INDUSTRIALS & MANUFACTURING Manufacturing organisations have been forced to contend with various sectorspecific and cross-industry challenges in recent years. Many have been impacted by labour shortages, driven by an ageing workforce and a lack of tech-savvy employees. Other challenges include global inflation, geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, cyberthreats and the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic, as well as supply chain disruptions caused by incidents like the Baltimore bridge collapse and the Red Sea shipping crisis. Navigating these complexities requires strategic investments in technology, workforce development and agile planning. Consequently, manufacturers must invest in automation and digitalisation, and adapt how they operate to comply with evolving regulations and develop the flexibility to handle economic uncertainties and overcome other obstacles. “It’s crucial for manufacturers to develop a supply chain strategy to respond to changing customer demands and market forces,” says Indranil Sircar, chief technology officer of manufacturing and supply chain at Microsoft. “Maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving market is essential – customer preferences can shift quickly, and a strategy that anticipates and responds to these changes helps manufacturers to stay relevant and meet customer expectations. A proactive strategy allows manufacturers to identify potential risks and opportunities early, including supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes or technological advancements. “By understanding and addressing the needs of customers, manufacturers can build stronger relationships and increase customer loyalty. A strategy focused on market changes encourages innovation, leading to investments in R&D and new products that meet emerging needs. It also addresses the growing demand for sustainable practices, which can enhance brand reputation and meet the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers.” The cloud, digital twins and artificial intelligence are all key technologies for developing these supply chain management strategies. 123
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