Za: COO Archives

Usklajevanje nadzora, učinkovitosti in deindustrializacije: Premestitev tovarne v Srednji in Vzhodni Evropi proti zunanjemu izvajanju.

Not enough time to read the full article? Listen to the summary in 2 minutes. As deindustrialization tightens its grasp on Germany, companies must desperately find alternatives for maintaining operational control and efficiency while managing costs. Otherwise, the impacts of this dreadful trend will drive them into the ground, their competitors will take over, and their names will become a part of history. One key strategy that German manufacturers knew was outsourcing. However, it involved critical associated risks that they are aware of now. Factory relocation to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has now emerged as a more sustainable, fruitful, and resilient method. Here, we’ll explore why CEE factory relocation is the right way to balance control and efficiency during the reign of soaring deindustrialization in Germany and sustain them compared to outsourcing, the traditional go-to but short-term focused solution. Let’s move ahead! Exploring The Deindustrialization Crisis in Germany A mix of factors pulled Germany into the trench of deindustrialization together. These primarily include high energy costs, stringent regulations, and geopolitical uncertainties. It has caused several industries, most notably in automotive, chemicals, and steel, to lose their competitive edge. A German Economic Institute (IW) report revealed that energy costs for industrial enterprises in Germany rose by an astonishing 70% between 2010 and 2024, particularly due to higher electricity prices and gas shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis due to crumbling relations with Russia made things worse. Companies feel pressured to find cost-effective ways to maintain production. As a result, companies are forced to look for alternative locations with competitive operational costs, labor markets, and similar regulations to survive without sacrificing control and efficiency. Can Outsourcing Effectively Shield Your Business Against Deindustrialization? Outsourcing has been the go-to solution for German companies to cool down high operational burns. However, there are critical downsides that may hamper your company’s stability in the long run. Notably, you may end up struggling to maintain control and efficiency. The Loss of Operational Control Outsourcing to distant regions like Asia or South America may reduce costs immediately. However, you’ll end up losing direct control over critical business processes. A PwC study unveiled that 43% of executives believe that outsourcing limited their ability to monitor quality and production timelines properly. German companies often struggle to maintain quality when outsourcing to regions with different work habits and environments. This is specifically more evident for engineering and other high-precision industries. If you don’t have a direct line of control, errors in production can lead to delays, recalls, or damaged production which are some of the worst nightmares for operational efficiency. Communication and Coordination Challenges Effective communication is paramount for high operational efficiency but outsourcing disturbs that. A Deloitte report found that 32% of businesses experience dangerous project delays due to communication challenges arising when outsourcing to a region with language and time zone differences. Inconsistent communication results in a longer decision-making process, spoils coordination, and sways alignment away from strategic objectives. Data Security and Intellectual Property Risks Another critical downside to outsourcing is the heightened risk to data security and intellectual property (IP). According to a survey by McKinsey, over 25% of companies report facing IP theft when outsourcing manufacturing to regions with weaker legal frameworks. For industries relying on innovation—like automotive or electronics—losing control over proprietary technology or sensitive data can be devastating. Many regions popular for outsourcing, such as China and India, lack robust legal protections for IP. This leaves companies vulnerable to counterfeit products, patent infringements, or unauthorized use of technology, putting long-term growth at risk. Is Factory Relocation to CEE the Best Way to Balance Control and Efficiency Amid Deindustrialization? Factory relocation to CEE countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic offers a