28/11-03   -   Pressmeddelande

Cost Savings and Productivity Gains Drive IT Investment in the Western European CPG Industry, Says IDC

CPG (Consumer Product Goods) manufacturers are facing a wealth of challenges, and one of the most prominent across the industry right now is the need to cut costs. IDC believes that this is the primary motivation behind information technology spending. Other top motivations include increasing efficiency, boosting productivity, improving customer transactions, cutting purchasing costs, and increasing trade sales.


In an effort to reduce complexities and improve the overall efficiencies of the entire industry -- from the processing of raw materials and the development of CPG products to the sale of the end product through multiple channels -- industry collaboration is being pioneered on a global basis to the benefit of all parties involved.

IDC´s latest study highlights how the move towards a collaborative environment will be a key driver of IT solution adoption in the CPG industry. Over the past year, the consumer goods and retail industries have made significant progress in establishing a common platform for electronic collaboration, involving the use of Internet-based technologies to allow continuous automated exchange of information between trading partners.



"Although until now much of the activity has been taking place in the U.S., Europe is now starting to see the increased use and application of data synchronization solutions and initiatives such as the efficient consumer response [ECR] are really starting to take effect," said Jennifer Thomson, program manager (manufacturing) with IDC´s European Vertical Markets research group.

According to IDC, advanced planning solutions (demand planning, production planning, and inventory management), PLM, mobilization of sales data, supply chain optimization for real-time collaboration, product traceability, and supply chain supervision are among the solutions areas that will drive IT investment within the CPG industry in Western Europe.

IDC recommends that IT vendors targeting the CPG industry understand the unique requirements of the ever-changing dynamics between retailers and CPG companies. The need for real-time data has never been greater.

The IDC study - IT Priorities in the Western European CPG Industry - An Industry Update (October 2003, IDC #VC06K) - presents IT priorities within European CPG manufacturing organizations in 2003 and beyond. It provides a useful insight for ICT vendors wishing to target CPG players. Additionally this study discusses the current business challenges prevalent across the Western European CPG industry; gives insight into the market strategies currently being employed and current IT priorities; provides an overview of CPG IT priorities and developments going forward into 2004 and focuses on the topic of collaboration and developments in CPG manufacturer and retail convergence.

To purchase this document, please contact your local IDC office or visit www.idc.com.

About IDC
IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. We analyze and predict technology trends so that our clients can make strategic, fact-based decisions on IT purchases and business strategy. Over 700 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide local expertise and insights on technology markets. Business executives and IT managers have relied for 40 years on our advice to make decisions that contribute to the success of their organizations.

IDC is a division of IDG, the world´s leading technology media, research, and events company. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thomson
+39 02 284 571
jthomson@idc.com