Many manufacturers struggle to balance global opportunities with the significant complexities that come with them. While global markets open new revenue streams, they also introduce local competitors, increase the risk of grey market abuse, extend supply chains and frequently require complex, multi-tier distribution channels that make it nearly impossible to establish direct relationships with customers. Add to this the reality that product lifecycles are increasingly under pressure to shorten and customer expectations regarding last minute configuration changes continue to grow, and you have a classic double-edged sword situation.
From a business perspective, this new reality has placed downward pressure on margins, significantly increased supply chain and operational complexity and made it increasingly difficult to keep a lid on inventory and operating costs.
While all of this is happening, the products being manufactured are also in the midst of major changes. Most devices today are connected to the internet and business requirements continue to place growing importance on the application and not just the hardware. Most manufacturers have to integrate embedded software or add-on software applications to differentiate their products and meet the business requirements of their customers.