Global Manufacturing Footprint Stress TestIn today’s dynamic global market, manufacturers face a multitude of challenges that can erode their competitive edge. Geopolitical tensions disrupt established supply chains, forcing companies to reevaluate sourcing strategies. Shifting customer demands require rapid production adjustments, and rising labor costs combined with tightening markets squeeze profit margins. Additionally, fluctuating currency exchange rates and the implementation of tariffs add layers of financial uncertainty. These factors necessitate a comprehensive and regular review of existing manufacturing footprints.Beyond immediate costs, a fragmented footprint can also impede success. Organic growth plus Mergers & Acquisitions often lead to a complex network of …
Shared Service Center – Rising cost pressure and drive for automation
Shared Service Center – Rising cost pressure and drive for automationShared Service Center established themselves as a valuable growth opportunity for multinational companies by reducing personnel expenses as well as embracing standardization and harmonization within complex global company structures. However, the Covid-19-pandemic, rising costs due to high inflation rates and more advanced automation solutions shuffled the playing field and its environmental conditions. For instance, home office demands have become common practice for Shared Service Center (SSC) in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries.Poland stands out as the largest player for SSC in CEE commanding a 69% market share, with high …
Outsourcing of non-core activities to developing Innovation hubs
Outsourcing of non-core activities to developing Innovation hubs: The new Shared Services concept in practiceTo focus on core business competencies without impeding the flow of non-core activities while achieving cost efficiencies, businesses have been setting up shared services centers (SSCs) since 1980s but over the years, the model has evolved to adapt better to changing business requirements. From Shared Services Centers (SSC) to Global Competence Centers (GCC) and Global Business Services (GBS), service delivery model encompassing outsourcing, captive shared services as well as centers of excellence (COEs) for serving various business units have been the guiding pillars to offer centralized expertise …