However, many also believe that getting this balance right can be an extraordinarily difficult achievement given the rise in global competition and customer expectations for instant availability and rapid delivery. Accenture's strategic insights and strong execution help to leverage knowledge gained from thousands of engagements. Our dedicated manufacturing and design specialists work with clients to understand their specific needs and concerns, and then identify the right solution.

We help some clients improve design operations by developing more collaborative product design capabilities or launching innovative product life cycle management or new product introduction programs to speed the development of new products.

• For many clients, we have reduced product-development cycle and launch times by up to 30 percent while lowering costs by up to 10 percent.

• In heavy industries, we have been able to reduce direct-materials costs by as much as 15 percent and engineering costs by as much as 30 percent.

Our specialists help clients revitalize their manufacturing operations to achieve high performance now and into the future.

Accenture has the experience, expertise and skills to help clients create world-class manufacturing and design capabilities:

• Optimal Sourcing: When faced with integrating new facilities or alliances in low-cost countries, we help clients enable successful global sourcing by implementing new global operating structures and realigning capabilities.

• Improved Business Performance: We collaborate with clients to increase flexibility and responsiveness by linking individual supply chain components to the manufacturing environment and enhancing quality and compliance by aligning manufacturing with changing standards and regulations. Our integrated approach to asset management helps clients raise asset utilization while decreasing overall costs.

• Broad Relationships and World-Class Proprietary Software and Methodology: Our relationships with leading technology companies including Agile, i2, Manugistics, MatrixOne, Oracle, PTC, UGS and SAP provide clients with an important technology-based edge. Our unique set of tools and advanced methodologies—continuously fine-tuned and thoroughly researched at the Accenture Centers of Excellence—further enable companies to optimize time and foster excellence in manufacturing and design.

• Commitment to High Performance: Our ability to drive high performance through manufacturing and design—the foundation of supply chain management—can help clients reduce costs and enhance shareholder value.