Competing in 2020

In looking to the next ten to fifteen years, Canadian manufacturers indicate that their future competitiveness and growth opportunities will depend on the following differentiators of business success:

• Time – the “Currency of the 21^st century” – will become an advantage for Canadian manufacturers capable of rapid customer response, managing short product lead times and fast production changeovers, quick delivery schedules, and the rapid commercialization of new products and processes;
• Customer solutions. Companies will generate high performance results if they align their business plans and manufacturing strategies to anticipating and meeting the needs of customers. Manufacturers that provide integrated solutions become integral to their customers’ success;
• Product differentiation through greater specialization, service, customized design and functionality, and the development of niche products and markets;
• A culture of innovation extending to all parts of the business, from the development and commercialization of new and improved products and services, to the adoption of new technologies, production and business processes, to the development of new market opportunities and the execution of new business plans;
• Global sourcing – the ability to access the best products, technologies, skills, and expertise from around the world that meet business requirements;
• Global marketing – taking advantage of business opportunities in markets around the world;
• Continuous improvement – a commitment to Lean business principles (eliminating wasteful activities that do not contribute to customer value), total quality products and processes, and zero defects;
• Agility – strategic flexibility in terms of products, processes, operations, and customer service;
• Integrity – a business culture and operating practices built on trust, reliability, accountability, community involvement, a healthy and safe workforce, and environmental stewardship;
• Close collaboration through cross-functional teams in the workplace, across value chains involving both suppliers and customers, and with other companies in sharing resources, expertise, and best practice; and,
• Cost competitiveness with respect to the total cost of delivering products to customers;
• Responsible management – accountability and control extending to all aspects of workplace health and safety, manufacturing operations, business enterprises, supply chains, and business networks;
• Environmental sustainability – applied energy use, resource management, as well as product life cycle issues; and,
• A commitment to perfection with respect to product quality, production processes, and business systems.