far more stable and efficient alternative to outsourcing. It enables companies to retain greater operational control while benefiting from a skilled labor force and lower operating costs. Geographical Proximity and Cultural Alignment What’s the most promising advantage of relocation to CEE? Proximity! One European Commission study revealed that factory relocation to countries like Poland, Czechia, or Hungary cuts transportation costs by 40-50% compared to outsourcing. In addition, these countries are only a few hours by road or rail from Germany. So, you can easily monitor production, introduce changes, and respond to operational crises in time. The cultural alignment between Western Europe and CEE countries makes sure that communication and collaboration are smooth and seamless. It reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings, which are commonly existing with outsourcing. Proper Regulatory Control and Compliance Management CEE countries are a part of the European Union (EU), so they adhere to the same level of regulatory standards as Germany. If your business relocates to CEE, it will face fewer compliance challenges. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is in place. It makes sure that your company enjoys robust data security protections and stays worry-free from the risk of IP theft or data breaches. Operational Advantages: Skilled Workforce at Lower Wages CEE countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic offer a vast pool of highly skilled workers readily available at competitive wages due to their heavy investments in technical education and training programs. A Eurostat study revealed that the average manufacturing wage in CEE countries is 50 to 60% lower than in Germany. So, companies can leverage the lower labor cost without any compromise in skills quality to improve operational efficiency. Robust Infrastructure and Simple Logistics CEE countries have developed modern, efficient infrastructure, which plays a vital role in ensuring smooth logistics and minimizing delays. According to the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, countries like Poland and Hungary rank among the top 25 globally for logistics infrastructure, ensuring companies benefit from reliable transport networks, energy supply, and digital connectivity. These logistical advantages reduce the risks of delays, cut transport costs, and ensure seamless integration into European supply chains. So, you don’t have to worry about supply chain disruptions and your company remains resilient even in turbulent conditions. Long-Term Growth Solution Relocating to CEE

Blažitev deindustrializacije: Premestitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo proti zunanjemu izvajanju za vrednost za delničarje.

Nimate dovolj časa, da bi prebrali celoten članek? Poslušajte povzetek v 2 minutah. Nad nemško industrijsko pokrajino se zgrinjajo temni oblaki deindustrializacije, ki so nastali zaradi naraščajočih stroškov poslovanja, energetske krize in regulativnih pritiskov. Ti ogrožajo dobičkonosnost in vrednost za delničarje, medtem ko se podjetja borijo za sonce rasti. Če ste lastnik podjetja v Nemčiji, so lahko alternativne strategije, kot sta zunanje izvajanje in selitev tovarn v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo (SVE), vaše prepotrebno zavetje. Ponujajo možnosti za zmanjšanje stroškov, varujejo operativno učinkovitost in ohranjajo globalno konkurenčnost. Vendar je težko izbrati eno od njih. V tem poglobljenem vodniku bomo primerjali obe strategiji, da bi razumeli, katera bolje zmanjšuje tveganja deindustrializacije in varuje vrednost za delničarje. Potopimo se! Katera so ključna tveganja deindustrializacije? Deindustrializacija se nanaša na pojav, ko se industrijska dejavnost in zaposlovanje v državi zmanjšujeta ali ukinjata, zlasti v predelovalni in težki industriji. Nemčija je bila glavna žrtev tega strašnega trenda zaradi kombinacije različnih dejavnikov. V Nemčiji deindustrializacijo zaznamuje več tveganj, ki škodujejo industrijskim podjetjem: naraščajoči stroški energije: Energetsko intenzivni sektorji, kot je proizvodnja, se soočajo z nevzdržnimi cenami električne energije in plina. Po podatkih Eurostata so bili leta 2023 nemški industrijski stroški energije med najvišjimi v Evropi, saj so se v zadnjih dveh letih povečali za 45%. Operativna neučinkovitost: Strogi predpisi skupaj z motnjami v dobavni verigi in pomanjkanjem delovne sile ter upadanjem delovne morale prispevajo k zmanjšanju operativne učinkovitosti