Data has always been critical to process improvement and quality control in manufacturing. It is also the main driver of research and development. Manufacturers use data on the performance of their existing products to embed more features, update technology, and introduce new upgrades or novel products that perform better and thereby deliver greater value to their customers and their companies.

Since the beginning of 2020, there has been a constant state of uncertainty punctuating global markets and supply chains as the COVID-19 pandemic causes large-scale disruptions and chaos. As 2023 approaches, the uncertainty is fueled by war in Ukraine and Eastern Europe and a brewing financial crisis and talent shortages. Manufacturers must figure out ways to circumvent or overcome these challenges through strategic moves centered in technology. One thing is certain where value creation through technology is concerned: businesses and manufacturers in particular will move toward solutions that can deliver value with minimal internal efforts, solutions that are intuitive, easy to use, and can be scaled to meet challenges worldwide.

Even before the pandemic hit, manufacturers were struggling to fill vacant positions globally. Several factors contributed to this workforce shortage: skill gaps, the perception of low wages, lack of interest in manufacturing, lack of diversity, and an aging skilled workforce. Then the pandemic added the additional stress of demand-triggered layoffs in some sectors and excess work in others, leading to mental health and safety concerns, which added to manufacturers’ woes.