Latest news with #Operation300bn
TECHx
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- TECHx
Free ERP Is Like Building Your Own Car, Too Costly to Risk
Home » Expert opinion » Free ERP Is Like Building Your Own Car, Too Costly to Risk Free ERP may seem cost-effective, but it can undermine manufacturing, compliance & operational resilience in the Gulf. Choose a smarter solution. The manufacturing sector in the Gulf is in the midst of a major transformation. Driven by ambitious government initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Operation 300bn, both nations are making significant strides to localise production, reduce reliance on imports, and diversify their economies beyond oil. Industrial tariffs, global supply chain shocks, and rising geopolitical uncertainty are only adding urgency to this agenda. Against this backdrop, both established players, and a new generation of manufacturing firms, are racing to scale up and modernise fast. One thing is clear: whether it's a greenfield factory or a seasoned industrial group looking to expand capacity, success increasingly hinges on operational resilience. And at the heart of that is enterprise resource planning (ERP). A robust ERP system provides the foundation for streamlined operations, cost control, real-time visibility, and regulatory compliance. But once a manufacturer reaches the point of selecting an ERP, a critical fork in the road appears, and the allure of a 'free' open-source ERP can be hard to resist. At first glance, it sounds like a win: no licence fees, complete flexibility, and the promise of building something tailored to your exact needs. But in reality, choosing a free ERP can be like deciding to build your own car from a pile of parts and a workshop manual. What begins as a cost-saving project often turns into a drawn-out, complex journey, one that diverts energy from growth and innovation, and instead sinks valuable time into building what already exists. 1. Customisation Comes at a Cost Imagine starting your journey by choosing every individual car part, engine, transmission, steering, electronics, with the idea of creating a bespoke vehicle. For a manufacturer choosing a free ERP, this is what customisation often looks like. The core system might be sound, but it won't include the specific features that manufacturers in the region depend on, from production routing and BOM management to work orders and cost tracking. That means building everything from the ground up. Just as fitting an engine into a chassis designed for a different model takes time and expertise, shaping a generic ERP into a manufacturing-ready platform requires developers, consultants, and plenty of trial and error. The longer it takes, the more momentum is lost and the further behind competitors you may fall. 2. Shallow Manufacturing Capabilities Even if you manage to assemble a working vehicle, you may find that key components are missing. You've got a frame and wheels, but no suspension system or air conditioning. That's the experience many manufacturers have with open-source ERP when they reach the shop floor. Core modules like scheduling, quality control, production monitoring, and maintenance are either overly simplistic or absent entirely. As a result, manufacturers are forced to bolt on additional tools or write bespoke code, much like trying to retrofit a car with critical systems it was never designed to support. And even then, performance may remain patchy and inconsistent. 3. Integration Becomes a Maze Now imagine trying to hook up your DIY car to a smart traffic system, fuel sensors, or a self-parking garage. It might be possible, but you'll need to engineer those connections yourself. The same is true for integrating open-source ERP with the array of industrial systems found on a modern shop floor, be it machine sensors, PLCs, MES platforms, or IoT-enabled equipment. Out-of-the-box integration is rarely available in open-source ERPs. Manufacturers must invest in middleware, write custom APIs, and test repeatedly to ensure systems communicate reliably. This complexity adds not only cost, but risk, particularly for manufacturers under pressure to move fast and scale operations smoothly. 4. Compliance Isn't Plug-and-Play Finally, consider roadworthiness. A car that technically runs is not the same as one that passes inspection, meets emissions standards, and complies with safety regulations. Likewise, many open-source ERPs fall short when it comes to supporting regulatory requirements out of the box. Whether it's ISO certifications, FDA traceability, or aerospace standards, compliance in manufacturing is rigorous and unforgiving. Adding these capabilities after the fact, building audit trails, validation rules, secure data logs, is expensive and risky. There's no guarantee your custom-built system will meet all criteria, and retrofitting those controls can be more complex than if they'd been embedded from day one. A Smarter Road for Manufacturers That's not to say free ERP has no merit. For tech-savvy start-ups with in-house developers and niche needs, it can be a springboard for innovation. But for most manufacturers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, especially those scaling to meet national growth targets, a generic platform simply won't deliver the control, speed, and reliability required. The smarter route is to choose an ERP system that's been purpose-built for manufacturing, one that, like a car designed by engineers and built in a factory, includes all the core capabilities needed to operate safely, efficiently, and at scale. These systems offer integrated production control, quality management, and regulatory support as standard, not afterthoughts. They also come