The Top Trends About the Future of Manufacturing Every Leader Should Know

The manufacturing industry continues to undergo rapid change. Shifting focus, rising popularity of technology and other trends are changing the way many manufacturers do business.

Maintaining awareness of common trends within the industry can help Chief Operating Officers develop more insightful and innovative plans for the future. After all, if a technology or practice has become popular with other manufacturers, it certainly is worth consideration for your own operations. It is especially important to note these trends as we deal with global uncertainty and sweeping changes across the workforce.

Consider these trends when planning for your future
There are several interesting trends manufacturing leaders should be aware of. Considering these trends when planning for the future of your operations may help keep you on the leading edge of your industry.

The modern customer expects far more from the companies they do business with than ever before. Most consumers expect transparency, lower cost, higher quality, and faster shipping. For manufacturers to meet these expectations, operations must be faster and more efficient than ever before. More importantly, communication with customers must become a major focus.

More and more manufacturers are investing in technology that supports streamlined operations, advanced production planning and more responsive and effective customer support. Truly, customer experience will be seen as a competitive differentiator for manufacturers.

Mounting pressure from consumers, regulators and shareholders have led many manufacturers to reexamine the way they do business. Many leaders have invested in practices that are more sustainable and ethical, while prioritizing employee safety, product quality and customer satisfaction.

This trend will continue, as more and more manufacturers invest in intelligent solutions and innovative practices that support ethical manufacturing and optimize employee and customer satisfaction.

Corporate giants like Amazon have reshaped customer expectations for order fulfillment and shipping times. Suddenly, supply chain management is no longer an afterthought – intelligent supply chains have become critical to meeting customer expectations and creating distance between the competition.

To remain competitive, manufacturers will invest heavily in technology to support the supply chain, including advanced AI, sensors, data analytics and blockchain.