in konkurenčnosti. Zmanjševanje produktivnosti: Nemška podjetja so že dolgo znana po svojih visokih standardih produktivnosti. Vendar pa jo je nedavna sprememba okolja močno ovirala. Če se vaše podjetje sooča s podobnimi težavami, morate pravočasno sprejeti taktične ukrepe. Vpliv tveganj deindustrializacije na vrednost za delničarje: Tveganja, povezana z naraščajočo deindustrializacijo, zmanjšujejo vrednost za delničarje, zaradi česar trpijo nemška podjetja. Naraščajoči stroški uničujejo marže, zaradi česar je zelo težko vzdrževati dobičkonosnost. Zaradi tega je zaupanje vlagateljev okrnjeno, podjetja pa se otepajo kapitala in iščejo nove naložbene priložnosti. Če se razmere ne bodo hitro reševale, lahko povzročijo dolgoročno škodo in nakazujejo verjeten konec podjetij. Tudi največji akterji so zaskrbljeni. Primerjava zunanjega izvajanja in selitve tovarn v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo za zmanjšanje tveganj deindustrializacije Podjetja morajo izvajati hitre strategije za zmanjšanje tveganj, povezanih z deindustrializacijo. Selitev tovarne v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo in zunanje izvajanje sta se izkazali za dve optimalni rešitvi. Vendar morate izbrati najbolj idealen pristop za svoje podjetje. Pomagali vam bomo pri odločitvi, kateri načrt je za vas boljši: Zunanje izvajanje nadzora kakovosti in optimizacije procesov: Čeprav se zunanje izvajanje na oddaljenih lokacijah, kot sta Azija ali Južna Amerika, morda zdi stroškovno učinkovito, pogosto povzroči zmanjšan nadzor nad kakovostjo. Glede na poročilo družbe KPMG se 41% podjetij sooča s težavami s kakovostjo pri dejavnostih, oddanih v zunanje izvajanje. Selitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo: Po drugi strani pa selitev tovarne v države srednje in vzhodne Evrope podjetjem omogoča, da ohranijo večji nadzor nad proizvodnjo. Velika bližina te regije Nemčiji in ustrezna uskladitev s standardi kakovosti EU zagotavljata zanesljivo zagotavljanje kakovosti. Podjetja na Poljskem in Madžarskem imajo na primer koristi od visokokvalificirane delovne sile s strokovnim znanjem na področju proizvodnje, kar zagotavlja ohranjanje kakovosti ob konkurenčnih stroških. Zmagovalec: Selitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo omogoča boljšo optimizacijo procesov in nadzor kakovosti. Varnost podatkov in zunanje izvajanje intelektualne lastnine: V številnih nizkocenovnih destinacijah za zunanje izvajanje je pravna zaščita intelektualne lastnine (IP) in varnosti podatkov šibkejša, zato so nemška podjetja izpostavljena kraji IP. McKinseyjeva študija je pokazala, da se 22% podjetij, ki se odločajo za zunanje izvajanje v regijah zunaj EU, sooča s precejšnjimi pomisleki glede varnosti podatkov, kar ni presenetljivo. Selitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo: S selitvijo v države srednje in vzhodne Evrope znotraj EU imajo podjetja koristi od strogih predpisov o varstvu podatkov v skladu z uredbo GDPR, saj okvir varuje intelektualno lastnino in lastniške podatke - zmanjšuje tveganja in prinaša koristi. Zmagovalec: Zaradi močne varnosti intelektualne lastnine in zakonov o varstvu podatkov je zmagovalec: selitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo. Zunanje izvajanje komunikacij in koordinacije: Upravljanje dejavnosti z oddaljenih lokacij je težavno. Komunikacijske vrzeli še povečajo vaše težave. Tem se ni mogoče izogniti, saj imajo regije zunanjega izvajanja različne jezike, kulture in časovne pasove. Glede na poročilo družbe PwC se 30% podjetij srečuje z zamudami in nesporazumi, ko oddajajo dejavnosti v zunanje izvajanje v oddaljene regije, kot so Kitajska, Indija in Filipini. To povzroča neučinkovitost, zaradi česar so delničarji nezadovoljni. Selitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo: Selitev tovarn v države srednje in vzhodne Evrope zmanjšuje te težave. Te države so Nemčiji kulturno in geografsko blizu. To zagotavlja bolj gladko komunikacijo in usklajevanje. Jezikovne ovire so prav tako zmanjšane, razlike v časovnih pasovih pa zanemarljive, kar omogoča učinkovitejše sodelovanje. Zmagovalec: Zaradi kulturne usklajenosti in bližine. Bližina trga in zunanje izvajanje logistike: Logistični izzivi so pogosti pri oddaljenih središčih zunanjega izvajanja, kot je Azija. Naveličali se boste dolgih prevoznih rokov, višjih stroškov prevoza in zapletenih carinskih postopkov. Zaradi tega nemška podjetja težje pravočasno izpolnijo zahteve evropskih strank. Selitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo: