2008 Trends to Watch: Manufacturing Technology

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