with pre-built integrations for industrial systems, reducing complexity and ensuring smoother implementation. Most importantly, they offer relevance from day one. Manufacturers don't need to spend months under the bonnet just to get the basics running. Instead, they can focus on delivering products, growing their business, and adapting to changing customer demands. Don't Let 'Free' Cost You the Future The manufacturing sector in the Gulf is on the cusp of something extraordinary. Governments are investing, demand is rising, and the region is fast becoming a serious industrial player on the global stage. But to seize this opportunity, manufacturers need to move with speed and confidence, not get bogged down with tools that slow them down. Choosing an ERP solution is a pivotal decision. And while 'free' can sound like a shortcut, it often turns out to be the long way around. In a market where timing and execution are everything, manufacturers simply can't afford systems that don't match their ambition. Like building a car from scratch, it's technically possible. But wouldn't you rather drive something built to go the distance? By Vibhu Kapoor, Regional Vice President – Middle East, Africa & India, Epicor
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Middle East & Africa Industrial Gearbox Market worth $2.68 billion by 2030
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Middle East & Africa Industrial Gearbox Market is anticipated to grow from estimated USD 2.23 billion in 2025 to USD 2.68 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period as a result of the growing demand for efficient and energy-saving mechanical power transmission in various industrial applications. The drivers of growth are the growth of primary industries like cement, mining, oil & gas, power generation, steel, and water treatment, all requiring heavy-duty and strong gear systems to sustain permanent and stringent operations. The increase in infrastructure development, manufacturing investments, and regional industrial diversification efforts, particularly Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Operation 300bn, drive demand for industrial gearboxes across segments. Introducing sophisticated, automated machinery with greater torque and speed demands is compelling the market toward high-performance and energy-efficient gearbox solutions, particularly in mining, food processing, and chemical segments. Browse in-depth TOC on "Middle East & Africa Industrial Gearbox Market" 119 - Tables 41 - Figures117 – Pages Download PDF Brochure: Parallel segment, by design, is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period The parallel shaft gearbox segment, owing to its design, is anticipated to account for the biggest market share within the Middle East & Africa (MEA) industrial gearbox market during the forecast period due to its high efficiency, compactness, and capability of transmitting huge torques with lesser energy loss. These gearboxes find themselves especially ideal for heavy-duty operations like use in cement facilities, mining activity, material handling, and power generation, all priority industries expanding in MEA. They are flexible enough to mount with a low footprint and capable of receiving high radial loads, which qualify them for fitment in highly space-restricted industrial installations prevalent in highly urbanized oil & gas and manufacturing units of GCC countries. In addition, parallel gearboxes' cost-effectiveness and operational longevity have rendered them a choice option for end users in Africa's emerging industrial corridors, where cost-conscious investments in machinery and infrastructure are paramount. As regional investments in renewable energy ventures, desalination facilities, and major infrastructure developments rise, demand for high-performance and scalable gearbox systems such as the parallel shaft type is anticipated to expand steadily, bolstering its position in the MEA industrial gearbox market. Helical segment, by type, is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period The helical gearbox segment, based on type, is estimated to dominate the Middle East & Africa (MEA) industrial gearbox market through the forecast period owing to its greater load-carrying capacity, high efficiency, and smooth torque transmission in a broad spectrum of industrial applications. Helical gearboxes are characterized by their angled teeth design, which allows for smooth engagement of the gears, thus quieter operation and less vibration, making them best suited for mission-critical applications like oil & gas, power generation, cement, steel, and food processing—all of which are experiencing high growth in MEA owing to infrastructure spending and industrial diversification. These gearboxes are especially prized in settings where round-the-clock, high-performance operations are critical, like in Saudi Arabian petrochemical plants, UAE desalination plants, and South African mining activities. Moreover, with the region's increasing emphasis on renewable energy and heavy industry, the demand for robust and energy-efficient power transmission solutions such as helical gearboxes is gaining momentum. Their capacity to manage both high-torque and high-speed conditions and lower maintenance requirements compared to other gear types further explains their popularity, placing the helical segment in a position of being the leading type in the Middle East & Africa industrial gearbox market. Saudi Arabia is expected to be the largest country segment during the forecast period During the forecast period, Saudi Arabia is predicted to be the largest country-level market during the forecast period in the Middle East & Africa industrial gearbox