The Top 10 Digital Transformation Trends in Manufacturing for 2023

A Smith
5 min readSep 22, 2022

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Source: freepik

Manufacturing has changed drastically in the last decade, and it continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate. Digital transformation is driving manufacturers to leverage big data and artificial intelligence in order to stay competitive and keep up with demand from customers who increasingly want higher-quality goods in less time.

The following are some of the top trends that will shape digital transformation in manufacturing over the next 10 years, so if you’re involved in this industry, it’s important to stay up-to-date on them as it reflects or make digital transformation consultations that ensure to make the right decisions.

How Digital Transformation Affects the Manufacturing Industry?

Robots, automation, 3D printing and other advances will completely disrupt the manufacturing industry. The traditional model of making a product then selling it to customers is disappearing.

Today’s manufacturers are collaborating with their suppliers and consumers to co-create products that would not have been possible before digital transformation. A new industrial revolution is happening now where industries will compete not just on who has the cheapest labor but on what technologies they can bring to the table.

Trends That Will Dominate Manufacturing in 2023

Analytics and Intelligence (AI, Machine Learning)

Analytics and Intelligence (AI, Machine Learning) There are many digital transformation trends happening across the manufacturing industry.

However, few have the potential to disrupt manufacturing as much as analytics and intelligence (AI, Machine Learning).

Imagine manufacturers that can predict machinery failures or reduce costs by predicting when raw materials will be needed. The opportunities are endless.

Enterprise Mobile Solutions

Manufacturers will continue to focus on how to improve their workforce’s efficiency, deliver innovative customer experiences, and generate new revenue streams.

Increasingly, this will be through harnessing digital transformation trends that allow manufacturers to better engage with customers at every stage of the customer journey.

Manufacturers will explore how best to use enterprise mobile solutions such as electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems and mobile workforce management (MWFM) platforms to achieve these goals.

Cloud Computing

One of the biggest trends happening in manufacturing is Cloud Computing. Manufacturers can have their business up and running quickly and inexpensively by using the Cloud, which eliminates the need to invest a lot of money upfront. It also provides quick recovery if something should happen to your system, as it’s stored on remote servers and can be accessed from anywhere.

Artificial Intelligence (AI, Chatbots, Virtual Assistants)

Manufacturers should take the time to leverage artificial intelligence, chatbots, and virtual assistants to improve employee productivity, customer experience, and equipment maintenance. This technology can be used to automate simple tasks so that employees can focus on more valuable work.

For example, a bot can schedule routine tasks such as fixing equipment and updating inventory levels. AI algorithms are also able to improve predictive analytics by detecting patterns that might be difficult or impossible for humans to notice.

Smart Factory Automation

Modern factories are primarily reliant on people who specialize in production and typically have low-skilled workers performing manual tasks, increasing the odds of error.

That’s why smart factory automation is such a critical component to any digital transformation strategy that wants to stay competitive. To learn more about how technology is disrupting manufacturing, visit our infographic or speak with one of our experts.

Internet of Things (IoT) & Industrial IoT (IIoT)

Internet of Things (IoT) & Industrial IoT (IIoT) is a powerful combination that will help you take your business to the next level. You’ll see dramatic improvement in productivity and efficiency, streamlined inventory control, and better regulatory compliance.

In addition, you’ll be able to focus on key data points instead of drowning in a sea of information.

Cybersecurity & Industrial Security

Cybersecurity in manufacturing is a growing issue, with cyberattacks on manufacturing facilities doubling in the last year. Many of these attacks are remote and give hackers the ability to control machinery remotely. Some common targets are third-party suppliers that offer software updates or provide cloud storage services.

Other targets include ICS (Industrial Control Systems) networks, which control equipment in factories like conveyor belts and pressure vessels; robots; assembly lines; and other factory systems.

Robotics Process Automation (RPA)

Robotics Process Automation, or RPA, is one of the top trends driving digital transformation in manufacturing. To put it simply, RPA is a form of artificial intelligence that automates repetitive tasks and makes them more efficient. It enables firms to shift their attention to higher-value activities that cannot be automated with RPA technology, such as innovation and quality assurance.

Blockchain Technology & Cryptocurrencies (Crypto Coins / Tokens / Mining )

Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies are two key areas of the digital transformation that manufacturing must make. Blockchain is a digital ledger or decentralized, distributed ledger technology which enables users to execute transactions or maintain ledgers with one another without a need for third-party verification.

Cryptocurrencies are forms of currency that rely on cryptography in order to provide a secure financial infrastructure. Ethereum (ETH) is an example of a cryptocurrency and has risen sharply in value over the past year.

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), Wearable Tech

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Wearable Tech have already begun to have an impact on the manufacturing industry.

Whether it’s making inspections easier with virtual documentation, simplifying maintenance with augmented reality instructions, or empowering workers through immersive training in VR — this emerging tech has made its way into countless applications that serve as a valuable asset to manufacturers.

By investing in these digital transformation trends now, companies can position themselves to reach their full potential in 2023

Conclusion

Manufacturers need to continue to focus on new technologies that can help them grow their business and compete. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, the Internet of Things, industrial automation, and the internet of things will all play a pivotal role in digital transformation in manufacturing. By incorporating these new trends into their businesses while they’re still evolving will provide manufacturers with an edge over their competitors.

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A Smith
A Smith

Written by A Smith

Albert Smith is a Digital Marketing Manager with Hidden Brains, a leading enterprise web & mobile app development company specializing in IoT, Cloud & Big Data