Formidable challenges, from tough economics to rising market complexity, are driving a profound rethinking in the manufacturing industry, according to a global survey by IDC Manufacturing Insights called "Business Strategy: The Journey Toward the People-Intensive Factory of the Future." In this context, effective factory management is essential. In fact, more than 43 percent of survey respondents declared they have a formal process in place to design future production plants.

U.S. manufacturing has been one of the few bright spots of the recovery, restoring 489,000 jobs since the beginning of 2010. However, there are some significant geographic distinctions in that recovery, says a recent report.