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56 SMT007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2025 can see how longevity affects not only satisfaction, but also the rationale behind software selection. ERP systems are the most deeply entrenched cate- gory in our sample, with 59% of respondents reporting they've been using the same system for over 10 years. Yet, satisfaction levels remain relatively high, with 38% moderately satisfied and another 26% highly satisfied, suggesting that these platforms often succeed in deliv- ering core value over the long haul. But that doesn't mean selection priorities stay static. Newer adopters (those with systems <3 years old) emphasize supply chain complexity and Lean man- ufacturing capabilities: tangible, operational needs. Meanwhile, those with systems in place for over a decade are far more likely to cite "Other" factors, reflecting a shift toward highly customized workflows, integration needs, or accumulated compromises. This trend signals that legacy users may be navigating around older system limitations rather than replacing them outright. ERP systems serve as a bellwether for how software priorities evolve with ownership, and how decision- making around upgrades or replacements may hinge more on what's been built around the system than in it. Conclusions and Recommendations From long-standing ERP platforms with deeply embed- ded legacy challenges to newer quoting tools driving high satisfaction, the EMS software landscape is com- plex and fast evolving. While companies face resource constraints and implementation hurdles, they also express a clear appetite for solutions that can scale, integrate, and adapt to their unique operating models. One thing is clear: there is no one-size-fits-all solu- tion, but there is strong momentum toward smarter, more connected, and more tailored tools. The full report will be available here. To stay cur- rent with Global Electronics Association Industry Intelli- gence Reports, click here. SMT007 Thiago Guimaraes is the director of industry intelligence for the Global Electronics Association. <5M 9% 5M-10M 12% 10M-25M 23% 25M-50M 19% 50M- 100M 16% 100M- 200M 5% 200M- 500M 9% >1B 7% Company Size, by Revenue, in millions of USD C o m p a ny S I ze, by Reve n u e, i n m i l l i o n s of U S D Asia 7% Europe 4% Middle East/Africa 1% North America 88% Company Location, by Region C o m p a ny Lo c at i o n , by Re g i o n EMS 90% OEM 10% Company Type, EMS vs OEM C o m p a ny Ty p e, E M S vs O E M F i g u re 5 : A tot a l of 82 q u a l i f i e d i n d i v i d u a l s c o m p l ete d t h e s u r vey. Re s p o n d e nt s s p a n n e d E M S a n d O E M o rg a n i zat i o n s a c ro s s N o r t h A m e r i c a , E u ro p e, As i a , a n d t h e M i d d l e E a st /Af r i c a , w i t h c o m p a ny reve n u e s ra n g i n g f ro m u n d e r $ 5 m i l l i o n to ove r $1 b i l l i o n . ▼