Many of today’s manufacturing trends are in line with the industry’s goals to improve processes, create more efficiency, and meet consumer demand.

The manufacturing industry has seen challenges, from changes in the way people work to the rapid growth in demand, with many of these challenges accelerated by the recent covid-19 pandemic.

So, what evolutions and challenges are the manufacturing industry currently facing? Let’s dive into the latest manufacturing trends.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN MANUFACTURING?

• INCREASED DEMAND AND OUTPUT, DECREASING LABOR
• EMPLOYEE RECRUITING AND RETENTION
• DIVERSIFYING WORKFORCE
• TECHNOLOGY IS TAKING OVER
• CARBON NEUTRALITY
• SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION

INCREASED DEMAND AND OUTPUT, DECREASING LABOR

Despite a declining labor force, manufacturing output continues to increase. Now, increasing output isn’t a new trend in manufacturing. For example, manufacturing output has been expected to increase by 2.4 percent throughout the past decade.

Part of the continued increase in output is due to the rapid growth in e-commerce and consumer demand. This has pushed manufacturers to keep up with their consumers despite all odds.

Another reason for increased output is the changes in manufacturing factories and their companies. Technology is advancing, becoming more accessible, making these factories and companies more efficient and able to produce more with fewer people.

EMPLOYEE RECRUITING AND RETENTION

As manufacturers shed jobs due to advances in technology, they will still need workers to keep up with their increased demand. According to the Manufacturing Institute, the economic impact of unfilled positions in manufacturing can create productivity losses of up to $2.5 trillion by 2028. So, one of the manufacturing trends is employee recruiting and retention.

As technology changes this industry, employees need different skills for their roles. Manufacturing companies should be focusing on bridging the skills gap by offering training to grow employees’ skills while increasing compensation for employee retention.

Even better, continuous learning increases employee retention. In a study by The Manufacturing Institute, 69 percent of employees under the age of 25 reported that they stayed with their current employer because of training and development opportunities.

DIVERSIFYING WORKFORCE

Diversifying the workforce is one of the growing manufacturing trends. However, manufacturing has held a reputation for being a male-dominated industry. According to a study by the Manufacturing Institute, less than 30 percent of manufacturing workers are women. So, in 2021, the Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing Act was passed. This bill seeks to double the number of women-owned and minority-owned manufacturers.

According to Glassdoor, when applying for jobs, 76 percent of applicants look for company diversity. Diversifying the workforce is a trend that goes in hand with employee recruiting. It creates opportunities for new talent and can help make operations more resilient.

TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE INDUSTRY

Technology changing the industry has been and will be a manufacturing trend for some time. Technology is improving, becoming more accessible, and showing its benefits, so many manufacturers are investing in it more. Manufacturers need technology to keep up with the challenges of increased demand while facing a labor shortage.

Some technology tools companies are using include automation, sensors, Internet of Technology (IoT), robotics, predictive maintenance, and remote monitoring. These tools help manufacturers with the manual and repetitive tasks that they struggle to find the labor for. In addition, companies are evaluating their operations to make the best use of technology and people.

Frontline workers will likely expand their roles to take on new responsibilities. As technology automates processes, workers will need to use more communication, collaboration, and analytical skills. Technology will also offer more flexibility and safety for frontline workers, further helping with employee recruiting and retention.

Some manufacturers are even pushing the limit and testing our “dark factories”. These are fully automated factories without any human workers on site.

Industry 4.0 is what many refer to as this trend of technology. It’s a shortened term for what is being called the fourth industrial revolution. Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the above examples, can raise productivity by 40 percent.

CARBON NEUTRALITY

Combatting climate change is a priority on everyone’s mind and the manufacturing industry is no exception. The manufacturing industry produces almost a quarter of global greenhouse emissions. However, with the government pushing industries towards sustainability, manufacturing companies are rethinking their operations.

One manufacturing trend is carbon neutrality. Carbon neutral is when a company removes the same amount of carbon dioxide it emits into the atmosphere.

One way to introduce sustainability into your supply chain is with intermodal. Click here to learn more about how intermodal shipping can aid in your sustainability efforts.

Manufacturing companies can become carbon neutral by purchasing carbon offsets. An example of this would be a company sponsoring a solar energy farm or a project for reforestation.

Did you know Trinity recently became a Carbonfree Partner with Carbon Fund to offset our carbon emissions? Read more here.

RETHINKING SUPPLY CHAINS

Since the start of the covid-19 pandemic and the supply chain bottlenecks we continue to face, supply chain resilience remains a top manufacturing trend.

Supply chain bottlenecks like the covid-19 pandemic, high container costs and delays, severe weather, protests, and new regulations are a few of the disruptions that have shed light on manufacturers’ fragile supply chains.

Manufacturers continue to look for more resilience to keep up with consumer demand despite these challenges.

Improving communications with supply chain partners, onshoring or reshoring, and investing in supply chain technology are some of the ways manufacturers are making their supply chains more stable.

STAY AHEAD OF MANUFACTURING TRENDS

Whether you know what the latest manufacturing trends are or not, having an expert on your side is one easy way to stay ahead. And that’s just what Trinity Logistics aims to be.

Yes, our primary focus is as your logistics partner, but our People-Centric culture means we’re more than that. As a business relationship, we’re invested in your company’s success. We stay knowledgeable on what’s going on in your industry to help keep you updated. And we stand at the ready to offer your business any logistics support and expertise that you need.

Don’t miss your opportunity to gain a business relationship that stays on top of your industry’s trends and is people focused. Let’s get connected.