COUNTRY FOCUS: NETHERLANDS
Robust IT gets Dutch
manufacturers through
times of crisis
A robust IT environment is highly important in
the manufacturing industry in order to lay the
foundations for innovation. Theo van Andel,
Senior Manager Field Development Segment
Marketing at Equinix EMEA, discusses how
Dutch manufacturers can respond quickly
to changing production conditions and to
innovative demands.
For manufacturing industry leaders, times of crisis can be like
a right hook in the boxing ring. Unsurprisingly, the sector has
seen a huge shake-up recently. Future uncertainty makes
it difficult, if not impossible, for manufacturers to predict exact
production volumes.
The situation is prompting many companies to look for a more
flexible business structure. In fact, research shows that more
than half of manufacturers anticipate a coming change to their
business operations.
The central question is: how can business processes be set up to
allow for quick responses when changing circumstances lead to
fluctuations in production?
Production processes
Production volume is not the only variable to consider – the
production process itself can also change. For instance, experiencing
a shift in demand in the food industry would mean the closure of
restaurants and company canteens stalling the demand for catering
packaging. At the same time, however, production technology would
struggle to keep up with the demand for small packaging.
Sudden adjustments
The best way for companies to weather radical changes like this is
with a solid IT environment, one where flexibility is a foundational
principle – for example, placing crucial IT infrastructure in a neutral
data centre. From this neutral environment, connection with
(public) cloud providers, network service providers and both new
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