2018 in preview: Steve Norman, Access Group
Steve Norman, from supply chain technology specialist Access Group, gives us his three business predictions for the year ahead.
1. Economists’ forecasts will continue to range from the idyllic to the apocalyptic so I would expect the current uncertainty to continue for business leaders. Decision-making will focus on the need to deliver real value in a short space of time. Businesses might hold off from making extensive, long-term plans, instead choosing to focus on areas which can benefit them here and now until they have a better understanding of where the land lies.
2. Firms will have to work closer with their customers and suppliers to better understand the challenges and opportunities. International events might make the world a more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous place so it is not enough to simply monitor the markets from afar. Manufacturers and suppliers will have to integrate operations even more to meet rapidly changing demand. Expect to see greater co-operation within the supply chain as this is tangible and real – unlike economic predictions that can differ from day-to-day.
3. Technological innovation, automation and a changing workforce will dominate for all manufacturers. While this won’t mean driverless cars for us mortals just yet, the rise and rise of the networked factories, also known as smart factories and pioneered by major manufacturers such as Bosch, will continue in 2018. The need for SMEs to plan for, and invest in, the skills gap preventing the implementation of technology, will be even more pressing.
