The manufacturing industry is ever-changing. From the digitalization of the warehouse to the shifting supply chain, manufacturers are compelled to constantly evolve or fall behind. Trends throughout the years remain consistent with the changes going on in the world around us. The trends you come across in your daily life are also occurring throughout the manufacturing industry. Trends such as AI, sustainability, innovation, data, and much more. Although challenging, manufacturers are prioritizing transforming the future of the industry by staying informed of these current trends. Below are some further examples of the current trends happening in 2025.
Trend: Innovation – Invest and evolve!
Innovation is in; irrelevancy is out! Invest where your company needs it most to stay relevant in the industry. Consider improvements in areas such as technology, partnerships, education, analytics, employees, or anything else that may take your business to the next level. Investing in such areas will only further your competitive advantage in the industry. Those who seek these opportunities sooner than later will only reap more of the benefits!
Trend: Smart Factories – Digitalization is here to stay!
More and more manufacturers are turning to digitalization to keep their factories efficient and cost-effective! With help from a company like ORBIS America, your manufacturing company has the opportunity to create a personalized smart factory strategy. Using new digital technologies and solutions can provide a fast, reliable operating system that is constantly evolving to support customer and market needs.
Trend: Sustainability – Be proactive!
The state of our world is constantly changing. Whether it be environmentally, socially, or politically, new requirements and regulations regarding sustainability are frequently established for all industries. The manufacturing industry’s regulations and requirements are mostly environmentally focused. With the help of technology and “green” processes, your manufacturing warehouse can be transformed into a more sustainable one.! Reduce your waste and emissions with efforts such as recycling, renewable energy, improved carbon footprint, and better waste management. Be proactive and consider these improvements before you’re forced to incorporate them into your daily processes!
Trend: AI – Ready or not, here it comes!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere you look; social media, search engines, grocery stores, online shopping, and many other places. This new, advanced technology is taking the world by storm. What does that mean for manufacturing? Time to learn how to use AI to transform your business! Optimize your production lines, HR processes, training, and beyond with the use of AI. Here are some useful tips to consider when implementing AI. First, create an accepting workplace culture with regards to AI so employees are excited to work with AI, and not scared. Ensure your staff that their positions aren’t being replaced by AI but enhanced! Next, use AI to gather, preserve, and pass industry knowledge along to future generations. Using their expertise, employees can help train AI systems to become the best of the best. Lastly, redesign the leadership structure in your workplace to ensure successful AI implementation. Leaders will be transitioning from only managing employees to managing employees, AI, and the rules and regulations that come along with it. AI will become a useful tool within the manufacturing industry, but don’t overuse it. Aim to transition your company to a human-led, AI-assisted manufacturing company!
Trend: Data – Use it!
One key component of the digitalization of manufacturing is data. When properly collected and analyzed, manufacturers can use data results to reduce costs, improve efficiency, optimize quality control, and much more. Thanks to the technological advances in the manufacturing industry, it is becoming easier to obtain more data quickly. More data means identifying and solving problems faster and sooner, thus reducing downtime and costs. Long story short, data can help improve your business immensely when used correctly! As an SAP partner, ORBIS can help your company transition to SAP or work with your existing system to support Data Analysis initiatives. SAP does a great job of capturing data but lacks the analyzing function without special reports or solutions. For more information, check out the ORBIS Analytics MES Dashboard.
This year’s trends really focus on technological innovations and how to best use them. These are only a few of the ongoing trends the manufacturing industry will see in 2025. The new era of manufacturing is on its way – and its tech-heavy! What changes will you make in your warehouse?
