ROCKWELL Automation, Inc., the unrivaled rockstar of industrial automation and digital transformation, has unveiled the results of its 8th annual “State of Smart Manufacturing Report.” This expansive global study canvassed over 1,350 manufacturers across 13 leading manufacturing nations, including Australia, China, India, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
This year’s report spotlights the pursuit of profitable growth without compromising quality, a keen focus on unlocking the true potential of data, and the escalating adoption of technology to bolster resilience, foster agility, enhance sustainability, and confront workforce challenges.
Key findings from the report encompass:
- In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the most significant internal hurdles to progress in 2023 are “Balancing quality and growth” and “tracking or quantifying sustainable practices.” This contrasts with the previous year, where the focus was more on deploying and integrating new technology.
- Globally, twice as many manufacturers now believe their organizations lack the technology needed to outshine their competitors compared to 2022.
- A substantial 80% of Chinese manufacturers, 60% of Australians, and 59% of Indians are already integrating some elements of smart manufacturing.
- The primary barriers to smart manufacturing adoption in the APAC region are employee resistance to tech adoption and change, a lack of skills to manage smart manufacturing implementations, and the absence of a clear definition of the value and return on investment of smart manufacturing.
- APAC respondents have witnessed the most significant return on investment from Quality Management Systems (QMS), followed by Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
- Cybersecurity risks are the top concern that respondents seek to mitigate through smart manufacturing initiatives.
- A remarkable 88% of APAC manufacturers intend to maintain or expand employment due to technology adoption. Additionally, 39% believe they can repurpose existing workers thanks to their increased use of technology.
- Almost half (48%) of those with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies in place in the APAC region consider them a competitive differentiator.
Veena Lakkundi, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development at Rockwell Automation, commented, “Manufacturers are in pursuit of profitable growth but are increasingly aware of the impact of workforce uncertainties on quality and their ability to adapt to evolving customer demands. The survey underscores that smart manufacturing technology empowers manufacturers of all sizes to forge more resilient, agile, and sustainable solutions that expedite transformation. History has taught us that organizations investing in innovation during times of uncertainty can outperform their rivals.”
The survey findings underscore the pivotal role of technology in mitigating risk and fostering growth. However, a third of manufacturers globally grapple with “technology paralysis” due to the array of systems and platforms available, making decision-making a challenge. The remedy lies in selecting a partner with industry expertise and experience, capable of providing advice and guidance in implementing a tailored solution to achieve the desired outcomes.
Veena Lakkundi emphasized Rockwell Automation’s commitment to simplifying complexity and meeting companies at various stages of their transformative journey, “At Rockwell, we combine the power of our portfolio of industry solutions with our second-to-none partner ecosystem to serve as a trusted advisor to leading companies around the world. As the biggest company focused solely on industrial automation and digital transformation, we work to make the complex simple and meet companies where they are in their journeys.”
In 2023, the “State of Smart Manufacturing Study” uncovers a significant struggle among over 45% of manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region to keep pace with their competitors. This battle arises from deficiencies in innovation, a skilled workforce, and technology adoption.
The survey, conducted worldwide, delves into the profound impact of smart manufacturing technology. It examines its role in maximizing data insights, attracting top talent, and minimizing risks affecting supply chains, quality, and cybersecurity.
