The DCS market in Latin America continues to offer significant growth opportunities for the suppliers that are well positioned there. After significant periods of economic and political upheaval, many countries are again on a solid path to growth. Latin America is not a market for the faint hearted, however, as these political and economic conditions can change quickly, and there are still many state owned enterprises whose primary interest is not always the most effective forms of automation for the process manufacturing applications.
In ARC’s opinion, manufacturing, in particular process manufacturing, remains a key contributor to economic growth in the region, and we are seeing a real step change in the adoption of advanced automation solutions in Latin America. For example, Latin America is one of the greatest adopters of fieldbus technology on a global scale. Aside from China, you will probably find more fieldbus grassroots projects in Latin America than anywhere else.
However, there is always an undercurrent of uncertainty in the Latin American market. ARC has revised its forecast for Latin America in light of the global economic crisis, for example. It looks as though 2008 will be another strong year for overall Latin America, but 2009 and 2010 will see a decrease in growth compared to the previous few years.
Manufacturing faces an impending crisis and while leading companies are taking action, many companies still are not. This study will answer questions and discuss issues, such as:
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Market shares continue to shift. Who is the leader today? Who is wellpositioned for the future?
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What does it take for DCS suppliers to be successful in Latin America? How important is it to have local people and a local presence?
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Increasing demand for suppliers to be Main Automation Contractors is more important in Latin America if you want to be successful in the project business.
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Increasing demand for operational, maintenance, and other services targeted at increasing performance of plants, systems, and applications.