Market Report Source

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 of this report

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

Research and analysis 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.

Key reasons to read this report

• 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