The state of smart manufacturing

Smart manufacturing

According to the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA Int’l), smart manufacturing is the intelligent, real-time orchestration and optimization of business, physical, and digital processes within factories and across the entire value chain.

Some smart manufacturing technologies:

- Computerized maintenance management systems

- Enterprise resource planning

- Quality management systems

- Smart devices

94% of companies expect to maintain or grow their workforce as a result of smart manufacturing technology adoption

95% of companies are already using or evaluating smart manufacturing technology

- Up from 84% in 2023

- 84% have adopted smart manufacturing with upgraded networking hardware

- 82% have adopted smart manufacturing with production monitoring software

- Improved quality is the #1 desired outcome of implementing smart manufacturing technology

Generative AI

Generative AI is the #1 new area for technology investment during the next 12 months

- 85% have already invested/plan to invest in AI/machine learning this year

- 83% anticipate using generative AI in their operations in 2024

Cybersecurity is predicted to be the #2 most impacted by AI in the next 3 years

Cybersecurity ranked as the #1 skill employers are seeking in 2024

Challenges

Top external challenge in 2024: Inflation

Top internal challenge in 2024: Attracting employees with desired skill sets

- Investment in new technology is up 30% to mitigate these challenges

• o Generative and casual AI have #2 ROI

Energy concerns are driving sustainability and ESG policies

- 98% of companies have some form of sustainability or ESG policy

- Improving efficiency is #1 reason for pursuing sustainability and ESG

83% say the obstacles they’re facing are accelerating digital transformation