As economic pressures, global competition, and supply chain complexity persist, manufacturers are doubling down on smart technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Smart Manufacturing Survey, the momentum behind smart manufacturing—also known as “smart factories”—continues to accelerate, with manufacturers making strategic investments in automation, data, and digital infrastructure.
In this blog, we break down the key findings from Deloitte’s report and what they mean for manufacturers navigating the road ahead.
Smart manufacturing is no longer viewed as a future goal—it’s now seen as a key driver of competitive advantage.
Manufacturers that have already implemented smart technologies are reporting significant improvements in core business metrics:
These results suggest that even modest levels of smart technology adoption can lead to substantial operational gains.
A strong majority of manufacturers are backing their digital ambitions with real investment:
This financial commitment demonstrates a clear shift from experimentation to scale and impact.
When asked where they’ll be investing over the next 24 months, manufacturers revealed a mix of hardware and data-driven priorities:
Notably, data analytics appears across multiple categories as both a solution and core system investment, reflecting its central role in driving intelligent operations.
Technology adoption is widespread, but strategic focus is leaning towards core systems rather than bleeding-edge innovation. Current adoption rates:
While interest in advanced technologies, such as AI, simulations, and robotics, remains, manufacturers are primarily investing in foundational digital infrastructure to enable broader smart factory capabilities. Top core systems being prioritised:
Transformation at this scale requires dedicated leadership and cross-functional coordination.
Ownership of these initiatives typically sits with:
This highlights the importance of integrating both operational expertise and digital strategy to drive successful outcomes.
The Deloitte survey reinforces what many forward-thinking manufacturers already know: smart manufacturing is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a must-have for driving performance, resilience, and long-term growth.
Whether you’re just beginning your digital transformation or scaling up existing initiatives, the key lies in aligning investment, leadership, and technology to your strategic goals.
For manufacturers looking to remain competitive in 2025 and beyond, the time to act is now.
All statistics noted in this report and its graphics are derived from Deloitte’s 2025 Smart Manufacturing Survey, conducted from August to September 2024. The survey included a total of 600 respondents. Percentages in this report and its charts may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Respondents are executives from companies with an annual revenue of US$500 million or greater, more than 1,000 employees, and either headquarters or operations in the United States. Companies represented include consumer products, industrial products and construction, energy and chemicals, mining and metals, automotive, transportation, aviation, life sciences, and technology.
Read the full Deloitte report.
Credit - Deloitte Report Authors: Tim Gaus, United States | Michael Schlotterbeck, United States