Technology changes quickly, but not that quickly. Many high-tech developments start out as breakthroughs and then become trends. For the electronics supply chain, trends are stable -- at least for awhile -- and offer the market some level of predictability. Not all trends succeed for the long-term: Netbooks were a trend that petered out quickly.
In a ranking it does annually on technology trends, consultancy Deloitte looks at trends in two ways: re-emerging enablers -- technologies executives have spent time and resources on that deserve a second look; and disruptive deployments -- new technologies that provide new business models and new ways to operate.
The electronics supply chain is currently in a slow period, driven in part by seasonality and in part by macroeconomic instability. One of the most difficult tasks during such periods is planning for and managing inventory. Component makers have to make decisions on the best use for their factories; distributors have to determine what mix of products they are going to have on hand and where to warehouse inventory; and manufacturers have to figure out what demand is real and what is misplaced optimism. The technologies driving these decisions are one factor the upstream supply chain can use for planning.
Deloitte this year identified 10 IT trends it believes are going to shape 2012. Below are Deloitte's five re-emerging enablers -- from a press release -- with the effect they are expected to have in the next year. I've singled out the trends that are especially pertinent to the supply chain in terms of demand for hardware/components.
Geo-spatial Visualization: Within the world of visualization, geospatial takes advantage of an explosion of geographical, location-aware data. Sources feeding this growth include new semi-structured data from mobile devices, geo-tagging of existing enterprise structured data and tapping into new streams of location-aware unstructured data.
Mobile devices -- which include everything from GPS to tablets and laptops -- will continue to drive demand for many categories of components.
Digital Identities: The digital expression of identity is growing more complex every day. Digital identities should be unique, verifiable, able to be federated and non-repudiable. As individuals take a more active hand in managing their own digital identities, organizations are attempting to create single digital identities that retain the appropriate context across the range of credentials that an individual carries. Digital persona protection is becoming a strong area of cyber focus.
This is more software-driven, although the systems supporting digital security will require upgrades.
Data Goes to Work: Organizations are finding ways to turn the explosion in size, volume and complexity of data into insight and value. This is occurring across structured and unstructured content from internal and external sources. This is expected to complement but not replace long-standing information management programs and investments in data warehouses, business intelligence suites, reporting platforms and relational database experience.
The key words here are "data warehouses, business intelligence suites, etc." Lots of hardware opportunity.
Measured Innovation: CIOs can help facilitate the discovery of the next wave of true disruption -- and continuously improve the business of IT and the business of the business. Measured innovation offers an approach to managing both disciplines by providing a pragmatic way to identify, evaluate and launch potential innovations with a focus on aligning opportunities to areas that can fuel disruption and create measurable, attributable value.
This trend can impact business models, which can lead to efficiencies and savings within organizations.
Outside-in Architecture: Flexibility in operating and business models is proving more important. As a result, need to share is colliding with need to know and shifting solution architectures away from a siloed, enterprise-out design pattern and into an outside-in approach to delivering business through rapidly evolving ecosystems.
The key here is "ecosystems" -- a combination of devices as well as content/service offerings. Two examples: Apple and Amazon.
In an upcoming blog, we'll take a look at Deloitte's disruptive deployments.
Heard today that Apple may be working on hydrogen fuel cell technology for portable power applications. It will be interesting to see if they can bring this technology to mainstream products.
@Cryptoman, the wireless sensor market push from the afore-mentioned standards look pretty good. I hope to see them well absorbed in the market come 2012, especially DEC ULE.
I agree with you that cloud computing has a vital role in shaping IT infrastructure, for example the vast amount of data involved in this form of computing would lead to the need for more advanced data warehouses and may indeed generate a true distruption in computiing as we know it. However, its limiting factor such as the speed of the internet connection may also spur innovations targeted at improving further data transfer speed.
I think what's worth mentioning in this list is the role of cloud computing and SaaS which is transforming the technology architecture within organizations and tend to influence other technologies as well. Cloud computing is enabling a lot of other paradigm shifts within the organization such as the use of consumer devices for business.
Himanshugupta :The power of Technologies cannot be underestimated. Your experience in both ends has given you a medium for better comparism. I strongly agree with your opinion because it is much easier to be street smart
Good question. What has changed to make me believe that WSN will take up in 2012?
There are two important moves that I think is going to help WSNs this year. For the first time in a few years, two IT standards have made a move towards WSNs: Bluetooth Low Energy and DECT Ultra Low Energy. I think such backing from well-established IT standards will definitely make a difference in 2012 for WSNs.
So what do you think has changed now to ensure it becomes a success today?
I also have the same thought about WSNs. Having worked on wireless sensor networks - routing path and power consumption of sensor nodes. I think, the application areas and other issues working against its market boom.
That is quite right. Although there is always the night buses that can also take you out from somewhere or get you back home. But I am not really too familiar with this option as I don't need it.
What kind of unconventional way to reach your destination? :)
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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