COPQ in manufacturing: Where margins really get lost
In my previous article, “Stop wasting your revenues: Why the cost of poor quality is your biggest competitiveness gap?”, we explored how the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) can quietly absorb up to 10% of revenue in industrial manufacturing. For many organizations, that realization was not entirely new. Most leaders already sense that quality-related inefficiencies […]
From cost disruption to structural threat: How Chinese MedTech companies are redefining competition in disposables and beyond
For more than a decade, Western medical device manufacturers have treated Chinese competitors as a low-cost nuisance rather than a strategic threat. Chinese products were cheaper, but widely perceived as inferior, suitable for low-volume, cost-focused centers, emerging markets, or as temporary stopgaps. Could these assumptions still hold today? How are Chinese companies evolving, and what […]
Future of construction: 15 game-changing trends you can’t ignore
Construction is changing fast, not just in how we build, but also in why and with what. As we do year after year, we unpack the biggest trends shaping construction in Europe. Our insights come from deep conversations with industry leaders across the continent and real project data, giving you a front-row seat to what’s […]
ROI for Strategic Intelligence Projects: Why it fades and how to fix it
Every leader responsible for planning and executing strategies knows the pattern: great insights, powerful recommendations, and then silence. Momentum fades, slides stay in folders, and the ROI slowly evaporates. But why does this happen, and what can Strategy Executives do to change it? In this article, we explore why the ROI of strategic intelligence projects […]
Making the WEEE Directive work for you: Turning EU Waste Regulation into a strategic advantage
Waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in Europe. And manufacturers are feeling the pressure. Compliance is often viewed as a cost of doing business, but could it also be a source of value? As sustainability demands grow, many manufacturers are rethinking how their products are designed, labelled, […]
From commoditization to Solution Provider: Lead with customer centricity
What’s quietly draining your growth, squeezing your margins, and turning every deal into an uphill battle? It’s not your competitors. It’s not the market. It’s the mindset. In a world driven by customer expectations, staying product-focused is the fastest way to fall behind. While you’re refining specs, someone else is building solutions that truly resonate. […]
Flame-Forward: Market-driven strategies for fire safety in modern construction
Advancements in fire-resistant construction materials and combustibility prevention redefine how the industry balances safety, sustainability, and innovation. As companies shape their strategies for the future, many are asking how to remain compliant without slowing progress. The answer lies in leveraging strategic market intelligence to navigate complexity, assess risks, and identify opportunities in a fast-evolving regulatory […]
Stop wasting your revenues: Why the cost of poor quality is your biggest competitiveness gap?
In today’s industrial landscape, where margins are razor-thin and competition fierce, every efficiency matters. Yet, many manufacturing companies, in particular capital equipment manufacturers, are quietly losing up to 10% of their revenues without even realizing it. The often-overlooked cause? The Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ). COPQ is more than a concern for finance or quality […]
Rethinking waste: How market intelligence helps turn CDW into profits
Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is more than just an environmental challenge. It presents a significant strategic opportunity for companies ready to embrace circular practices. In Europe, CDW accounts for nearly 40% of all annual waste, making it a critical area for innovation. Advanced recycling, upcycling, and material recovery techniques are already unlocking value from […]
PFAS restrictions: Turning challenges into competitive advantage
Regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are tightening worldwide, forcing companies to rethink their strategies. While compliance can be complex and costly, businesses that act now can transform these regulatory shifts into opportunities for growth and differentiation. The key is to stay ahead: understand upcoming restrictions, explore sustainable alternatives, and align with evolving market […]
Decoding the difference: Strategic market intelligence vs. market research
In the fast-paced world of business, distinguishing between strategic market intelligence and market research holds the key to unlocking unparalleled growth opportunities. At EMBS Group, we specialize in strategic market intelligence, and in this blog post, we aim to dissect the nuanced differences between these two essential components of data-driven decision-making. Join us on this […]
Solution Provider Transformation Part 2: Self-assessment for your path forward
The decision on Solution Provider transformation depends significantly on your business model and its ability to stay competitive in today’s market. If you’re facing intense price competition, encountering customer demands for more tailored solutions, or struggling to stand out, this shift may be the right path. Since the path forward isn’t always obvious, this article […]
Trends shaping the future of healthcare: Top 3 game-changing AI use cases
Despite recent hype in generative AI, Advanced AI is highly mature and established in the medical world, especially radiology. I recall the first use cases in computer-aided detection of cancer nodules in the early 2000s when I started my professional career in diagnostic imaging. Further scaling of deep learning enables us to implement AI earlier […]
Solution Provider Transformation Part 1: Get on a path to a Solution Provider now or regret it later
In today’s rapidly evolving market, commodity suppliers face various critical challenges as global competition intensifies and market dynamics shift. They must increasingly prioritize innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centric approaches to stay competitive. But what strategic options do they have? For many, the transition to Solution Provider is no longer optional but essential. In this article, I […]
Building for the future: Low-CO2 materials, efficiency gains, and lighter structures shaping Europe’s construction sector in H2 2024
After years of consistent growth, Europe’s construction sector is now experiencing a significant slowdown, raising important questions about its future. In this article, I will highlight three key trends currently shaping the sector and likely to influence its trajectory through 2025 and beyond. Read on to discover what these trends mean for the future of […]
Answers on Demand: The effective solution for filling market intelligence gaps
There is an evident trend of growing complexities in market intelligence tasks and functions, increased pace, and demand for expecting answers yesterday. Keeping track of competitors, adapting to evolving customer needs, and seeking new growth opportunities have become essential to remain competitive. Although more and more companies invest in developing internal MI/CI departments, they still […]
Navigating the path of working as a market intelligence consultant
Working in the market intelligence business is multidisciplinary. It demands a diverse range of talents and involves various tasks daily. Suppose you are considering a career in this field and ask questions about the scope of responsibilities, necessary skills, and potential impacts on your professional future. In that case, this article is tailored to you. […]
Market intelligence projects: Uncovering 3 crucial factors for success
While every project is unique and demands a tailored approach, our extensive experience in strategic market intelligence has enabled us to pinpoint the essential components for success. Our approach is meticulously crafted to support market intelligence projects even in uncharted market territories and meet the client’s needs and research objectives. Project milestones are at the […]
Mastering market intelligence: The 5 vital benefits for Strategic Planning Departments
Based on what we can observe while working with our clients operating in the fast-paced business landscape, strategic planning departments are constantly challenged to stay ahead of the curve. If you often find yourself grappling with questions such as: how to not just survive but thrive in the face of fierce competition, how to keep […]
Enhance your perspective: Get a 360-degree view of your landscape with market intelligence
In the dynamic business landscape, a holistic understanding of the market is key for organizations aiming to thrive and excel. In EMBS we believe that successfully navigating the nuances of the market requires a 360-degree view. This is why we offer services in four complementary segments – focusing on competitors, customers, internal operations, and the […]
Unlocking strategic insights: Empowering key organizational roles through market intelligence
Market intelligence services, which focus on acquiring hard-to-get data, are ideal for large organizations with robust business strategy units. These organizations recognize their needs and have already collected substantial information, but they lack certain pieces to complete the strategic puzzle. The specific requirements for such intelligence may vary across various departments within the organization. In […]