market due to the country's commitment to economic diversification, industrial growth, and infrastructure projects under Vision 2030. The country is looking at non-oil developments such as mining, manufacturing, water treatment, renewables, and logistics, all requiring high-torque mechanical power transmission solutions. Mega project developments such as NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea Project, and various smart cities and industrial area developments will lead to rapidly increasing demand for high-performing gearboxes. Gearboxes will also see increasing demand as part of the localization of industrial manufacturing, as well as implementations of smart factory automation and energy-efficient technologies. The structured investment in the country, government-supported industrial plans, and recent efforts to modernize national infrastructure position Saudi Arabia as the best opportunity for the growth of the industrial gearbox market. Key Market Players Major industry players in the Middle East & Africa Industrial Gearbox Market are Siemens (Germany), Flender (Germany), SEW-EURODRIVE (Germany), Bonfiglioli (Italy), and Sumitomo Drive Technologies (Japan). These players strategically use product development, geographic expansion, alliances, and mergers to expand their market share and respond to the growing demand in the region for high-performance gearbox solutions. With MEA experiencing high growth in industries such as oil & gas, mining, cement, water treatment, and power generation, top companies are investing in creating energy-efficient, long-lasting, and application-specific gearboxes that provide maximum torque transmission under extreme operating conditions. Companies are also emphasizing modular and customized gear solutions designed to suit varied industrial environments in countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and South Africa. Request Sample Pages: Siemens Siemens (Germany), for instance, has a significant regional presence and provides gearboxes via its Drive Technology business line, serving strategic applications like cement kilns, mining conveyors, wind energy, and desalination pumps. Its products focus on low-noise, high-torque, and low-maintenance operating modes to enhance performance and lower total cost of ownership. Flender Flender (Germany) is a leading company in industrial gear units, planetary gearboxes, and couplings, with high-performance products applied in cement plants, wind turbines, conveyors, steel mills, marine drives, and mining equipment. Its gearboxes are noted for reliability, load capacity, and modular construction, which qualify them for harsh operating conditions common in African mines and Gulf desalination operations. Flender has increased its footprint in South Africa and the UAE with localized assembly, after-sales services, and spare parts warehousing. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Industrial Gearbox Market Automotive Gears Market Get access to the latest updates on Middle East & Africa Industrial Gearbox Companies and Middle East & Africa Industrial Gearbox Industry About MarketsandMarkets™: MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact:Mr. Rohan SalgarkarMarketsandMarkets™ INC. 1615 South Congress 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445USA: +1-888-600-6441Email: sales@ Our Website: Logo: View original content: SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Time Business News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
EHC Investments Concludes Participation in 'Make it in the Emirates' with Transformational Impact and Strategic Vision
Abu Dhabi, UAE – [4 June 2025] – EHC Investments, a leading UAE-based investment group, proudly announces the successful conclusion of its participation in the prestigious 'Make it in the Emirates' event, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Through its group of specialized subsidiaries, EHC made a strong impression by showcasing cutting-edge technologies, smart infrastructure solutions, and locally developed innovations that reflect the UAE's growing industrial capabilities and forward-thinking national vision. At the event, EHC highlighted a portfolio of advanced solutions in sectors critical to the UAE's future—technology, energy, digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability. These innovations were not only designed and developed on UAE soil but also aligned with national priorities like Operation 300bn and the country's Net Zero 2050 strategy. 'Our participation goes beyond exhibition—it's a clear message that the UAE is not just consuming innovation but creating it,' said the spokesperson from EHC Investments. 'We are committed to contributing to a resilient, diversified, and technology-driven economy by investing in solutions that are smart, scalable, and sustainable.' Among the highlights of EHC's presence were: Smart Energy Platforms focused on improving grid efficiency and renewable energy management. focused on improving grid efficiency and renewable energy management. AI-Powered Industrial Automation Systems developed locally to support smart manufacturing. developed locally to support smart manufacturing. Digital Infrastructure Frameworks that support smart cities and cloud adoption in the public and private sectors. that support smart cities and cloud adoption in the public and private sectors. Sustainable Tech Initiatives that minimize environmental impact while maximizing output efficiency. EHC's subsidiaries also engaged in strategic dialogues and partnership meetings with local and international stakeholders, reinforcing the company's ambition to become a key enabler of industrial and economic transformation in the UAE and beyond. EHC's participation at the event aligns with its broader vision to expand its investment footprint across the GCC, Africa, and Southeast Asia, with a focus on: Digital ecosystems that connect industries and communities. that connect industries and communities. Clean energy ventures that ensure long-term environmental impact. that ensure long-term environmental impact. Technological platforms that support Industry 4.0 and beyond. 