Proximity Sensors � Between Niches and Commoditization
This study takes a look at Proximity Sensors worldwide and offers an overview of technological and long term trends as well as a tool to maximize profit in rough economic times. The study includes capacitive, inductive, and ultrasonic sensors.
The three technologies have different dynamics and while the market for inductive sensors is volatile, capacitive sensors face stable and slow growth.
While inductive and capacitive sensors are faced with a de-facto commodity status, ultrasonic sensing still improves significantly in range and accuracy, exploring new applications and offering the chance for technical USP.
One of the main market drivers continues to be the rising demand in Asia. This is due to the economic growth, the trend to automate larger parts of production, and a regional shift of production towards the Asian consumer markets.
On the technological side, sensor manufacturers are confronted with the challenge of network standards like IO-Link and the fact that production will get more flexible. They have to adapt to those changes to maintain growth.
Strategic Issues
Technological advancements and growing niche markets provide opportunities to combat eroding margins. Supplier strategies discussed in this study include:
- Technical differentiation
- Emerging network technologies
- Modular design and brand labeling
- Solutions instead of products
- Growth markets, regional and industrial
- Help customers to understand industry needs
- Develop global sourcing strategy
Combined with the market forecast, the current market situation, and competitive analyses, this serves as an effective planning tool.
