5 Ways to Future-Proof the Manufacturing Sector: Alexis Asks

In the manufacturing industry, evolution in technology is rapidly advancing, driven by digital transformation, economic shifts and the ongoing need for resilience.

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Though January has felt like an entire year in itself, we are only weeks into the year 2025 and already so many pictures of the future are changing. In the manufacturing industry, evolution in technology is rapidly advancing, driven by digital transformation, economic shifts and the ongoing need for resilience. According to West Monroe's 2025 Manufacturing Industry Outlook, there are 5 key trends that will define the sector in the coming year.

1. Building a Resilient Supply Chain

The disruptions of the past few years have made supply chain resiliency a top priority. Manufacturers are investing in things like diversifying suppliers and adopting real-time supply chain visibility tools to mitigate risks. 

"The future of resilient supply chains will be built on a foundation of transparency, collaboration and real-time data sharing between manufacturers and their suppliers. Organizations that master this and transform their supply networks into dynamic, interconnected ecosystems will be better positioned to weather any disruption," says Jeremy Tancredi, partner, supply chain lead, West Monroe.

2. Revitalizing M&A in Manufacturing

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity is poised for a resurgence in 2025, as companies look to consolidate and expand capabilities.

"The focus in manufacturing M&A has shifted from pure acquisitions to strategic value creation. The most attractive targets are those that can demonstrate quantifiable operational improvements through digital transformation and data analytics capabilities. But successful value creation requires organizations to maintain focus and discipline throughout execution , particularly when implementing technology changes that can take multiple years to fully realize their value," says Emilie Butler-Olimb, lead, M&A consumer & industrial products, West Monroe.

3. Accelerating Smart Manufacturing

More than half of companies are anticipating full digitization by 2030. Manufacturers that integrate these technologies will gain a competitive edge through improved productivity.

"Companies need to differentiate between focus on a project and focus on strategy. When I say smart manufacturing, I’m looking not only at how we connect equipment and deploy solutions, but really looking at connecting that with the people, the processes, and the data. An overemphasis on the technology section really can miss the mark and help under deliver on some of the promised potential," says Kris Slozak, director, consumer and industrial products, West Monroe.

4. Harnessing AI for Manufacturing Transformation

From AI-driven predictive maintenance to intelligent strategy, AI is driving innovation and operational excellence. West Monroe found that AI & machine learning accounts for 32% of tech with the most significant impact on manufacturing in the next 12 months.

"The true value of AI in manufacturing will not come from point solutions alone, but from creating an integrated ecosystem where data, analytics, and decision-making work together seamlessly across the enterprise. Success requires moving beyond siloed applications to develop a comprehensive strategy that turns data into actionable intelligence at every level from the shop floor to the top floor," says Sanket Dave, partner, technology, West Monroe.

5. Strengthening Cybersecurity in Manufacturing Operations

As manufacturing becomes more interconnected, cybersecurity threats are escalating. Ransomware attacks are pushing manufacturers to invest in cybersecurity. 

"The key question every manufacturer needs to be able to answer in today’s threat landscape is simple but critical: If your IT environment was compromised, could you still run your OT operations, or would everything shut down? The answer to this question reveals how well-prepared you are for modern cybersecurity challenges," says Christina Powers, partner, technology, West Monroe.

Manufacturing in 2025 will be defined by resilience, innovation and strategy. Companies that embrace these trends will unlock new growth opportunities and excel in the hard times, and the good. 

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