Materials As A Service

Our world is changing. Faster than ever before, and the Coronavirus has further accelerated the process of change. Where to go in such a business environment? It is not easy to answer this question, but fortunately our business partners have so far provided clues as to where we need to go, where our industry is heading. Optimizing the supply chain, reducing the amount of waste materials, shortening ever-shorter product life cycles, meeting the needs of niche markets, or involving end users in the value chain of our partners. These are just a few examples of what customer needs shape market demands.

Below, we have summarized the 7 most important industry and customer trends that shape our market.

1.) Reduce MUDA (waste) and operational drivers:

Our customers are looking to optimize their supply chain and reduce waste. They need to become leaner and more performant, and are faced with the question: can I do this or do I need a partner for this?

2.) Continuous designing:

The product life cycle is becoming shorter and shorter – customers demand new products more quickly and products need to be reinvented faster.

3.) Predictability shift from plan to customer:

Our customers used to be able to plan when they brought their products to the market. However, now the market is deciding this. They need to react accordingly and become more flexible with regard to their production.

4.) Differentiation through collaboration:

Our customers are increasingly looking for partners from other industries for knowledge exchange and new developments.

5.) Specialization:

As customers are facing the challenge of bringing new products to market more quickly, they start to specialize. They go into a niche which requires a better quality from them.

6.) Vertical integration:

Our customers increasingly want to involve their partners directly in their value chain.

7.) Walk the future together:

Customers want a true partnership and are looking for help to optimize their supply chain and their activities.