'This achievement is not an end, but a strategic continuation of our journey,' added an EHC spokesperson. 'We're building a legacy of innovation, empowering industries, and actively shaping a future where technology, sustainability, and human potential thrive together.' As a trusted investment partner, EHC remains committed to collaborating with government entities, private sector players, and global innovators to deliver high-impact projects and scalable ventures that strengthen the UAE's industrial and technological ecosystem. With a strong foundation in local innovation, deep expertise across industries, and a bold outlook for the future, EHC Investments stands ready to lead the next wave of digital, industrial, and sustainable transformation. About EHC Investments EHC Investments is a diversified investment group based in the UAE, focused on driving innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable growth across key sectors such as technology, energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. With a strong presence across the MENA region and a growing global outlook, EHC champions homegrown innovation and strategic collaboration. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
DW
28-05-2025
- Business
- DW
Laptops, iPhones 'Made in Saudi Arabia': Hype or reality? – DW – 05/28/2025
Saudi Arabia and the UAE avoided high tariffs imposed by the US government. In the past, international companies often set up anew in low-tariff nations to avoid higher prices. Will it happen in the Middle East too? "Made in Saudi Arabia" — the suggestion has been hyped ever since US President Donald Trump imposed high tariffs on goods produced in China and other Asian countries. "Saudi Arabia should be sending their trade representatives to the Trump administration right now, asking, 'what was China providing you? Tell us what it is and we will make it in Saudi Arabia'," Ellen Wald, a historian and author of the 2018 book "Saudi, Inc.: The Arabian Kingdom's Pursuit of Profit and Power," told media outlet Middle East Eye last month. China and other countries, including Vietnam and Thailand, are all major centers for manufacturing with many multinational companies, from Adidas to Apple, making everything from laptops to tracksuits there. But in April, the Trump administration imposed higher tariffs on them. The US originally imposed tariffs of 46% on Vietnam, 36% on Thailand and 145% on China Image: AFP/Getty Images Other nations managed to escape the toughest Trump tariffs though. Most Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were only landed with 10% tariffs. One of the options companies have used to avoid high tariffs in the recent past has been to pivot to manufacturing in low-tariff nations. For many international businesses, this started a few years ago as US-China trade tensions grew — it's part of the reason why Vietnam and Thailand have been doing so well in this sector. Next "pivot countries" in the Middle East? Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been trying to diversify their economies away from oil and to advance manufacturing, especially in the high-tech sector. The UAE has Operation 300bn, which was launched in 2021 and refers to increasing the local industrial sector's contribution to national income to 300 billion UAE dirhams (€72 billion). Saudi Arabia has Vision 2030, with a similar focus on growing local manufacturing and industry. There have already been reports about some of the world's largest technology companies, including US brands Dell and HP, scouting sites for new factories in Saudi Arabia. Chinese firm Lenovo is building a computer and server assembly factory there and Saudi company Alat — state funded to the tune of around $100 billion (€88 billion)— is collaborating with Japan's Softbank Group on industrial robotics, that could later be used on assembly lines, addressing local labor shortages. The Saudis have apparently also been wooing China's Foxconn, a major supplier of Apple's iPhones, and Taiwan's Quanta, who make computers and computer parts for the likes of Dell. "Dozens of countries are pitching to take advantage of high tariffs on Asian countries that export to the US, in the hope that they will be able to penetrate the US market," David Butter, an associate fellow at the UK think tank Chatham House, told DW. Pivot has positives, negatives "And countries like Saudi Arabia could position themselves as relative safe havens for businesses seeking to escape higher tariffs or mitigate the uncertainties surrounding them," Nader Kabbani, director of research at the Qatar-based Middle East Council on Global Affairs, or ME Council, explained. Saudi Arabia has a lot of attributes that could help make that happen, Kabbani continued. "It has abundant natural resources, including and in addition to oil. It has a large domestic market. It is centrally located, serving as a bridge between Asia, Africa, and Europe," he told DW. "And its government actively supports economic diversification efforts. It also has reasonably well-developed infrastructure [and] is willing to attract migrant workers at all skill levels." US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has said that if Gulf states worked together, the market 'could be much bigger than Europe' Image:The