Different studies have been carried out on macroeconomic performance of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) region with a strong consideration of trends in industrial automation sector.
According to these studies, global GDP growth is gradually slowing: from 3.3% in 2017 to 3.2% in 2018, 3.0% in 2019 and 2.9% in 2020. After a peak reached in 2017, the eurozone region has a moderate growth also threatened by the complex Brexit process of UK. Growth’s estimates of industrial production in the eurozone are 1.5% in 2019, whose percentage corresponds to the valuation made for the growth of Western European GDP. This phenomenon, together with the tightening credit conditions and the US dollar strength, is generating a decrease in the pressure on commodity prices. It i salso important to remember that many countries have low interest rates and high fiscal deficits. Growth in EMEA region is slow but if we prepare our companies for new market trends we can getting through these hard times, thanks to the continued growth that is on our side.
Italy, compared to the other countries of the EMEA region, does not figure a strong growth in industrial production. Despite this in an analysis conducted by the Bank of Italy it emerged that the economic activity in Italy has been recovering slightly at the beginning of this year, after having a decline in the second half of 2018. We know what you are thinking. The uncertainty caused by economic, political and political-commercial factors does not reassure companies in any type of sector. This is true, but with the right industrial investments in a long-term perspective of an integrated and connected enterprise, we can proceed in a gradual direction of modernization of our business. The current scenario is not the best one, but before making hasty assessments, we need to consider all the opportunities of the moment.
3 INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION TRENDS (in our opinion)
Industrial safety
Investing in security is real important, as it is underlined by the research “Securing Smart Factories: Threats to Manufacturing Environments in the Era of Industry 4.0”- TREND MICRO RESEARCH. Making OT technologies converge in complete safety with IT networks involves in a strong investment especially in the manufacturing sector.
Hard skills
Companies, in order to align with market change, are increasingly looking to forge partnerships with experienced third parties in the use of latest generation machinery and software. If you do not have the internal skills to keep up with the market it is good to start looking for them outside.
Mobile technologies
Emerging technologies and faster networks make it possible to operate directly on field, optimizing your time and improving productivity.
