Manufacturing trends 2023
The manufacturing industry faces multiple changes in 2023, with the increased focus on becoming more sustainable, resolving problems with skill shortages and new technology bringing advanced optimised business processes.
Increased personalisation
Regardless of what industry you are in, consumers want and expect more personal relationships as it makes them feel special. This applies to the manufacturing industry; in 2023, more organisations will focus on bringing personalisation to their processes.
Consumers are increasingly getting more impatient with deliveries and in general communication, so, sending emails or sharing social media posts updating your consumers on order delays, stock delays, and delivery progress meets their needs and stops them from feeling like they have to chase the company for this information, building trust. Updates are a great way to make customers feel appreciated and cared for, resulting in higher retention rates.
Some great personalisation methods:
- Chat Bots – using AI, you can develop and improve how consumers get their queries, and questions answered to the best possible standard.
- Emails – Email marketing is a great way to capture your consumer’s attention by adding personal touches such as their name; you can use this to share information or recommend other products that your consumer may like based on past purchases.
Sustainability
Changing processes and materials to be more sustainable is an alteration multiple industries must incorporate. Due to the recent climate discussion at the COP27 summit, there need to be more climate-friendly practices within the manufacturing supply chain.
Consumers are actively making decisions based on whether a product is sustainable or not, so choosing environmentally friendly methods will improve customer relationships and satisfaction. Some sustainable changes that could be made in 2023:
- Recyclable materials
- Automation – Automation software can help you to track energy usage, waste that is produced each day and carbon footprint
- Suppliers – Local suppliers reduce transport costs and, therefore less emissions.
Skill shortage and meeting demand with decreased workforce
There is a current skill shortage in the construction industry that we’ve discussed previously, but one is also affecting the manufacturing industry. The issues stem from employees needing help finding workers with the skills, knowledge or expertise to fill open positions in manual, operational or highly technical fields.
To prevent skill shortages, more must be done to retain and prevent employees from leaving. Automation and incorporating technology into the manufacturing industry can improve the skills shortage. Automating tasks can free up time and allow more jobs to be completed. Automating dull tasks can improve productivity and let more essential jobs be done.
Supply chain disruption
The manufacturing industry will have hoped to leave the supply chain disruptions in 2022, but sadly, they will make their way into 2023. Due to inflation, driver and labour shortages and climate change all affecting how manufacturers are operating, it’s becoming a challenge.
However, in 2023, some manufacturers are choosing to go down their own route of owning their in-house logistics or acquiring logistic companies, meaning they haven’t got to rely on third-party suppliers. Another approach that they are taking is shortening the customer journey where it is a direct-consumer model, rather than going through the stages of the manufacturer to wholesaler or distributor to end consumer; this gives the manufacturers more control over price, quality and brand image, allowing them to have a closer relationship with their customers.
3D printing
3D printing has massively improved over the years, with more manufacturing companies joining to utilise this technology in 2023. It has become more flexible, cost-effective, reliable and accurate than ever before. Taking off in the design world and worth 13.7 billion USD in 2019, it is set to reach 63.47 billion USD in 2025.
In 2023, the manufacturing industry will utilise this more as it helps with prototyping and the personalisation of products. Still, it can also make repairs and maintenance a lot more straightforward, with manufacturers being able to print a replacement part faster rather than sourcing from an external supplier.
GAIN LINE
GAIN LINE isn’t your ordinary business consultancy, our experts guide you through a structured process to challenge you and keep you on track to make sure you come out of our process with tangible, practical actions that you and your team will buy into and have ownership of.
Our Sprint workshops take a deep dive into any business challenge within a protected and committed time-space.
If you want to overcome any business challenge in no more than two weeks, speak to our seasoned business consultancy experts on 0161 532 4449 or contact us here for a speedy response.