region does have some advantages, agreed Frederic Schneider, an independent policy consultant and a senior non-resident fellow, also at the ME Council. He added to Kabbani's list of advantages, the Gulf states' large logistics industry, low- or no-tax regimes and the fact that local currencies are pegged to a weakening US dollar, meaning their exports may become cheaper and therefore more competitive. But there's an equally long list of potential disadvantages, including some tough competition. "Existing manufacturing is still relatively underdeveloped and largely confined to sectors adjacent to the hydrocarbon sector," Schneider told DW. If the Saudis want to compete in high-tech manufacturing, they'll be up against countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Germany and Switzerland. In lower-tech sectors, they're competing against Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. "And while these countries suffer from different disadvantages … they have decades of experience, an existing infrastructure and large domestic market and human capital pool," Schneider pointed out. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are balanced between main trade partner, China, and defense and military mainstay, the US, with a transactional approach that seems to appeal to President Trump Image: Royal Court of Saudi Arabia/AA/picture alliance There are other negative factors too, Schnieder continued. That includes growing cultural issues as more foreigners work in previously conservative Gulf communities, climate change causing the region to heat up faster than others, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty around possible conflicts between, for example, Iran and the US. "Project risks are also sizeable," Schneider added. "While the region is keen to sport technological 'firsts,' many do not materialize." He pointed to unsuccessful drone taxis and travel via hyperloop as well as cryptocurrency investments gone wrong and abandoned or downsized construction projects. There has also been heavy criticism of Saudi Arabian plans by a group called Never Neom. "What exists [of Saudi plans] are vague investment announcements — mostly tied to foreign partnerships and projects still on paper," Never Neom writes on its website . The activist group, which protests grand plans for futuristic Saudi city, Neom, previously had a Facebook page blocked for "inauthentic behavior" connected to political opponents of the Saudi government. Still, the group's statements offer some of the only counter-arguments to all the more dominant paid content online about Saudi manufacturing prowess. Trade war trumps all So is it all just hype? The answer likely lies in the middle somewhere. Governments in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are certainly building more factories and seeing non-oil activities contribute more to national income every year. But even if there is a pivot of some sort to Gulf states, higher international tariffs and a possible trade war would still undermine any benefits, experts argue. Gulf states are running out of money to invest in their grand plans because of lower oil prices and in Saudi Arabia, domestic taxation has increased as a result. As Schneider pointed out, "that may endanger the cost advantage of special economic zones." A global slowdown will bring oil prices even lower as well as impact the region's role as a logistics hub, he argued. "A global trade war, the resulting economic slowdown and the loss of oil revenues would then likely outweigh any benefits that come from serving as a low-tariff hub for business anyway," Kabbani concluded. US-China tensions test ties between ASEAN members To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Edited by: Jess Smee
Hi Dubai
28-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Himatrix Group Opens AED33 Million Research and Training Centre in Dubai Industrial City
Himatrix Group has officially opened phase one of its AED33 million application laboratory, research, and training centre at Dubai Industrial City, marking a major milestone in the company's regional and global expansion plans. Spanning 45,000 square feet, the new facility is strategically positioned to tap into Dubai Industrial City's proximity to key logistics hubs, including Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the upcoming Etihad Rail freight terminal. The centre will serve as a base for Himatrix Group's 100-strong workforce and support its recruitment of additional specialists to drive innovation across its operations. Himatrix Group, which includes subsidiaries such as Himatrix Measurements Equipment's and Icpro Technologies, aims to use the new hub to strengthen partnerships with global leaders in instrumentation engineering. These include Radwag, Sciex, Ametek, Kruss, and Wipotec. Nadeer Ali, Founder and Managing Director of Himatrix Group, said the facility will enhance service quality across multiple industries, particularly pharmaceuticals, by offering advanced solutions in metrology, analytical science, and physical testing. Dubai Industrial City officials welcomed the investment, highlighting its alignment with national strategies like Operation 300bn and the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'. Saud Abu Alshawareb, speaking on behalf of the district, said the facility showcases confidence in Dubai's industrial ecosystem and reinforces efforts to expand the UAE's manufacturing capabilities. Established in 2004, Dubai Industrial City is home to more than 800 companies and over 300 operational factories. It is one of 10 business districts under TECOM Group PJSC, supporting key sectors across the UAE's economic landscape. News Source: Emirates News Agency
