The manufacturing industry is facing multiple challenges that are driving the adoption of automation-enabling technologies. As with many other industries, manufacturers are grappling with challenges created by the Great Resignation and a general shortage of available workers. Research shows that 65% of manufacturers struggle to fill job vacancies. To make up for unfilled roles, 82% of manufacturers are exploring new and innovative ways to invest in workforce enablement and optimization. In addition to workforce issues, manufacturers have also been forced to navigate around volatile supply chains in recent years, driven largely by the pandemic and material scarcity.
The ways manufacturers are addressing these challenges today is shaping the future of manufacturing and supply chain operations. Of the smart manufacturing technologies businesses have invested in, process automation produces the biggest ROI according to 33% of companies. So, how are companies strategically deploying automation-enabling technology to maximize ROI?