Top 10 Predictions for Global Manufacturing in 2018: IDC

IDC recently released a report, "IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Manufacturing Predictions 2018," surveying the global manufacturing landscape. When creating its predictions the firm examined ecosystems and experiences, greater intelligence in operational assets and processes, data capitalization, the convergence of information technology (IT) and operations. Most of the group's predictions refer to a continuum of change and digital transformation (DX) within the wider ecosystem of the manufacturing industry and global economy. "Manufacturers of every size and shape are changing rapidly because of new digital technologies, new competitors, new ecosystems, and new ways of doing business," said Kimberly Knickle, research vice president, IT Priorities and Strategies, IDC Manufacturing Insights. "Manufacturers that can speed their adoption of digital capabilities in order to create business value will be the leaders of their industry."