17 December 2003

Become proactive in the global environment

By Jim Pinto

It seems clear that the new century is bringing irreversible change in a competitive, global environment. Let's be objective and review the trends.

Automation companies are moving rapidly to outsource manufacturing and even hardware design and software development to lower cost offshore locations. In a global environment, this is a reasonable business decision. One might well ask, "Are the results as good?" It turns out that they are—and sometimes better.

I recall a fundamental tenet preached by a technical guru I respected. His axiom was products can be developed "good, cheap, and fast"—pick any two. In today's competitive environment, the prizes go to those who can deliver all three, without compromise.

There are lots of new things that you can do to help your company remain competitive in this global environment. Become more proactive, more sales and marketing oriented. Talk with customers to find out what they need for your company to be competitive. Help to write specifications for new products. Find new ways to shorten development cycles and reduce production time frames. Help develop incentives for people in your company to be competitive. Look for ways and means to do things faster, cheaper, and better, utilizing superior tools, development infrastructure, alliance partnerships, and vendor relationships.

Remember the adage, "Think outside the box"? Well, in a global environment, the "box" extends far beyond local perimeters. Broaden your horizons. Don't simply blame your company for reducing costs by eliminating jobs—rather become part of the overall decision-making process. Consider offshore capabilities as resources that can help your company become stronger.

Develop your own skills and capabilities to complement new resources. Get involved with visits to offshore resources to broaden your own scope and vision. Use local talents to complement available offshore capabilities; you'll find your company will welcome your involvement. Find out how remote capabilities can reduce costs and shorten development time frames. Seek out ways and means to complement the strengths of your own department and organization and maximize your own results.

Broaden your vision. In a global environment, think global.

Related links:

• Competing in a global environment
• Dick Morley on manufacturing jobs

Behind the byline

Jim Pinto is an industry analyst and founder of San Diego–based Action Instruments. You can e-mail him at jim@jimpinto.com or view his writings at www.JimPinto.com. He is also the author of Automation Unplugged, www.isa.org/pinto.