IDC urges vendors to tighten up green selection process

Vendors must be rigorous when selecting their service partner, analyst claims

IDC Manufacturing Insight’s latest research is still lauding green IT services as a way for vendors to boost their bottom line, provided they find the right service partner.

The market watcher has released two reports. The first, Vendor Assessment: Sustainability Strategy Services Guide for Manufacturers, is aimed at technology services buyers within manufacturers to help them select the right green service provider partner.

Its second report, entitled Seeing the Business Benefits of Sustainability: Revenue, Profit, and Inventory Management claims that manufacturers that quickly develop their green initiatives will see a significant impact on revenue growth and cost-savings.

The analyst is recommending that vendors evaluate their green IT service providers to ensure their team has a knowledge of the market, and is aware of regulations in the regions in which the company operates.

Kimberly Knickle, practice director for emerging agenda at IDC Manufacturing Insights, said: "At this stage, many engagements are being handed to consultants who are already working closely with manufacturers. That does not mean they are not skilled in sustainability, but that the evaluation process is not yet as rigorous as we expect it will become.

"Evaluations will receive more attention because of the increasing complexity and cost and the C-level visibility of sustainability projects. Being a partner to manufacturers and understanding their business will remain important, but we also see other factors increasing in importance, including an understanding of global and regional dynamics and project management, as projects touch an increasingly large number of participants."