Maybe it’s a consequence of the Great Recession. Or maybe it has to do with the fact that manufacturers, having spent the past few years going global, are now realizing their extended supply chains are more vulnerable than ever. Whatever the reason, manufacturers seem more aware of the risks they face, from cyber-insecurity, to counterfeiting, to environmental regulation. Just ask the technology providers on Managing Automation’s 2010 Companies to Watch list. Several of these young, emerging technology providers have built their businesses around tools that help manufacturers identify, quantify, and mitigate risks. A couple of 2010 CTW companies, for example, aim to help manufacturers deal with supplier risk. One, SupplierSoft, offers a SaaS-based tool that lets manufacturers manage all aspects of their supplier relationships, including ensuring that suppliers comply with government regulations. Another, Amitive, provides a SaaS-based service that manufacturers use to coordinate multi-enterprise supply chains and identify potential problems. To be sure, not all of this year’s Companies to Watch, which were selected by MA’s editorial team, are primarily focused on risk identification and mitigation. But several are. And their message to jumpy manufacturers is clear: We’ve got your backs covered.
Amitive
Central Desktop
Dynadec Corp.