What the ‘2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report’ Reveals
Insights shaping the future of modern manufacturing
Manufacturing leaders around the world are navigating an environment defined by rapid technological change, workforce challenges, and increasing pressure to improve productivity while maintaining resilience. As digital transformation accelerates, many organizations are exploring how smart manufacturing strategies can help them adapt and stay competitive.
Technologies like artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and connected systems are reshaping how manufacturers operate. But understanding where the industry is heading—and how other leaders are approaching these changes—can help organizations make more informed decisions.
That’s where Rockwell Automation’s 10th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report comes in.
A Global View of Manufacturing Transformation
The 2025 report draws insights from more than 1,500 manufacturing leaders worldwide, providing a comprehensive look at how organizations are approaching industrial transformation.
Across industries and regions, the research highlights a common theme: manufacturers are increasingly turning to smart manufacturing technologies to solve complex operational challenges while positioning their organizations for long-term growth.
These technologies are helping companies:
- Improve operational efficiency
- Increase product quality
- Address workforce skill gaps
- Strengthen supply chain resilience
- Support sustainability initiatives
By combining real-world data with industry analysis, the report offers a valuable perspective on how modern manufacturing strategies are evolving.
Key Themes Emerging Across the Industry
One of the most important insights from the report is the growing alignment between technology adoption and workforce development. Many manufacturers recognize that digital transformation is not just about implementing new systems—it’s about empowering people to use them effectively.
Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are also gaining momentum, with organizations exploring how these tools can enhance decision-making, optimize production, and unlock new levels of visibility across operations.
At the same time, manufacturers are continuing to invest in modernization efforts that connect systems, streamline operations, and enable more flexible production environments.
Turning Insights into Action
Beyond highlighting industry trends, the report also introduces a Technology Adoption Plan designed to help manufacturers translate insights into practical next steps.
For organizations evaluating how to begin or accelerate their digital transformation journey, this framework provides guidance on how technologies and strategies can work together to support smarter operations.
By learning from the experiences of other manufacturers, teams can better understand where to prioritize investment and how to approach modernization with greater confidence.
Explore the Full Smart Manufacturing Report