Advanced Manufacturing Outlook Report now available

The Advanced Manufacturing Outlook Report is now available for free download on the PLANT website. The report is a breakdown of the in-depth study of the survey undertaken in June and July of 2021, and the roundtable discussion that took place on Aug. 11 that discussed the survey’s results.

The annual survey asked manufacturing industry leaders and executives a number of questions around the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the advent of COVID-19, and how it has effected manufacturing businesses as they look to stay competitive in a changing economy.

Manufacturers were asked questions around 5 key categories:

• Engagement – How applied were Industry 4.0 upgrades and advanced IIoT-enabled solutions
• Data – Were IIoT solutions being used to collect data and how was that data being used
• Investment – How much capital was being devoted to IIoT upgrades and what areas were manufacturers focused on
• Process – How and where manufacturers were applying advanced technology solutions, and what technologies were they taking advantage of
• Security – What was the level of cybersecurity at manufacturing businesses, especially post-IIoT upgrades and in the face of increased cyberattacks

The roundtable on Aug. 11 dove into the survey’s results, with key manufacturing leaders and industry personnel providing valuable insight into where manufacturing is headed in a post-pandemic climate. The key points highlighted at the roundtable emphasized the ongoing labour shortage, cybersecurity concerns, and supply chain constrains battering the sector.

The report provides manufacturing leaders with valuable insight as they head into 2022, illustrating prescient trends and areas to focus on as they head into the future.