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The Next Big Thing
Posts about next generation technologies and their effect on business.

Cloudy with a chance of innovation

mateen greenway| February 10, 2011
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As the manufacturing industry starts to emerge from the economic downturn companies are looking to shift from a survival mode to leveraging technology for innovation and growth. However, as Christian Verstraete  points out in this Cloud manufacturing viewpoint paper companies “face a host of challenges” including:

  • Increased globalization and competition
  • Shrinking margins
  • Increased cost pressures
  • Shorter product life cycles
  • Market volatility”

In addition, many manufacturers want to shift from simply making products to delivering services. What do I mean? Well most people don’t buy a PC as an end in itself. Instead a PC is a means to access business or personal applications. So what are the ways that Cloud Computing can help manufacturers?

  • Intra- and Inter-Enterprise Integration including support for virtual companies
  • Increased integration between legacy and new services
  • Using IT in smart ways, for example integrating best-in-class business services with value enhancing processes based on flexible cloud services
  • Intelligent factories and supply chain supporting real-time sense-and-respond
  • Evolution of business analysis from sense-and-respond to predict and pre-empt
  • Product lifecycle management and aligning product innovation with business strategy
  • Collaboration across the business, it’s suppliers and customers
  • Integration of products and suppliers into service eco-systems

So in the manufacturing industry it’s critical that the focus on innovative technologies like Cloud Computing continues to shift from tactical cost reduction to strategic opportunities for innovation and growth.

Tags: Cloud| manufacturing| Service
Comments
John keogh(anon) | ‎02-10-2011 06:21 PM
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I would add the increasing issue of product safety and lowering consumer confidence is driving manufacturers to ensure there is adaquate underwriting of their product liability and legal liability. These appear to be fast growing areas and can cost 10's of millions annually. All are tied to the catagory of hazard & risk derived from the products usage and legislative/regulatory requirements.

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About the Author
  • Steve Simske is an HP Fellow and Director in the Printing and Content Delivery Lab in Hewlett-Packard Labs, and is the Director and Chief Technologist for the HP Labs Security Printing and Imaging program.
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