Manufacturing has been in contraction for the last few years, while geopolitical risks are heightened and tariffs have created additional uncertainty, yet the future is starting to look bright. Investments and expansions are picking up. The most successful manufacturers will position for success by preparing for opportunities, mitigating risks and building resiliency and capabilities.
In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson outlines three priorities for the year ahead. These priorities set the foundation for resilience, growth and sustained success in an increasingly complex environment.
Medical products manufacturing is gaining momentum as companies want to build resilience to mitigate risk in the supply chain. Executives have realized that they must better control their end-to-end supply chain to ensure supply as geopolitical risks, vulnerabilities, and disruptions continue to arise while tariffs also push companies to build domestic capacity.
Priorities that power the triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance are gaining momentum. Sustainable advancements, smart manufacturing and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence are trending as they can deliver win-win improvements, supporting profitable growth and success.
Manufacturers must reexamine the role of technology and data in driving real-time business performance. Markets shift, demand changes and supply disruptions emerge overnight. The best-performing manufacturers are those that can plan and pivot because they trust their data, have optimized ERP and utilize SIOP.
During volatile times of heightened uncertainty, companies typically batten down the hatches to save money and avoid rocking the boat. As the business outlook pivots to the positive, demand will be stimulated, providing huge opportunities for those companies prepared to scale rapidly with AI and advanced technologies and serve customer needs.
What's trending in manufacturing was highlighted at the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) Annual Meeting. From discussions on utilizing AI to what's trending in water, data centers, geopolitics, supply chain and foundries, we provide highlights, stats, and implications for the future of manufacturers and extended supply chains.
Robots aren’t just a futuristic concept—they’re already transforming how manufacturers and distributors stay competitive. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson uses the example of Amazon to explain how robotics are filling labor gaps, boosting productivity and enabling greater flexibility across supply chains.
Check out Lisa Anderson's new ebook, AI & Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing, how manufacturers and distributors can harness AI and advanced technologies to drive business performance, customer value, and bottom-line results.
As companies navigate tariffs, geopolitical risks and high interest rates, there is an emphasis on reducing costs and inventory levels to free up cash and maintain profit levels while successfully serving customers’ ever-changing needs. The most successful companies are upgrading their planning processes and rolling out automation and advanced technologies.
