Rockwell Automation, one of the world’s leading companies in industrial automation, informatization and digital transformation, has released the ninth edition of its Smart Manufacturing Status Report: Consumer Products Edition. The global survey received responses from 158 consumer goods manufacturing executives, covering home and personal care, food and beverage manufacturers in 17 countries and regions.
This year’s report details the evolution of the consumer goods industry, focusing on how emerging technologies can unlock workforce potential, improve forward planning, and minimize risk. Consumer goods executives acknowledge that failure to adapt to industry transformation can stifle growth and reduce competitiveness, especially in manufacturing. If the manufacturing sector fails to effectively address today’s workforce challenges, there will be 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.
Key findings from the global survey include:
Labor issues, inflation, and the energy crisis are some of the major external obstacles facing consumer goods manufacturers in 2024.
86% of consumer goods manufacturers are using or evaluating smart manufacturing technologies in 2024.
Technology investment increased 26% year-over-year, from 21% to 27% of the operating budget.
Blockchain technology is listed as one of the top 10 investment areas for consumer goods manufacturers to focus on in 2024, ranking second overall.
Training current employees to familiarize themselves with new processes is the biggest workforce-related obstacle facing consumer goods manufacturers in 2024.
Product quality is a top priority for consumer goods manufacturers’ ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) programs.
“In a complex and constantly changing environment, many leading consumer goods manufacturers are realizing that supporting their employees is a critical factor in determining success.” Steve Deitzer, Vice president of global Industry Consumer products at Rockwell Automation, said, “This annual report highlights the need for consumer product manufacturers to prioritize workforce development, which means ensuring employees are trained to apply emerging technologies. Only in this way can we meet industry challenges and achieve sustainable development.”
Today, consumer goods manufacturers are prioritizing technologies such as smart manufacturing and automation to enhance and enhance the value of their employees, thereby attracting, hiring and retaining existing talent.
“Rockwell Automation wants to be a trusted advisor to consumer goods companies around the world, and this belief is supported by our deep industry expertise and comprehensive industry solutions.” “No matter where companies are in their digital transformation and smart manufacturing journey, we can meet their needs and help them become sustainable,” Deitzer said.
