A recent survey by Deloitte highlights a significant shift in the manufacturing industry towards smart manufacturing investments. According to their 2026 Manufacturing Industry Outlook, 80% of the 600 executives surveyed plan to allocate at least 20% of their improvement budgets to advanced manufacturing initiatives.
The survey identifies advanced solutions as a critical driver of manufacturing competitiveness. Companies that have already implemented these technologies report substantial gains, including a 10% to 20% increase in production output, a 7% to 20% boost in employee productivity, and a 10% to 15% increase in capacity.
The period leading up to 2026 looks promising, particularly for the metalworking sector, with machinery orders projected to grow by 40.3% between October 2024 and October 2025, according to data from the Association For Manufacturing Technology. As such, industry experts emphasize that now is the time to embrace automation.
Automation offers manufacturers enhanced speed and efficiency, crucial for improving quoting capacity, employee productivity, and fulfillment times. Companies like Methods Automation highlight the benefits of working with a single partner for all automation needs, ensuring smoother processes without the need for coordinating multiple vendors.
The move towards smart manufacturing is not just about staying competitive today, but securing a stronger position in the industry landscape for the future. Methods Automation and similar companies provide the expertise and end-to-end support necessary to navigate this transition, ultimately helping manufacturers expand their production capabilities and competitive edge.
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