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by David R. Brousell, MA Editorial Staff   | Abstract: | In this special issue, MA explores technology's link to growth by examining five performance-boosting technology and business-practice subjects. |
The first hard indications that top-line growth would move to center stage on manufacturers' agendas this year came toward the end of 2006 when Managing Automation conducted its annual outlook poll. The results of that poll, published in the January issue of the magazine, pointed to a subtle, but marked, shift in reader attitudes about growth initiatives in relation to cost-reduction activities. What the poll revealed was that while cost reduction remained an ongoing top business priority, an emphasis on growing the business through such initiatives as new geographic and industry market penetration and more rapid product introductions had finally overtaken cost reduction after several years of caution inspired by economic uncertainty. In the months since that poll was published, the growth message has played louder and louder throughout the industry. As a result, the Managing Automation editorial team decided to devote this issue to exploring in depth the topic of growth. What we have done is to select five hot-button technology and business practice subjects — business intelligence, software-oriented architecture, and operational efficiency disciplines such as lean, e-commerce, and enterprise integration — and explore how they can influence the growth equation for manufacturers. Geared toward what executive manufacturing management needs to know, these articles explore the link between technology and actual business performance. [Click to continue] |