According to a new global survey, more than 40% of manufacturers are struggling to outperform their competitors due to a lack of technology and skilled labor, and relying on proven smart manufacturing technologies can enrich data insights, attract talent, and minimize supply chain, quality, and cybersecurity risks.

Rockwell Automation, one of the world’s leading companies in industrial automation, informatization and digital transformation, has released the eighth edition of its annual State of Intelligent Manufacturing Report. The global survey covers more than 1,350 manufacturers from 13 major manufacturing countries and regions.

The study found that in recent years, manufacturers have increasingly focused on profitable growth based on quality assurance and the true potential of the data captured. In addition, manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to enhance resilience, achieve flexibility, improve sustainability, and address workforce issues.

Key findings from the global survey include:

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Compared to 2022, up to twice as many manufacturers believe their companies lack the advanced technology to win the competition.
Four out of five manufacturers still feel they lack an end-to-end supply chain planning solution.
Cybersecurity risks top the list of issues that want to be optimized with smart manufacturing technologies and solutions.
45% of manufacturers cite “improving quality” as the main goal they hope to achieve with smart manufacturing technologies and solutions.
As the use of advanced technologies increases, 89% of manufacturers plan to maintain or increase their existing workforce. Thirty-six percent of manufacturers believe they will be able to reuse their existing workforce due to the increasing use of technology.
95% of manufacturers have or are in the process of developing environmental protection, social responsibility and corporate governance (ESG) policies, with 42% of manufacturers citing “improving efficiency” as the top driver of ESG initiatives. “Manufacturers are continuing to look for profitable growth, but they are also aware that uncertainty about Labour supply is affecting quality and their ability to meet the changing needs of their customers.” Veena Lakkundi, senior vice president of strategy and corporate Development at Rockwell Automation, said: “The study found that smart manufacturing technologies can help manufacturers of all sizes optimize existing solutions to improve resilience, flexibility and sustainability, thereby accelerating transformation. Based on years of industry experience and insight, we conclude that companies that focus on innovation and action in uncertain times have greater potential to outperform their competitors.”