New research by research and advisory firm IDC noted that manufacturers are currently re-assessing how they are doing their business and focusing on "operational efficiencies." The research on IDC Manufacturing Insights noted that the economic crisis is bringing out the best in companies.

The study was conducted Europe-wide last April 2009 and included operations managers (50 per cent of respondents), CEOs (25 per cent), and supply chain managers (25 per cent).

It noted that in order to compete successfully, manufacturers must focus on "operational excellence" where operations support the business strategies of the company.

"The current economic situation is forcing manufacturers to reassess their business strategies, processes, and practices. Operations must support the business strategy change, and to compete successfully, manufacturers should focus on operational excellence," said Pierfrancesco Manenti, Europe, Middle East and Africa research director at IDC Manufacturing Insights. "Operational excellence is by no means a new concept, but in the current economic environment, it is essential, both to short-term survival and to building a platform to take advantage of the expected upturn."