EDITOR’S CHOICE TACTON
SMEs operate with legacy systems and limited digital integration, this challenge is especially pronounced and hindering competitiveness in EU and UK markets.
pricing and delivery decision is driven by the buyer’s expectations for transparency and reliability. When manufacturers align their operations around the buyer experience, they create clarity across every stage of the journey. As a result, buyers gain and when, while manufacturers achieve greater accuracy, dependable lead times and stronger customer trust.
the entire value chain operates from a single source of truth. In a truly buyer-centric setup, engineering becomes the anchor, centralising consistent across PLM, ERP and every connected to sales, reducing costly errors and safeguarding accurately translated manufacturing BOMs, dynamic scheduling, and agile order management. The result is a connected value chain that minimises rework, avoids delays and protects So, how can manufacturers rise to meet these new expectations and build lasting value through buyer-centric processes? At Tacton, we call this evolution the Buyer-
Centric Smart Factor; a new operational model revolve around one shared truth of data. It’s a transformative model that strengthens the manufacturer-consumer relationship by enabling end-to-end visibility, agility and trust from the very
BUILDING A BUYER-CENTRIC MANUFACTURING MODEL In today’s manufacturing industry, customisation their exact needs, whether that’s the dimensions a precise pressure rating, or a lower carbon footprint. And they expect these tailored solutions to be delivered with the same speed and reliability as mass-produced items. To meet that expectation, forward-thinking
manufacturers are embracing digital twins, advanced analytics, and modular production systems that enable rapid personalisation and production has become as critical as quality and cost competitiveness. This aligns closely with Ireland’s national push toward Industry 5.0 and sustainability-oriented manufacturing, supported through initiatives such as the Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) programmes.
www.irish-manufacturing.com
‘To meet such pressured expectations, manufacturers must align all functions, from engineering to with one clear, single, connected framework that fosters consistency and clarity across the manufacturing lifecycle.’
Equally important is transparency. Modern
buyers demand real-time visibility into pricing, order status, sustainability metrics and service availability. Leading manufacturers are using AI- driven analytics, digital customer portals and equipment performance tracking tools to deliver that end-to-end visibility. The result is a more collaborative, accountable buyer–supplier relationship that feels seamless to the buyer. When all that data is connected into a single source of truth, manufacturers gain a complete record of what’s been built, delivered and maintained. This insight allows them to anticipate service needs, optimise operations, and continually create more value for customers throughout the product lifecycle. Finally, manufacturers must recognise that the
relationship doesn’t end at delivery. Aftermarket services, upgrades and compliance support are By working from a single source of truth throughout the product’s lifespan, manufacturers have a clear record of what is delivered that they can use to boost equipment uptime and unlock new revenue opportunities. Lifecycle service turns one-time satisfaction into an ongoing partnership, driving continuous improvement, innovation and loyalty.
THE RESULT: THE SOURCE OF TRUTH FOR CONSUMER IMPACT By adopting these principles, manufacturers can realign engineering, sales and production around the buyer, not just the product. Those that achieve this shift will deliver experiences that mirror from their everyday consumer lives. For Irish manufacturers, this represents an opportunity to lead in high-value, high-trust markets where precision and reliability are central. Implementing a truly buyer-centric
manufacturing model, powered by smart factories, connected systems, real-time data insights and AI-driven automation, enables manufacturers to stay closely attuned to evolving customer needs. This approach not only strengthens alignment across the organisation but also builds lasting relationships that extend well beyond the initial purchase, ensuring long-term loyalty and sustained growth. As Ireland positions itself as a hub for advanced and sustainable manufacturing in Europe, adopting buyer-centric principles will become increasingly essential to remaining globally competitive.
www.tacton.com November/December 2025 Irish Manufacturing 25
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