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Why Manufacturers Must Invest in Tech, Training

 
 
By Gina Roos
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Manufacturers face the same corporate priorities and challenges as many organizations across industry sectors. However, manufacturers are falling short in cyber-security and aren’t doing enough to protect intellectual property and sensitive data, according to a new report from professional services firm Sikich. The 2016 Manufacturing Report also reveals that manufacturers face a skilled labor shortage that can have an impact their growth, yet lack investments in training at the academic level. The survey of 109 manufacturers finds that two issues—customer service improvements and cost reductions—will have the biggest impact on their technology strategy this year. However, cutting operational costs will be their biggest priority in 2016. These issues translate into a need to invest in technology, including business software solutions. This is where companies in the channel can deliver services and solutions that improve their security, optimize their business processes and operations, and fill in gaps in their skilled labor force, which ultimately affects growth and profitability. Channel Insider examines 10 key takeaways from the survey.

 
This article was originally published on 2016-04-20
 
 
 
 
 
Gina Roos is a business and technology writer who has contributed print and Web articles to leading electronic industry publications. She was Editor-in-Chief at Electronics Sourcing North America, and served as Site Editor for UBM's Green SupplyLine and Electronics Supply & Manufacturing Websites. She also authored the "In the Channel" column, covering the electronics distribution industry for EETimes ProductWeek. Gina was the founder and editor of Electronics Advocate, an online magazine covering design and supply chain issues in the electronics industry. The publication was sold to MMG Publishing UK in 2010. Gina has a degree in journalism.