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5.5 Conclusion

The study indicates that few companies maintain a significant ICT capability in-house. Australian manufacturing relies on a strong ICT services sector that is capable of implementing, customising and developing software in the Australian industry and business contexts. It follows therefore, that the ability of manufacturing companies to capture the benefits of ICT enabled innovation will depend to a large degree on the performance of the ICT sector.

Recent studies have indicated that Australia is developing a strong global position in medical devices and equipment and precision manufacturing equipment. These industries are characterised by small to medium enterprises (Howard and Johnston 2001). As the study indicates, a significant aspect of that position relies on the quality of the manufacturing software that is embedded in that equipment.

Australian developed software applications must also be able to incorporate international, national and state regulatory and compliance regimes of an industry or industry sub sector – such as meat processing and export. Moreover, Australia’s predominantly small to medium enterprise (SME) sector relies on external software suppliers and service providers to meet manufacturing needs. Few of these companies are in a position to develop their own software solutions. Even larger companies prefer to acquire, install and maintain ICT from external sources.

From a business perspective, external sourcing from specialised developers and providers makes good commercial sense. But it relies on an ICT sector that is in a position to meet the unique requirements of Australia’s manufacturing sector.

It is also apparent from the interviews that education and training institutions must provide and continually update courses and programs that are relevant to Australian manufacturing. This requirement relates not only to ICT specific education and training but also to areas of science, engineering and technology that are applied in manufacturing environments. The study found that many manufacturing companies rely on employees in non-ICT jobs for their ICT knowledge, skills and expertise. Education and training undertaken in a cooperative and collaborative research environment will work towards achieving these ends.

 

 

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  • Last modified: 5 February 2008, 10:32am