“ I joined Sage about five years ago at a time of huge transition . I loved where we were going in terms of really focusing in on customer experience . There were numerous software solutions catering to large companies , but the small- to medium-sized market , the core part of the economy , was woefully underserved . I feel like I ’ ve found my home in the software industry and at Sage ,” begins Rob .
As VP of Product , Rob is responsible for the design , development and delivery of software solutions to manufacturers and distributors . “ I look after a number of different teams that are focused on creating tailored customer solutions to ultimately deliver on our promises . Another aspect of my job is to look at what is happening from a policy and trend perspective . My goal is to get manufacturers ahead of the curve , so they are not chasing but are actually setting trends ,” he explains .
In terms of trends and current challenges facing the sector , Rob breaks them down into three distinct areas . “ There are technological , macroeconomic and perspective challenges that manufacturers face . In terms of the latter , I think a lot of people still view manufacturing as a dirty industry . Most people don ’ t realize that manufacturing today is highly skilled and specialized , and predominantly fulfilled in clean environments . That perception needs to change , and will only do so , if we help people to get a better insight into what actually happens in modern manufacturing .
“ There is also a larger societal issue , revolving around a lack of attractive apprenticeship programs , and people feeling like manufacturing is dated . Additionally , people tend to think that at some point they will be replaced in their role by a robot or automation , exacerbating a perception that manufacturing is not an attractive career choice .”
Managing by exception
Considering the macro-economic challenges facing the manufacturing industry , Rob explores supply chain disruption as a consequence of the pandemic . “ In recent years , we have seen considerable disruption to the supply chain . If the pandemic didn ’ t directly cause it , it certainly highlighted it . As a result , there has been increased unreliability , and not just from China but other parts of Asia too that is causing manufacturers to feel the stress and strain of supply chain problems . With manufacturers being taken over by distributors , and vice versa , the supply chain is also being condensed . Vertical and horizontal supply chain integration has almost eroded some of that strong manufacturing back bone .
“ Alongside this , new vibrant manufacturing economies are popping up in Vietnam , and in Thailand , in areas outside of the traditional powerhouses of China , the US , the UK , and Germany . Changes in legislative policies are also starting to impact manufacturers , particularly in terms of carbon neutrality regulations , for example . Of course , we can ’ t overlook rising costs , labor shortages , and the shift towards e-commerce either .”
Moving to the third consideration , technology is also starting to challenge what many manufacturers do . “ Not just in terms of the adoption of robotics , additive manufacturing and 3D printing ,” Rob continues , “ but also data , cyber security , and remote working . Prior to the
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