**London**: A recent SYSPRO report highlights the surge in smart manufacturing technologies among manufacturers, revealing a shift towards AI, automation, and IIOT. Despite progress, challenges persist, with workforce issues and integration hurdles complicating wider adoption. American firms lag behind their Chinese counterparts in implementation.
A recent report from SYSPRO highlights the growing interest in smart manufacturing technologies among manufacturers and distributors, revealing a significant shift towards the adoption of advanced systems like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). Despite this momentum, the report underscores persistent deployment challenges that continue to hinder broader implementation within the sector.
The SYSPRO research, which compiles insights from numerous surveys, finds that manufacturers are progressively overcoming significant barriers such as high upfront costs and cultural resistance to change. According to the data, 37% of manufacturers are currently using automation and robotics, with AI and machine learning being adopted by 19% of the respondents and IIOT following closely at 18%.
AI and automation have emerged as primary focal points in digital transformation, with 40% of surveyed manufacturers identifying these technologies as essential priorities for their operations. They are followed by digital integration and the quest for real-time insights at 29%, along with cost management associated with adopting new technologies at 24%.
A notable emphasis is placed on AI, as 80% of manufacturers are either allocating resources for its implementation or are in the planning stages to do so. While only 12% have successfully deployed AI systems, approximately 57% of manufacturers are actively exploring potential use cases, and 11% anticipate rolling out AI solutions within the next year. “Manufacturers clearly see smart technology as the key to overcoming workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions. However, adoption is still challenging,” said Kelly Kucera, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at SYSPRO Americas.
The research further reveals that manufacturers in the United States are progressing, yet still lag behind their Chinese counterparts, where 45% have already implemented smart technologies. This disparity indicates a competitive gap that American manufacturers must address. Integration challenges continue to be a predominant concern globally, with 30% of manufacturers stating that difficulties in this area constitute a major obstacle. Additionally, 15% of manufacturers report struggles due to outdated systems, while another 15% cite limited scalability as an issue. Access to real-time data remains problematic as well, with 40% of leadership reporting challenges in obtaining timely insights.
Workforce issues continue to pose a substantial challenge, with 30% of respondents mentioning difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled labour. Other notable challenges include supply chain disruptions at 23% and cybersecurity risks, reported by 12% of manufacturers. “SYSPRO’s ERP solutions are designed to simplify this transition, providing the flexibility and integration needed for real-world manufacturing environments,” Kucera added.
The report suggests that AI and automation are pivotal to ERP implementation strategies within manufacturing. With 40% of manufacturers prioritising these technologies, it is increasingly important for ERP systems to incorporate advanced analytics and AI capabilities to boost operational efficiency. Notably, SYSPRO’s ERP offerings include AI-driven tools for demand forecasting, automated workflows aimed at minimising manual processing durations, and predictive maintenance solutions employing machine learning to reduce downtime.
Addressing the ongoing issues with real-time data access is critical, necessitating ERP platforms that enhance data visualisation, predictive analytics, and IIOT integration for better decision-making. Features such as real-time production monitoring dashboards, AI-driven analytics to preempt supply chain disruptions, and automated regulatory compliance reporting are essential for manufacturers facing these challenges.
Additionally, ERP systems hold the potential to mitigate the skilled labour gap by streamlining workflows. With 30% of manufacturers reporting difficulties in labour acquisition, ERP systems that automate repetitive tasks and provide training insights through AI tools are increasingly indispensable. SYSPRO’s solutions aim to assist in workforce planning with AI-based staffing recommendations and AI-generated training modules, while employing robotic process automation to alleviate the burden of labour-intensive tasks. These advancements allow skilled workers to focus on higher-value responsibilities.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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