Frost & Sullivan Expects Slow Growth in ANZ Automation and Controls Market

The total automation and software (A&S) market in Australia and New Zealand is in the transition phase from growth to maturity. As Australia and New Zealand are high-cost manufacturing destinations compared to others in Asia Pacific, growth is slow. The focus in this market is on assembly activity rather than manufacturing.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Automation and Controls Market in Australia and New Zealand, finds that the market earned revenues of $302.0 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $498.5 million in 2016.

"Segments such as mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, as well as water and wastewater have driven growth in the Australian market for automation and software solutions, contributing almost 75 percent of total revenues,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Vandhana Venkatesan. “Capital expenditure on plant, machinery, and equipment in the Australian mining industry had grown from A$9.6 billion in 2008-09 to A$10.8 billion in 2009-10.”

The rise in the Australian dollar value is driving operations and manufacturing costs upwards. An appreciation in the dollar value could lead to higher levels of capital outflow from Australia as Australian assets become more expensive.

Cost competitiveness of Asian countries is posing a challenge to existing businesses that are already facing margin pressures. As producing the same components in Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, and China is far cheaper, the overall sustainability of manufacturing operations in Australia and New Zealand is affected. Rising labor costs and shortage of skilled labor are other issues causing angst for participants in this space.

"To ensure successful business outcomes in this scenario, strong emphasis must be placed on competitive differentiation,” says Venkatesan. “Automation solution providers must deliver the latest in technology solutions tailor-made to suit end user requirements.”

Observations reveal that beyond technology and price, end users are more concerned about the services provided by automation solutions providers. ACS and real-time simulation products are gaining traction and are expected to take market prospects forward.