ABI Research has released its 2024 Manufacturers’ Technology Adoption & Attitudes Survey, revealing key insights from 461 decision-makers in the manufacturing sector across the U.S., Malaysia, and Germany. The findings underscore a pressing challenge: 50% of manufacturers' top ten workforce issues are people-related.
Michael Larner, distinguished analyst at ABI Research, noted, “An interesting find from the survey is that some of the biggest issues for manufacturers involve people, not technology. Recruiting, retaining, and upskilling staff are among the top challenges manufacturers face today.” The need for skilled workers to operate and maintain equipment while optimizing production lines is becoming critical.
The survey also highlighted significant trends in technology adoption:
Cloud Collaboration: 76% of respondents believe the cloud enhances real-time collaboration, improving supply chain coordination. However, U.S. manufacturers show less enthusiasm about the cloud’s scalability benefits compared to their German and Malaysian peers.
Private Cellular Networks: 74% agree that private cellular networks offer the reliability and security essential for streamlining operations.
Cybersecurity Concerns: U.S. and Malaysian firms view new technology vulnerabilities as their top cyber risk, while German manufacturers prioritize data breaches.
Generative AI: 78% see generative AI primarily to quickly identify production issues, highlighting its potential to enhance operational efficiency.
Industrial Metaverse: 79% believe the industrial metaverse can support new product development, with German and Malaysian firms focusing on product design, while U.S. firms prioritize staff training.
Despite the need for collaboration between IT and operational technology (OT) teams, only 39% reported effective teamwork in addressing challenges. Sustainability also remains a low priority, with only 23% of manufacturers emphasising this goal.
Additionally, 17% plan to explore commercial drone deployments within the next year, indicating a growing interest in robotics. Larner concluded, “Innovation is the cornerstone of success in the manufacturing industry. The survey results provide technology vendors and end users with valuable insights to gain a competitive advantage in this rapidly evolving landscape.”
