{"id":7529,"date":"2020-10-07T09:10:08","date_gmt":"2020-10-07T13:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=7529"},"modified":"2026-02-12T04:59:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T09:59:52","slug":"3-manufacturing-trends-accelerated-in-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/3-manufacturing-trends-accelerated-in-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"3 manufacturing trends accelerated in 2020: How to prepare for what\u2019s ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/technology-innovation\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Technology &amp; Innovation<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3 manufacturing trends accelerated in 2020: How to prepare for what\u2019s ahead\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2020-10-07T09:10:08-04:00\">October 7, 2020<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"3 manufacturing trends accelerated in 2020: How to prepare for what\u2019s ahead\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/3-manufacturing-trends-accelerated-in-2020\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/mikestein\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/09\/Mike-Stein_Headshot-Three-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Mike Stein Headshot\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Mike Stein<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>2020 is a year no one is likely to forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturing professionals are familiar with supply chain and production disruptions, but no one could have predicted the challenges of a global pandemic. Perhaps more than ever, the industry has been pushed to embrace new standards in every aspect of manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what developments should manufacturers look to adopt to make themselves more agile in an ever-changing environment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mike Edgett, the U.S. product marketing director for the medium segment at Sage, recently spoke with several industry media on three trends accelerated by 2020 and illustrated the tactics manufacturers need to seize now to stay ahead of the curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a summary of his insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-trend-1-the-push-for-sustainable-practices\">Trend 1: The push for sustainable practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of the far-reaching economic effects of the pandemic, consumers are educating themselves more on the impact of supply chains on the environment. Eco-friendly practices are now a forefront buying decision, especially for younger consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Edgett tells the <a href=\"https:\/\/retailandhospitalityhub.com\/manufacturing\/manufacturing-industry-updates\/why-sustainability-will-matter-post-covid-19\/\">Retail and Hospitality Hub<\/a> that early adopters of eco-friendly supply chain techniques and visibility will be viewed as industry leaders in this field. As a result, manufacturers need to examine their practices to best meet consumer demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sustainable practices, Edgett tells <a href=\"https:\/\/industrytoday.com\/report-sustainability-now-paramount-to-manufacturers\/\">Industry Today<\/a>, begin when manufacturers \u201cdefine relevant areas such as potential raw material shortage or environmental concert and analyze their current systems, reworking to set achievable goals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to a market report by Sage and IDC, the top three sustainability efforts focus on product recycling, low\/no-emission internal logistics, and low\/no-emission internal supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Edgett stresses that now is the time for manufacturers to act and make investments that will give them a competitive advantage in sustainable practices post-COVID. There are two guiding principles manufacturers should take on as part of this process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Go above and beyond existing regulations<\/strong>. Manufacturers need to move past a pass\/fail regulation criterion and become ever-evolving organizations that strive for excellence. Not only will this give companies a competitive advantage, but it also means they won\u2019t be caught off guard by future expansions in environmental regulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be transparent and take on corporate accountability<\/strong>. Traceability is key here. It increases internal visibility to spot disruptions or potential issues and external visibility to raise accountability. This transparency will only help earn the consumer\u2019s trust and loyalty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-trend-2-investing-in-the-right-technology-to-increase-operational-efficiency\">Trend 2: Investing in the right technology to increase operational efficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Sage and IDC market report, ensuring supply chain optimization includes modernizing and updating IT-related operations and infrastructure, improving traceability and predictability, and reducing cost through waste elimination. Additionally, 64% of distributors, specifically supply chain and ecosystem-focused distributors, are choosing operational excellence as the number one priority for their digital transformation vision.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary \"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#\"\n\t>Download the Sage and IDC study today to learn more about digital transformation in the food &amp; beverage industry<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Companies look to compensate for operational shortfalls by investing in ERP systems, but outdated systems add technical debt that sets manufacturers back. Lack of data visibility in these systems leads to time wasted looking at past data rather than current numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-business-cloud\/sage-x3\/\">Modern, integrated systems<\/a> offer seamless communication across supply chains and promote asset maintenance to reduce material consumption and waste. This real-time data accessibility ultimately enhances services and value delivered to the customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/erpnews.com\/v2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/ERP_News_Magazine_issue_10_August_2020.pdf\">Edgett tells ERP News<\/a>, ERP solutions that leverage the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) provide a \u201cholistic view of the operation, monitor how the product was packed, where the product is on the delivery truck, even what temperature the product is being stored in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Particularly for F&amp;B manufacturers, using technology to monitor operations has always been a critical piece of production. But with changing demands and expectations, outdated ERP systems can be a hindrance for businesses to adapt to the new normal. Manufacturing companies must pivot to meet changing demands to reach the goal of operational excellence\u2014leveraging IIoT will only get them there faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-trend-3-expanded-worker-safety-practices\">Trend 3: Expanded worker safety practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>COVID-19 has put expanded precautions and worker safety practices at the forefront of importance for manufacturers. While safety has always been a priority, the need for social distancing, expanded use of PPE, and sterilization has changed expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many ways, the need to have fewer employees physically present in facilities has forced manufacturers to accelerate their digital transformation plans, including investments in AI and RPA, Edgett tells <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodmanufacturing.com\/supply-chain\/article\/21140637\/food-manufacturers-tackle-new-normal-processes-and-technology-to-take-into-consideration\">Food Manufacturing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies are strategically looking at their floor plans to allow for social distancing, hiring third-party cleaning crews to sanitize locations, experimenting with UV sterilization of air flow, and even turning to robotics to help clean while workers are off duty. The use of AI and RPA to aid with these safety measures helps manufacturers keep costs down while still meeting and exceeding regulations that are sure to stick around for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-in-conclusion\">In conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the manufacturing industry faces an unknown new normal after the pandemic, the initiatives businesses take on now will only help them become more safe, efficient, and sustainable in the future\u2014changes that will win over loyalty and ensure business success.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2020 is a year no one is likely to forget. Manufacturing professionals are familiar with supply chain and production disruptions, but no one could have predicted the challenges of a global pandemic. Perhaps more than ever, the industry has been pushed to embrace new standards in every aspect of manufacturing. So, what developments should manufacturers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1113,"featured_media":4230,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[348,48,49],"tags":[304,269,251],"business_type":[41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[52,53],"persona":[98],"imagine_tag":[233,231,237],"coauthors":[779],"class_list":["post-7529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-free-guides-templates","category-technology-innovation","category-trends-insights","tag-digital-transformation","tag-food-beverage","tag-manufacturing","business_type-growing-business","industry-food-beverage","industry-manufacturing"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Mike Stein","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/05\/manufacturingoperarator.jpg","imagine_tags":{"233":"Medium Businesses","231":"Start up business","237":"Supply Chain Management"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1113"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7529"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7529\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/4230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7529"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7529"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7529"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7529"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7529"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7529"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7529"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}