Države srednje in vzhodne Evrope se nemoteno vključujejo v evropsko dobavno verigo. Eurostatovo poročilo je tudi poudarilo, da so stroški prevoza iz držav SVE 30-40% nižji od stroškov prevoza iz Azije. Ko so dobavni roki krajši, se lahko vaše podjetje hitro odzove na zahteve trga. Zmagovalec: zaradi bližine in nižjih logističnih stroškov. Stroškovna učinkovitost in priložnosti za inovacije Zunanje izvajanje: Zunanje izvajanje dejavnosti pri prodajalcih v Aziji ali Južni Ameriki zagotavlja kratkoročne priložnosti za prihranek stroškov. Vendar pa tveganja, kot so slaba kakovost izdelkov, zamude pri dobavi in ranljivost intelektualne lastnine, močno odtehtajo. Zato v prihodnosti ni možnosti za rast. Selitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo: Stroški dela v državah srednje in vzhodne Evrope so sicer 40-60% nižji kot v Nemčiji (Svetovni gospodarski forum), vendar se te države ponašajo tudi s tehnično usposobljeno delovno silo. To podjetjem omogoča, da spodbujajo inovacije, ne da bi pri tem žrtvovala stroškovno učinkovitost. Ker lahko dostopate do visokokvalificiranega nabora talentov po nominalnih plačah, je to dolgoročna rešitev za rast vrednosti za delničarje. Zmagovalec: Preselitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo zagotavlja prihranke pri stroških in dolgoročne možnosti za inovacije. Oddajanje infrastrukture in delovne sile v zunanje izvajanje: Destinacije zunanjega izvajanja, kot je jugovzhodna Azija, lahko ponujajo konkurenčne plače, vendar je infrastruktura v primerjavi z Evropo pogosto slabo razvita. Če je prometno omrežje slabo, se ni mogoče izogniti operativnim zamudam in neučinkovitosti. Selitev v Srednjo in Vzhodno Evropo: Države, kot so Poljska, Madžarska in Češka, so veliko vlagale v industrijsko infrastrukturo. Po podatkih Svetovne banke se Poljska uvršča med 25 najboljših držav na svetu po

Navigacija v deindustrializaciji: Premestitev tovarne v Srednji in Vzhodni Evropi vs. zunanje izvajanje in izguba nadzora

Not enough time to read the full article? Listen to the summary in 2 minutes. Amid chaotic deindustrialization in Germany, industries are facing threats like rising operational costs, energy shortages, and fierce global competition. Businesses are looking for alternative strategies like outsourcing to counter these issues and maintain their competitiveness globally. However, outsourcing isn’t a foolproof alternative. If you are choosing it, you are at the risk of loss of control, reduced quality, and too much dependence on external partners. This brings us to our other option which is fairly better and keeps you in control of your business while also saving money– Factory relocation to CEE countries like Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia etc. This region is proving to be a goldmine for operations. Here, we’ll explore why CEE factory relocation to counter deindustrialization of Germany is a more stable and effective solution than outsourcing for businesses. Let’s move further to understand how moving factories to this high-potential region can transform German companies and provide the operational stability they need to survive and thrive amid tough times. Understanding the Severe Impact of Deindustrialization on German Companies Germany, which was once an industrial example setter, is now undergoing a growing phase of deindustrialization. Its industries are deeply affected by factors like high energy prices, stringent regulations, supply chain disruptions, and shifting labor markets. Hence, it’s common for your business to face difficulties sustaining production at competitive levels. This is clearly visible in energy-intensive sectors such as automotive, steel, and chemical, where the rising costs of electricity and gas have forced businesses to reevaluate their operations. The energy costs in Germany have been among the highest in Europe recently, which directly hits manufacturing competitiveness. Businesses have already begun moving operations abroad. This has raised alarms about the country’s long-term industrial future and prompted many firms to look for solutions closer to home, with CEE countries emerging as a prime option for relocation. However, some businesses have chosen ‘outsourcing’ to deal with the chaos. Why Outsourcing is Not the Ideal Way to Counter Deindustrialization in Germany? Outsourcing operations to distant locations like Asia or South America has been a common strategy for reducing costs used by German companies. However, there are certain risks involved. The