How are new collaborations leveling the playing field between big and small producers? Find out from Producers of tomorrow: http://bit.ly/2gqr9bA

1. © The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2016.
CLI
EN
T
COM
PANY
CONTRACT
M
ANUFACTURER
CLIENT COMPANY
MANUFACTURING SERVICES COMPANY
Prototyping
Certification Manufacturing
Distribution
& logistics
Reverse
logistics
Market
expansion
Active
tracking
Concepting
New product
introduction
Design &
engineering
IP protection
End of life
PrototypingConcepting Design &
engineering
IP protection New product
introduction
Certification Market
expansion
Manufacturing
Distribution
& logistics
Active
tracking
Reverse
logistics
End of life
From design to reality
Technological innovation has increased product sophistication and raised complexity. In the past, this
would have tilted the market in favour of large, well-resourced firms that insource a vast amount of
the manufacturing ecosystem and outsource basic production. Today start-ups and small companies
are able to focus more on product design, customer research and financing and less on other parts of
the production process thanks to companies such as Flex, a contract manufacturer and logistics firm
that has moved up the value chain to provide a wider range of services to a broader group of clients.
Manufacturing services firms are introducing new collaborations that level the playing field.
Contract manufacturers perform
basic production and logistics work
for companies with different brands.
Collaboration is minimal.
Manufacturing services firms are able to use technical
expertise, special equipment and production experience
to be a solution provider. Breaking up the manufacturing
value chain can free up client companies to focus on
innovation or product development.
This is a highly collaborative process.
COLLABORATIVE ZONE
COLLABORATIVE ZONE
Part of the PRODUCERS OF TOMORROW series
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