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Industrial smart manufacturing
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Making smart manufacturing a priority

Smart manufacturing provides the opportunity to boost productivity, agility and speed on a scale that has previously been out of reach. To explore what's driving this change and the progress that's being made Cognizant and Microsoft commissioned a survey of senior decision makers at 150 manufacturing organisations in both the UK and Ireland.

93% of the leading industrial manufacturers in our research told us they had a clear strategy for smart manufacturing, but levels of adoption and momentum vary.

Read our research to learn how employee welfare, sustainability goals and foundational technologies are influencing the push towards smart manufacturing, and how organisations are dealing with the risks and challenges that can prevent progress.

Read our report

Heralding an exciting new era for industrial manufacturers

With the greater connectivity and data that smart manufacturing brings, industrial manufacturers can improve quality and safety, optimise processes, minimise downtime and boost productivity. Our research delves deeper into the strategies that are helping the organisations to put the right foundations in place, and the challenges and opportunities they face.

Sustainability
is a major driver for change

Employee safety
comes first

Skill shortages
risk progress

Smart technologies
releasing value for cloud

Latest thinking

Close the smart manufacturing gap with real-world transformation expertise

Most manufacturers have explored AI, automation and connected operations, but many still struggle to scale success beyond individual pilots. Our latest playbook explores the practical steps needed to move from ambition to execution, helping organisations build connected data foundations, empower frontline teams and create a scalable approach to smart manufacturing transformation-resulting in a clearer path from isolated innovation to measurable business value.

Read the report
Physical AI: Close the smart manufacturing gap and turn potential into performance

AI is evolving beyond analysing data to directly influencing and automating real-world operations. Our latest perspective explores how physical AI can be embedded into machines, equipment and manufacturing workflows to enable real-time decision making, greater efficiency and faster responses to operational challenges. Featuring practical guidance, industry perspectives and real-world case studies, it outlines how manufacturers can turn AI investments into tangible operational outcomes at scale.

Read the report

Industrial manufacturers see how smart technologies can help them take a data-driven approach to improve employee safety and productivity.

32%

stated that improved safety was their most highly anticipated outcome from introducing smart initiatives – increasing to 35% for the largest organisations.

Industrial manufacturers aren’t just seeing smart technologies as a way to transform their manufacturing process, they also understand how they can progress their sustainability goals. For example, digital twin technology can remove the need for phyiscal testing of products to reduce energy consumption. 

91%

of industrial manufacturers told us they are working with suppliers to become more sustainable.

96%

believe that implementing smart manufacturing projects can contribute to sustainability and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

With more data, organisations can make better-informed decisions. 

35%

stated that improved access to data was their first or second most highly anticipated outcome from their Smart Manufacturing plans.

Industrial manufactuers were quick to adopt a cloud-first approach which is now forming the foundation of their smart manufacturing strategies.

84%

have used cloud computing to augment their manufacturing processes.

Organisations have the desire and strategies to push ahead with Smart Manufacturing. However a shortage of skills risks holding them back.

44%

told us that a lack of experienced talent is a major barrier.

Download our report to learn more about the opportunities, enablers and risks. 

FROM THE UK&I BLOG
  • /content/cognizant-dot-com/uk/en/insights/blog/articles
  • cognizant:industries/manufacturing

Author

Prasanth "PT" Thomas

Head of UKI Consulting for Manufacturing, Logistics, Energy and Utilities (MLEU)

Prasanth Thomas headshot

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