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Title: People, Processes, Tech: How Manufacturing Leaders Can Succeed In 2025
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve and grow, it is crucial for leaders to stay ahead of the curve by focusing on the trifecta of people, processes, and technology. By boosting employee engagement, morale, and retention, sourcing and integrating new technologies, and modernizing processes with those technologies, manufacturers can position themselves for future success.
First and foremost, manufacturing leadership must prioritize investing in their workforce. A 7% drop in morale among workers and a 7% drop in managers’ self-reported high morale rates from 2023 to 2024 is alarming and should prompt immediate action. It’s essential to recognize that only 45% of workers rated their morale as high, while 57% of managers believed it was high – a significant disparity that can lead to increased turnover if not addressed. To boost engagement and retention, organizations must increase communication with staff by providing benefits such as bonuses, paid time off or flexible work schedules, and using more effective technology to offset higher employee costs. Additionally, incorporating training programs offered by industry associations like the National Association of Manufacturers, Society of Manufacturing Engineers or The Manufacturing Institute can aid in closing skills gaps and improve retention.
Next, it is essential to modernize processes by embracing the latest technologies. As per our survey results, only 39% of workers and 52% of managers believe their workplace is “very modern.” This is not a comparison to competitors but rather an expectation set by the technology used in everyday life. A modernized approach should involve digitization, data collection and management, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices across factories. These technologies can increase efficiency, save costs, prepare for future scenarios, and free up workers from repetitive tasks so they can focus on more complex activities.
Lastly, integrating these new technologies seamlessly into existing operations is vital. This integration requires careful planning, the right vendor partnerships, and substantial employee training or messaging around internal adoption. It’s not a one-time process; continuous evaluation and investment will be necessary to stay ahead of the curve.
Source: www.forbes.com