loss of control over critical aspects of the business is the most threatening one. A major concern is the difficulty in maintaining quality standards when production is outsourced. German companies, known for their engineering precision and high-quality standards, often find that quality declines when manufacturing is moved to lower-cost countries with less stringent regulatory environments. Your business can face problems like inconsistent product quality, delayed deliveries, and difficulties in implementing new techniques and innovations. Additionally, communication barriers are unavoidable when outsourcing to regions with different languages, cultures, and time zones. This can result in project delays, misunderstandings, and an overall reduction in operational efficiency. The further you move production from the company’s base, the harder it is to manage day-to-day activities and maintain alignment with the company’s strategic goals. More importantly, outsourcing poses risks to data security and intellectual property. In regions with weaker legal protections for intellectual property German companies may face challenges in safeguarding their designs, processes, and innovations. Your business might be at the risk of costly legal battles that are devastating or even encounter the unauthorized use of proprietary technology by others, often giving rise to immortal competitors. How Factory Relocation to Central and Eastern Europe Countries Emerge as a Better Alternative? Experts have chosen factory relocation to CEE countries as a far more stable alternative to outsourcing. It allows German companies to retain greater control over their operations. This region offers a favorable business environment with proximity to Germany, making oversight and collaborations easier. The geography and culture of this region are incredibly similar to Germany, which leaves space for minimal logistical challenges and communication barriers compared to primary outsourcing locations which have varying cultures and geographies. Additionally, the regulatory frameworks in CEE countries properly align with EU standards. This ensures that your business can maintain the same level of quality and innovation control that it achieved with domestic operations, reducing the chances of diminished quality or innovation delays. Companies can supervise production and implement changes more effectively. Countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary have also made significant investments in infrastructure and workforce training, making them attractive destinations for factory relocations. And you still have the option to stay in Europe, but outside of the EU regulation when you decide to relocate your factory to Serbia, North Macedonia, or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Cost Effectiveness Without Compromising Control Outsourcing might seem a cost-effective option but its long-term financial and operational risks clearly outweigh the short-term savings. On the contrary, CEE factory relocation allows companies to achieve cost savings without the risks associated with outsourcing. The talent in CEE countries is ready to work at significantly lower rates than the one in Germany. However, it holds the same or even better level of technical expertise and working morale. This lets German companies reduce operational expenses without sacrificing quality and control. For instance, Poland has seen increased foreign investment from German companies due to its competitive labor markets, strong industrial base, and well-developed transport links to Western Europe. Regulatory Advantages and Compliance Management CEE countries offer a robust regulatory alignment with strict EU standards. Unlike prime outsourcing destinations, CEE countries adhere to strict data security, labor, and environmental regulations to make sure that German companies continue to meet the high standards required by European and global markets. This is especially important for industries with sensitive intellectual property or stringent regulatory requirements, such as automotive or aerospace manufacturing. By relocating to CEE, German companies can maintain compliance with EU regulations, minimizing legal and operational risks while ensuring that their innovations remain protected. Mitigates Potential Risks Once the leader of industrialization, Germany is now undergoing a phase of deindustrialization, leaving businesses worried about potential risks and mishaps. The cost of production is rising