IDC Manufacturing Insights views IT as a critical enabler for Operational Excellence
Manufacturers Should Focus on Operational Excellence Global independent research and advisory firm, IDC Manufacturing Insights, today published a new research study which describes the operational strategies that manufacturers are currently adopting and recommends strategies that manufacturers should deploy in the near future to take advantage of the expected upturn in the global economy. The study is based on the results of a Europe-wide survey that IDC Manufacturing Insights conducted in conjunction with Manufacturing Executive Magazine in April 2009. Respondents included operations managers (50%), CEOs (25%), and supply chain managers (25%). In a climate where declining sales and conserving cash are key concerns, managers‘ short-term goals are to reduce costs and improve productivity. However, survey results clearly show how a downturn fosters innovation as well. In fact, during normal business conditions, and particularly in Europe, fostering innovation ranks in importance far lower than cost reduction does. The picture now looks completely different: manufacturers are considering the downturn as an opportunity for restructuring their businesses through product innovation and closer relationships with key customers. Operations must support the main business strategies, such as cost containment, productivity improvements, and customer satisfaction. And to compete successfully, manufacturers should focus on Operational Excellence. Throughout the paper, IDC Manufacturing Insights provides a modern definition for Operational Excellence and recommends what areas of excellence manufacturers should focus on today, including Manufacturing Excellence, Environmental Excellence and Maintenance Excellence. Survey results also highlight that about 40% of business managers believe that IT plays a lead or important role in supporting Operational Excellence efforts. This represents a significant shift in attitude. In fact, until recently, many practitioners didn’t see IT investments as integral to operational excellence initiatives. Yet, among the most critical issues impacting manufacturers‘ ability to achieve operational excellence is the "lack of understanding of what data represents," according to the survey. Most manufacturers already have lots of data from multiple sources; what’s needed is the right tool to analyze and interpret the data in terms of impact and risks to the business. Indeed, 50% of survey respondents say the most important IT application that can best support their operational excellence initiatives is Manufacturing Intelligence. As a conclusion of this study, IDC Manufacturing Insights provides five step guidance for manufacturers aiming at achieving Operational Excellence. Quelle: IDC Manufacturing Insights |