4 trends that will shape the manufacturing industry in 2017

Jewel Hazelton
Jewel Hazelton is an editor and content writer. She specializes in providing advice small to mid-size companies looking to maintain their businesses growth. In her free-time she enjoys cooking, traveling, doing yoga and enjoying her local Atlanta neighborhood.

The manufacturing industry contributes at least $2.09 trillion to the United States economy and in 2016, manufacturing spending reached its highest level in over a decade, with the growth index hitting 53.5 percent in December. There are great opportunities for optimization and automation through leveraging new technologies we have not seen in years past, which leads to an optimistic future. In the years ahead, we will continue to see an evolution in global manufacturing.

Let’s look at what trends will influence growth in the American manufacturing industry over the next year.

Top manufacturing trends in the United States

Automating manual processes

Using manual processes to manage everyday tasks slows down the workflow. Many manufacturing companies are still using the outdated systems they installed decades ago. In 2017, you’ll notice companies in the industry switching to automated systems. Automated systems allow for agile and efficient operations, enable better business decisions, improve quality control, create cost-savings and deliver a consistent product. Imagine a factory run by just a couple of people and the activities executed by machines and robots.

Preparing for the factory of the future

The manufacturing industry is continuing to evolve. A recent RSM Manufacturing Monitor Survey showed that more than 60 percent of United States manufacturers are expected to increase their budgets in 2017 and to invest in new state-of-the-art mobile and supply chain technologies as well as CRM systems.

What else can you start doing to today to prepare for the future? Begin working with your IT department to develop a strategic plan. This will help you assess how much budget you should set aside for the next decade and help your organization plan for an expanded workforce.

Predictive analysis for a competitive advantage

Many industry professionals are adding business management systems to their operations to gain competitor and customer insights.  Manufacturers are increasingly using predictive analytics from to grasp how they can prepare for the future.  With enhanced access to new data, the construction industry will be able to easily spot changes in inventory and make more informed decisions when planning for future projects.

Going mobile

Mobile technology is becoming more integrated into the everyday business operations. In 2017, you can expect to see more manufacturing teams moving toward a mobile-friendly solution. As the industry continues to evolve it’s very important for manufacturing professionals to adapt to change and go mobile.  Businesses that have already implemented mobile technology noticed improved communication, collaboration across teams, increased efficiency, avoided unforeseen errors, simple integration with accounting platforms and faster order and invoice processing.

2017 is going to be a year full of new growth opportunities for the manufacturing industry. These new technology trends will benefit your organization by ensuring that you are planning efficiently for new growth opportunities coming your way.

Are you looking for ways to improve productivity in this ever-changing manufacturing industry? Download our eguide below to learn more.

4 trends that will shape the manufacturing industry in 2017

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