The Surge in Smart Manufacturing Adoption
The year 2021 marked a significant milestone in the smart manufacturing adoption landscape. According to a study by Hanover Research, the adoption rate of smart manufacturing technologies saw an unprecedented 50% increase. This blog post delves into the key findings of the study and what it means for the future of manufacturing.
The Study: A Comprehensive Look at Smart Manufacturing Adoption
Hanover Research surveyed over 300 manufacturers to understand the rate of smart manufacturing adoption and the driving factors behind it. Various industries were taken into account, including automotive, aerospace, food and beverages, plastic and rubber, precision metal forming, electronics, and consumer goods. The study aimed to provide actionable insights for manufacturers looking to adopt smart technologies.
Key Findings: What the Numbers Say
1. 83% of manufacturers said that smart manufacturing adoption needs to be accelerated.
2. 61% of manufacturers said that they do not have a risk mitigation plan in place.
3. The pandemic has been a significant catalyst in driving smart manufacturing adoption.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Smart Manufacturing Adoption
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on supply chains and workforce management, accelerating the need for smart manufacturing adoption. Manufacturers are increasingly looking to smart technologies to mitigate risks and improve efficiency.
The Future: What Lies Ahead for Smart Manufacturing Adoption
The study indicates that the trend of smart manufacturing adoption is likely to continue, especially as manufacturers become more aware of the benefits and ROI. Skilled workforce shortage, supply chain management, and risk mitigation, among many others, require a new approach. New industrial IoT technologies have the power to solve critical industry challenges while being a key factor in shaping future success. The focus is shifting towards integrating smart technologies into existing systems for seamless operations.
Conclusion: The Imperative of Smart Manufacturing Adoption
Once classified as “overhyped”, smart manufacturing technology is now being used to solve complex manufacturing industry efficiency problems. Technologies regarding industrially hardened devices, process automation, machine learning, and cloud are becoming invaluable, helping companies solve challenges related to skilled worker shortages, risk mitigation, and increasingly intricate supply chain management. 64% of organizations concur that they can fuel growth and reduce hiring challenges in the next five years with such advanced technologies.
The Hanover Research study makes it clear that smart manufacturing adoption is not just a trend but a necessity. Manufacturers who are slow to adopt may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. The time to act is now.
