When it comes to Apple, one of the hottest rumors of the last few years has been the "iWatch." This would be some kind of smartwatch with unknown functionality — although running iOS 7, integration with other Apple products, making phone calls have all been speculated — that could jump to the front of the wearable technology marketplace that could be worth billions.

However, as the months have passed, several other companies of various sizes have released their versions of a smartwatch. Despite Apple connectivity or slick marketing campaigns, these devices have yet to take hold. However, with Google Glass — the computerized eyewear — in the pipeline and hopes still high that the "iWatch" can deliver, the landscape could be getting ready to boom.

With this much activity in the marketplace and rumors of an elevated focus on the device by Apple, why has it continued to be just talk for so long? According to an article from CNet, the problem could be manufacturing.

The article says that screen and battery technology and corporate shuffling have slowed down the development process. When it comes to the physical issues, the problems spring from finding a screen that will be able to optimize the battery, but also be cost effective for mass production.

Ultimately, if Apple if working on a not-so-secret smartwatch, being able to keep up demand on launch day will be a challenge. This is where having the right manufacturing ERP software in place to manage every aspect of the process to ensure it remains on track is crucial for success.