Manufacturing Trends Drive New Microsoft Vision
Edited by Managing Editor: Wes Iversen
Based
on six major trends, the software giant is rolling out a redefined
vision for Microsoft's role in the manufacturing environment.
 Following
discussions with 200 to 300 manufacturers during the past year,
Microsoft Corp. has identified six powerful trends that it believes
will impact the industry for the next three to five years, according to
Charles Johnson, managing director for manufacturing industry solutions
at the Redmond, Wash.-based software provider.
These
trends, as well as a redefined vision for Microsoft's role in
manufacturing, were set to be laid out as part of the annual Microsoft
Worldwide Partner Conference July 7-10 in Houston. More than 7,000 were
expected to attend the event. Johnson spoke with Automation World prior
to the Partner Conference.
Six trends
The
first of the six major trends involves emerging economies, and the need
for manufacturers to deliver on a global scale, but to execute
locally’—with products and services in each region developed to meet
local tastes and cultures. "Manufacturers are realizing that one size
does not fit all," Johnson said. The second trend is centered around
"digital convergence," and a need for manufacturing organizations to
provide employees with access to business information any time at any
place, and on any device.
Another
trend involves the growing power of consumers. "In the new business
model, consumers are becoming active participants, vs. passive
recipients of goods and services," Johnson noted. Additional trends
include sustainability and the rising impact of the environment’—which
affects product development’ļas well as the influence of complex
regulations. Boston-based AMR Research Inc. has estimated that $80
billion will be spent by businesses on regulatory compliance programs
during the next five years, Johnson pointed out.
The
sixth trend involves changing demographics. In industry segments
including oil and gas, utilities, and automotive, "the IP (intellectual
property) of the organization many time sits in the minds of people who
are about to retire in the next five or six years," Johnson noted.
Manufacturers are also being impacted by the rise of "the Gen X
workforce," he said, who grew up with technology, and want to see the
same technology in the workplace as they have in their homes... Read more |
