Business Strategy: The Manufacturing Sector in Germany: An IDC Survey

This IDC Manufacturing Insights study analyzes the results of a recent survey of IT in the German manufacturing industry. The survey is based on 404 interviews held in fall 2011 with leading Western European firms. There were 88 respondents from Germany.

"Over the last few years, the economy in Germany has developed better than in any other Western European country, thanks to its vibrant manufacturing industry and flexible labor system," said Pierfrancesco Manenti, head of IDC Manufacturing Insights, EMEA. "The role of IT as a business enabler is growing among German manufacturers. Over the last few years, they have grown their total IT spending by nearly 4% every year, outpacing all other Western European countries and almost making 25% of all IT spending in the Western European manufacturing industry. Many of Germany's business results in manufacturing were enabled by IT investments, proving the fact that IT is an essential tool for manufacturers to succeed."