Processors felt a little less external pressure in 2012 than they did in 2011, but they are focusing on integrating disparate networks and getting real-time views of the process and supply chain. Source: Aberdeen.
Manufacturers face a variety of external pressures, but the primary one is to reduce the cost of manufacturing operations, according to Aberdeen Group. Other pressures include the need to improve responsiveness to the needs of customers and the global supply chain, the need to reduce the risk of adverse events (safety, environmental, etc.) and the need to maximize return on net assets.