
Key challenges
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Operational excellence is core to A&D, and companies need to be agile and resilient in their response to rapid change and disruption. Leveraging data-driven insights and consistent scenario planning to evaluate supply chain impact and financial implications is essential to optimize business continuity and recovery planning.
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Tier-n suppliers must contend with relentless cost-down demands from OEMs, who expect more for less. Rising raw material prices and energy costs further squeeze margins, making productivity and automation critical for survival.
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Strict defense export controls and evolving regulations create a complex compliance burden. Navigating requirements like U.S. ITAR export restrictions can be frustrating for Belgian companies. Meeting AS9100 quality standards and other certifications is non-negotiable, adding to overhead.
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An aging workforce and a scarcity of skilled engineers mean many firms struggle to recruit and retain talent. This talent gap slows production and innovation. Workforce scarcity, combined with higher labor costs in Belgium, drives urgency for automation and upskilling.
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Customer demand is volatile. Clients expect more customization at lower cost, pressuring suppliers to be highly flexible. Without responsive planning and production processes, companies risk missing opportunities or holding excess inventory
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Many A&D manufacturers are running on outdated, fragmented IT systems. This lack of real-time insight and integration undermines agility. In a highly regulated, cost-pressured environment, advanced digital tools are no longer optional—they’re essential for resilience. Companies must modernize to an intelligent, connected ERP core or risk falling behind more digitally mature competitors.