In an era where the digital and physical realms are increasingly intertwined, the adoption of advanced, exponential technologies is no longer a luxury but a necessity for survival and competitive success.

The manufacturing sector stands at a crossroads. Industry 5.0 has begun to usher in a profound paradigm shift that challenges traditional manufacturing philosophies. The integration of technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and advanced robotics enable a level of precision, efficiency, and customization previously unimaginable.

The role of IT in this transformation is nothing short of critical. Advanced IT maturity will be essential in the effort to integrate new technologies into existing manufacturing ecosystems and enable seamless connectivity, data integrity, and system security.

Multiple factors are contributing to sluggish demand for chemicals globally, including a recession in Europe, inflation in the United States, and a smaller-than-expected rebound in demand from China. In addition, over-ordering during the pandemic has resulted in high inventory levels, leading to months of destocking. This is causing a slowdown in chemical output with many companies turning their focus toward reducing costs and improving efficiencies.

The pharma industry on the other hand, has seen breakthroughs in vaccine development, cancer treatments, GLP-1 drugs that are revolutionizing weight management, gene therapy and gene editing technology for rare diseases, and new treatments for complex diseases like Alzheimer’s. Yet the sector continues to experience under-performance in capital markets relative to the market index. Every cost-related line item is going up due to inflation, interest rates, new tax regimes, and an increasing threat environment.

Shreyas Shukla
Principal Research Director, Manufacturing Practice
Info-Tech Research Group

CIOs are under pressure to help enhance supply chain resilience and transparency amid global disruptions.

Navigating stringent compliance requirements for product safety, data protection, and environmental sustainability.

Accelerating the pace of innovation while managing costs amid intense pressure to shorten product development cycles.

Protecting proprietary formulas and clinical data from cyberattacks and leaks.

CIOs are struggling to balance the budget between maintaining existing IT infrastructure and investing in new, innovative technology solutions.

There is a persistent gap in finding and retaining skilled IT professionals who are proficient in the latest technologies.

New regulations are slowing down the implementation of new technologies and processes.

Cybersecurity risk management continues to lag behind sophisticated attacks targeting IP.

Recognize the urgency of adopting Exponential IT within the manufacturing industry to combat industry disruptions.

Comprehend the four priorities of Exponential IT transformations in the manufacturing industry that are being adopted today to remain competitive within the market.

Acknowledge the foundational capabilities and maturity required to begin an effective Exponential IT transformation, resulting in value creation.