Sector set for greater complexity and consolidation says Access UK report

The sector is set for a consolidation and an increase in complexity of global supply chains, as manufacturers are required to produce more design-oriented and personalised products, the Access UK commissioned report said. Virtual offices will become commonplace, The future of technology: transforming mid-market business operations report claimed. The trend will see a greater demand for manufacturing businesses to use cutting edge CRM and ERP technology to deliver complex manufacturing solutions for an increasingly demanding client base. The report also predicts the continued rise in the importance of cloud computing, which will help manufacturing businesses access more real time information and manage some processes faster and more efficiently. Other key findings from the report include: -By 2020, manufacturers in developed nations will have moved away from mass production towards greater specialisation, which is more profitable -Manufacturers from emerging market countries will have moved from low-profit localised manufacturing to a more standardised, high volume approach -Talent management will be a global challenge for the manufacturing industry.