LIFT, the Detroit-based, Department of Defense-supported national manufacturing innovation institute in the Manufacturing USA network, together with LIFT Platinum Members Siemens and Kearney as well as LIFT partner SME, today released the results of a survey of U.S. manufacturers gauging their preparedness and location on the journey toward a smarter manufacturing future.
The comprehensive survey of 500 top leaders from small- and medium-sized across several large U.S. manufacturing sectors, was conducted in September 2021 and was presented and discussed during a roundtable discussion with manufactures at the WESTEC 2021 conference, sponsored by SME, in Long Beach, California in November.
According to the survey, 90% of industry knows they must make the move to smarter manufacturing to de-risk their organizations and labor supply, the concept of making such a move is complex and they aren’t sure the return on investment (ROI) can be fully realized, so they are looking for partners to help guide them along the way.
The study provided some clear guidance and pathways that could accelerate smarter manufacturing within organizations, namely increased funding, and consultation with experts in the space.