PwC Rated a Leader in Connected Product Engineering Services 2025: What It Means for Tech Innovation

In a significant recognition of excellence in the technology consulting space, PwC has been named a Leader in the Forrester Wave™: Connected Product Engineering Services, Q1 2025 report. This achievement underscores PwC's commitment to innovation and its growing influence in shaping the future of connected products and digital transformation.

What Does This Recognition Mean?

Being rated as a Leader in the Forrester Wave for Connected Product Engineering Services positions PwC among the top-tier firms driving innovation in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart devices, and connected ecosystems. This recognition evaluates companies based on their current offering, strategy, and market presence, with PwC excelling across all three dimensions.

Connected Product Engineering Services encompass the design, development, and deployment of smart, internet-enabled products that collect and exchange data. These services are crucial for companies looking to create next-generation products that deliver enhanced user experiences, operational efficiency, and new revenue streams.

PwC's Achievements in Tech

PwC has established itself as a powerhouse in technology consulting and digital transformation:

• Industry Expertise: PwC brings deep sector knowledge across industries including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer products, enabling them to deliver tailored solutions that address specific industry challenges.

• End-to-End Capabilities: From strategy and design to implementation and ongoing support, PwC offers comprehensive services that guide clients through every stage of their connected product journey.

• Innovation at Scale: PwC leverages cutting-edge technologies including AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and advanced analytics to create intelligent, scalable connected products.

• Global Reach: With presence in over 150 countries, PwC can support multinational clients in deploying connected products globally while navigating regional regulations and market dynamics.

Impact on the Industry

PwC's leadership position in connected product engineering services has far-reaching implications for the tech industry:

1. Setting Standards: As a Leader, PwC helps establish best practices in connected product development, influencing how other firms approach IoT and smart device innovation.

2. Accelerating Digital Transformation: PwC's expertise enables more companies to successfully transition from traditional products to connected, data-driven offerings, accelerating industry-wide digital transformation.

3. Driving Innovation: By pushing the boundaries of what's possible with connected products, PwC stimulates competition and innovation across the technology consulting landscape.

4. Building Trust: PwC's emphasis on security, privacy, and ethical data use helps build consumer confidence in connected products, which is essential for widespread adoption.

Marketing Insights: Value Over Speed

Interestingly, PwC's success aligns with recent research findings from a joint study by PwC and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) on marketing effectiveness. The research reveals a crucial insight: marketing strategies focused on building long-term value rather than chasing speed deliver 79% higher returns.

This finding has significant implications for how companies approach connected product launches and ongoing marketing:

• Quality Over Quick Wins: Rather than rushing products to market, companies that invest in thorough development, robust testing, and meaningful customer engagement see substantially better returns.

• Brand Building Matters: Connected products that are marketed with a focus on long-term brand value and customer relationships outperform those that prioritize rapid customer acquisition.

• Strategic Patience Pays Off: The 79% higher returns demonstrate that taking time to build genuine value—whether in product development or marketing campaigns—yields significantly better financial outcomes.

For tech companies developing connected products, this research underscores the importance of patience and strategic thinking. It's not just about being first to market; it's about creating products and marketing approaches that deliver lasting value to customers and sustainable growth for businesses.

Looking Ahead

PwC's recognition as a Leader in Connected Product Engineering Services comes at a critical time when the global IoT market continues to expand rapidly. As more industries embrace connected products—from smart home devices to industrial IoT solutions—the need for expert guidance and innovative engineering services will only grow.

For businesses considering connected product initiatives, PwC's leadership position signals a trusted partner capable of navigating the complex technical, strategic, and regulatory challenges involved. Combined with insights about the value of patient, value-focused marketing strategies, companies have a clearer roadmap for success in the connected product landscape.

As we move further into 2025, the intersection of sophisticated product engineering and strategic, value-driven marketing will likely define the winners in the connected product space. PwC's dual strengths in both areas position it—and its clients—to capitalize on this evolving opportunity.

Sources:

• Forrester Wave™: Connected Product Engineering Services, Q1 2025

• PwC/ANA Marketing Research on Value vs. Speed