Trends and driving forces
We have defined key external factors and drivers that impact our company. Together with customers and other stakeholders, we will seize the opportunities they create in order to generate profitable growth, manage risks and minimize our environmental impact.
Digitalization and automation
The manufacturing and mining industries are experiencing a shift to digitalization and automation. Access to big data, sophisticated analytical tools, robotics and artificial intelligence are creating new business opportunities and improved business intelligence. New ways for people to interact with machines and the ability to transfer digital instructions into physical products or equipment enable real-time decisions in the machining process. Such developments contribute to reduced costs, increased productivity and improved management of fluctuations in demand. It also puts higher demands on our coworkers’ expertise. Sandvik offers digitalized solutions and services to optimize its customers’ operations pertaining to costs, productivity and environmental impact.
Historically, design, machining and analysis have been three clearly defined phases in the manufacturing of components. New technology, digitalization and metrology are leading to the integration of the three phases to form a seamless, automated end-to-end value chain.
In the mining industry, digitalization and automation are used across the value chain, from mine planning through mining and crushing operations to the extraction of minerals. Data collection, for example in mining equipment, enables advanced analysis to optimize processes and predict maintenance needs. We are the market leader in automated solutions for mining equipment.
Economic and political developments
Macro factors such as globalization, political governance and cyclicality impact Sandvik. A growing middle class and rapid urbanization increase the demand for metals and minerals, the need for infrastructure investments, and the demand for consumer and industrial goods. Regionalization and protectionism affect trade regulations, such as customs duties or new legal requirements. Our global and local presence and our decentralized way of working allow us to be flexible and adapt to changing conditions. All of our business areas have action plans in place to manage changes in market conditions.
New technologies
A number of emerging technologies will affect our industries. The rapidly expanding demand for battery-electric vehicles offers vast business opportunities for Sandvik within its mining operations but also headwinds in some parts of its business, for example in component manufacturing for the automotive sector.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will be used for increasingly complex tasks and the implementation of 5G will contribute to more intelligent equipment. Sandvik is investing in AI and machine learning models where applications include, for example, the monitoring of tools or the ability to identify a need for maintenance to avoid mining equipment breakdowns, before it happens.
Multi-axis technology, enabling the machining of a material from several different angles, improves efficiency and allows for products with, for example, more complex design.
Sandvik has a deep knowledge of additive manufacturing, a technology that requires fewer manufacturing steps and, by producing lighter products with fewer raw materials, reduces the environmental impact.
Sustainability
The Paris Climate Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5° C places demands on companies and society for change and new thinking. One consequence is the rapid electrification of society, increasing demand for electrification minerals and the need for fossil fuel-free energy sources. Sandvik is a world leader in electric mining equipment and supplies tools and tooling systems for the energy industry, including renewable energy.
Sandvik has set a clear goal of reducing its greenhouse gas impact across the entire value chain. Our largest impact is through our products and solutions and we continuously strive to increase productivity and minimize the environmental impact. Sandvik aims to increase circularity by using more secondary material in production. We repurchase customers’ used cemented carbide inserts, drill bits and rock tools, turning them into tungsten carbide powders and new tools.
Today’s customers and stakeholders require ethical conduct from businesses and Sandvik is committed to high business standards.