IT IS GETTING MORE difficult for manufacturers to keep up to date with this fast-paced , constantly evolving environment and manage disparate customer and supplier bases in a globalised marketplace . Adding to these problems , the continual rise in the costs of raw materials and parts , fuel and energy – are putting huge pressure on operating costs . The priority for manufacturing businesses , therefore , has to be the optimisation of working processes ; delivering operational efficiencies and positively impacting the bottom line . In this issue of Manufacturing Global we discuss why the future of manufacturing success lies in integration , and how it can tie all these elements together . Also in this issue we take a look at the importance of mobile technology in heavy industry , more specifically the top ten ways mobility is changing the manufacturing landscape forever . From supplier traceability to machine maintenance , there is very little that cannot be integrated on the shop floor .

Enjoy the issue !

Associate Editor abigail . phillips @ wdmgroup . com

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