I recently read an article by Tom Emmrich, president,
Americas, Dassault Systèmes that I couldn't agree with more.
Here are few points of summary:
This current downturn by some economist's estimations is around
18 months old. So if current indicators (and history) are any
guide, then the recovery has begun. What can a
manufacturing business do to be ready to emerge stronger
and more capable and competitive? Here are a few areas that
we believe are critical:
- Efficiency starts with manufacturing technology. Utilizing the
latest manufacturing and information technologies and best
practices can drive greater efficiencies, free time for innovation
and give an organization the flexibility and core set of tools
needed to succeed when the economy rebounds.
- Automated PLM can speed innovation to market. Companies with a
strong product lifecycle management strategy will be able to
respond more rapidly to market changes or increases in demand by
being able to iterate digitally on various product alternatives,
and then quickly move to market while the competition is still
getting started.
- Innovation starts from within and means more than a casual or
informal awareness of the market and industry - and must pervade
the entire company, not just a few people. You need to develop a
culture of innovation and process discipline to support it.
- Collaboration is critical to the nimble business. To be a
successful manufacturing business in today's markets means you must
have the ability to seamlessly connect with your partners,
suppliers, customers and branch offices.
- Operating efficiently is the most important aspect of improving
and preparing your company for success when the markets take a
favorable turn. An economic downturn is, in fact, the perfect time
to evaluate internal processes to identify ways of working which
require evolution.
Regardless of the condition of your manufacturing business, a
review of many of the tenets of a good business are important to
realize future savings, and more importantly, to return to growth
faster and to win market share.
Click here
to review the complete article by Tom Emmrich.