Which path to the future of making things?

Traditionally, product designers and manufacturers have gained a competitive edge through productivity, product differentiation and process. They’ve increased productivity by lowering production costs – doing things like lowering overhead, using cheaper materials or decreasing labor costs.

They’ve differentiated by continually innovating their products, and they’ve implemented entirely new methods and processes to keep pace with competitors and customer demands.

Things are changing. The status quo is being disrupted by industry forces and technologies that are reshaping:

• How things are designed and made (production)
• What customers care about and who and where they are (demand)
• The nature of the products we make

New products are coming to market in new ways – and that trend is accelerating.

We are entering a new era of connected product development, driven by new means of manufacturing, consumer demands and intelligent products. Companies must adopt a new process that allows an iterative and agile approach to product design, effectively transitioning from a traditional product lifecycle to one that focuses on personalization, collaboration, flexible manufacturing, customer experience and connected services.

This new approach to the product development process is called the Product Innovation Platform and is key to the Future of Making Things for those who wish to stay competitive in the markets of tomorrow.

The Product Innovation Platform provides the technologies, tools and collaboration required to deliver agile product development for differentiation and competitive separation.

In the era of connection, technology will ensure you stay competitive and thrive.