitor consulting
  • Disclaimer
  • List of Figures
    • Figure 1: China' s level of inflation has risen steeply in the last twelve months
    • Figure 2: China' s production output is still experiencing good growth
    • Figure 3: Global coal prices have risen steeply in the last twelve months
    • Figure 4: Oil prices are continuing to rise at a global level
    • Figure 5: Customer satisfaction remains the number one priority for manufacturing companies

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