Manufacturing Markets are Shifting
B2B manufacturers face multiple pressures and opportunities at once:- Commoditisation and increasing competition in equipment and product-related services.
- Digital transformation of the industry and value chain, with new opportunities and potentially disrupting markets.
- Sustainability requirements are reshaping customer priorities.
- Customers are reconsidering what to outsource or keep in-house as their priorities evolve.
To respond, manufacturers are expanding their value propositions with:
- High-value, data-driven solutions and platforms.
- Sustainability-focused solutions.
- Flexible delivery models: DIY, Do-It-With-Me, or Done-For-Me.
These shifts push services from a supporting role into a strategic driver of competitiveness.
Services are becoming strategic growth engines
Traditionally, services were an operational aftermarket function, focused on maintenance, repair, and spare parts.Today, they are becoming a strategic growth engine, driven by:
- Efficiency gains
- Monetisation of new services
- Digitalisation
- Changing customer priorities
- Sustainability goals
This evolution turns services into a profit centre and a key differentiator in the market.
See how this transformation affects your entire organisation
The Opportunities Are Big—But So Are the Risks
The shift creates many growth opportunities, but also risks losing competitive position.
Manufacturers no longer compete only with equipment brands. They also face competition from:
- Third-party service providers
- Integrators and platform solutions
Delaying this shift risks losing direct access to customers and control over strategic revenue streams.
The question is no longer whether to act, but how you can drive a winning pace in your service transformation and growth.
Why This Matters Now
Manufacturers are at a critical point. Enriching the business model with services and software is no longer optional—it’s essential for maintaining competitiveness, resilience, and growth.
Those who move now secure their position. Those who delay risk losing relevance.
Continue reading what service transformation really involves
