Manufacturing has long been touted as the path to development. Touching most of the economic activities, the industry is a prime wealth-creator in an economy. China’s meteoric economic rise over the last couple of decades can be rightfully attributed to its manufacturing sector. The country caters to the world with its heavy industries as well as with large scale consumer goods production. Taking note from China’s economic marvel, many countries are now looking at manufacturing sector as the only way to uplift their economies. They understand that the influence of manufacturing goes far beyond its direct contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. Over the last couple of decades, Manufacturing as an industry has also undergone several striking transformations, reducing human interventions to a great extent and making the processes time and cost effective in many unfathomable ways. These changes were possible because of the heavy investments by manufacturers in Information Technology (IT) in their production and manufacturing processes.
Manufacturing industry is diverse: it covers segments like Aerospace and Defense, Automobile and Transportation, Chemicals and Metals, Consumer Goods, Electronics and High-Tech, Industrial and farm equipment, and Medical and Biotech. The evolution of many disruptive technologies in manufacturing and information technology over the last decade has further propelled industrial growth and expanded the horizons of the industry. Reports published by IDC reflect that Worldwide manufacturers spend close to $323 billion on their IT expenditures. This implies that IT is increasingly becoming an integral part of the Manufacturing Industry, and it is fast embracing the digital transformation underway. Automotive companies, for instance, are integrating technology into their core business processes, as well as in re-strategizing their plant layouts and industrial processes to stimulate production and simplify dayto-day operations.
Given how integral information technology is in transforming industrial and business processes, manufacturers must tread cautiously when selecting a manufacturing services vendor. And it becomes even more crucial in an ultra-competitive market crowded with umpteen manufacturing services providers. The editorial team at APAC CIO OUTLOOK has critically evaluated a slew of service providers and handpicked few vendors on the basis of their technical expertise as well as their business understanding prowess. This particular issue of APAC CIO OUTLOOK unveils some of these organizations that have been able to deliver phenomenal results year-after-year by joining forces with their manufacturing clients. Teaming up with these service provides could as well pave the way for your next success.
