A recent study by Nasdaq-listed Zebra Technologies reveals that 61% of manufacturers anticipate that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a key driver of growth in the sector by 2029, a notable increase from 41% in 2024.
These findings are highlighted in Zebra’s ‘2024 Manufacturing Vision Study’, published on June 21st.
Digital Transformation: A Top Priority
The study indicates a significant surge in AI adoption, coupled with 92% of survey respondents prioritizing digital transformation. This emphasizes manufacturers’ determination to enhance data management and utilize advanced technologies for improved visibility and quality throughout their production processes.
However, achieving this digital transformation presents challenges, including the cost and availability of labor, the scalability of technology solutions, and the integration of IT and operational technology (OT).
Visibility: A Key to Transformation
Zebra’s research highlights that visibility is the first crucial step in achieving digital transformation. Embracing AI and other innovative technologies empowers manufacturers to leverage data more effectively, allowing them to identify, react to, and prioritize issues and projects.
This, in turn, results in incremental efficiencies across the manufacturing process, leading to significant initial impacts.
Enrique Herrera, Zebra Technologies manufacturing industry principal, emphasizes the difficulties manufacturers face in utilizing their data effectively. He notes that AI and other digital tools are essential for creating agile and efficient manufacturing environments.
Zebra aims to help manufacturers by automating and augmenting workflows, fostering collaboration between humans and technology on the plant floor.
Addressing Visibility Gaps
Despite manufacturers recognizing the importance of digital transformation, achieving a fully connected factory remains a challenge. According to Zebra, a significant visibility gap exists, with only 16% of global manufacturing leaders reporting real-time, work-in-progress (WIP) monitoring across their entire manufacturing process.
While a majority of manufacturing leaders aim to improve visibility across production and the supply chain by 2029, integrating IT and OT investments remains a major barrier.
The study also reveals that 86% of manufacturing leaders feel challenged by the rapid pace of technological innovation and the secure integration of devices, sensors, and technologies within their facilities and supply chains.
Zebra believes its solutions can help enterprises enhance data security, manageability, and analytics, leading to improved business performance.
Augmenting the Workforce with Technology
Manufacturers are adapting their growth strategies by integrating and augmenting their workforce with AI and other technologies. The goal is to transform manufacturing processes and build a skilled workforce over the next five years.
This includes reskilling labor to enhance data and technology usage skills, and augmenting workers with mobile technologies like tablets, mobile computers, and wearable devices.
Prioritizing Quality Improvement
With the need to achieve more with fewer resources, the quest for quality has become more urgent. The survey identifies real-time visibility, keeping up with regulations, data integration, and traceability as the most pressing quality management issues.
To address these, manufacturers plan to implement technologies like robotics, machine vision, radio frequency identification (RFID), and fixed industrial scanners in the coming years. These automation solutions are driven by factors like the need for high-value tasks for the workforce, meeting service level agreements, and increasing plant floor flexibility.