• The standardization of materials, components, parts, and services is allowing for greater inter-changeability and an increasing trend to outsourcing from other suppliers.
• Manufacturers are now outsourcing high value goods, services, technologies, and skills from around the world.
• Logistics and supply chain management are crucial elements in delivering customer value at fully competitive costs.
• Accountability is being passed throughout manufacturing organizations for financial reporting, quality assurance, and health, safety, and environmental protection.

Organizations

• Manufacturing has become a business that now extends across supply chains and value networks.
• Production functions and services are being separated organizationally, but integrated through electronic networks and supply chain management.
• Companies are no longer competing on their own strengths. Supply chains are now competing to deliver full value for customers.
• Site-specific manufacturing and supply relationships are being replaced by international supply chains and globally distributed networks.
• Large businesses are expanding their operations around the world but at the same time consolidating investment, research, design, engineering, and other key decision-making functions in one or a few locations.
• Business units throughout the world are competing for investments and product mandates.