Economic barometer Q1 2023: inflation and staff shortages remain problematic

In the first quarter of this year, a majority of FHI members had a better order position than in the first quarter of 2022. Companies affiliated with FHI are also positive about the turnover achieved in Q1: a majority of these were higher than a year ago. past. The effects of inflation are also clear: almost all companies have had to increase their rates or selling prices. Staff shortages also continue to plague entrepreneurs. This is evident from the latest economic barometer from FHI.

From the barometer across the four industries it also shows that companies mainly see opportunities in the energy transition, service & maintenance and the internet of things. Persistent inflation, staff shortages and a lack of supplied products and parts are the biggest problems. Furthermore, it appears that in an attempt to make their business operations more sustainable, companies have mainly focused on energy-saving measures, although waste and raw materials are also being dealt with more consciously.

In the Industrial Electronics sector It is noticeable that there is a visible trend whereby companies have worse order positions: in Q1 2023, almost 40 percent of respondents say that the order position has deteriorated, while this was considerably lower in previous quarters. The turnover achieved also shows a decline, although this decline is less dramatic. IP members increasingly see e-commerce as an opportunity for the future, but disrupted supply chains and inflation are hurting companies.

Among members of the Industrial Automation sector If we look at the order positions in Q1 of this year, this is virtually the same as the same quarter a year ago. This image also appears with the turnover achieved. IA members mainly see future opportunities in the energy transition and the internet of things, but inflation and a shortage of technical personnel are obstacles. Furthermore, 45 percent of the companies surveyed indicate that they have taken measures to reduce energy consumption.

Within the Laboratory Technology sector It is striking that approximately 65 percent indicate that the order position remains the same compared to Q1 2022. However, more than 70 percent saw turnover increase, probably due to increased prices. LT companies mention the role of service & maintenance as future opportunities, as does a growing group that sees potential in e-commerce. Fears of staff shortages are increasing, while fears of the specter of inflation have actually diminished compared to the previous two quarters. It is striking that, compared to other sectors, LT members focus more on dealing more consciously with raw materials and waste.

A majority of the entrepreneurs surveyed, almost 70 percent, are active in the Building Automation sector has seen its order position improve in the past quarter. It should be noted that the response in this sector is relatively low. Due to inflation, companies increased their rates. The energy transition is particularly promising for IA companies, but renovation is also mentioned. Fracturing supply chains, staff shortages and inflation are cited as key issues by IA members. Approximately half of the entrepreneurs interviewed are also working on reducing emissions and energy-saving measures.