Zebra Technologies Corporation’s 2024 Manufacturing Vision Study revealed that 87% of APAC manufacturers prioritise digital transformation, while 68% expect AI to drive growth by 2029, up from 46% in 2024. This highlights their intent to improve data management and leverage new technologies.
“Manufacturers often face challenges in effectively utilising their data,” said Christanto Suryadarma, sales vice president for Southeast Asia (SEA), South Korea, and Channel APJeC Zebra Technologies. “This is where AI and other digital technologies come into play to foster an agile and efficient manufacturing environment.”
Visibility gaps
The study found that only 25% of APAC manufacturing leaders have real-time, work-in-progress (WIP) monitoring across the manufacturing process.
While 63% of manufacturing leaders in the region expect to increase visibility across production and throughout the supply chain by 2029, they also consider the following challenges: agreeing on investment between IT and OT (38%) and keeping up with the pace of technological innovation and to securely integrate devices, sensors, and technologies throughout their facilities and supply chain (82%).
Augmenting the workforce
Some 76% of APAC manufacturing leaders plan to reskill labor to enhance data and technology usage skills, as 75% expect to augment workers with mobility-enabling technology.
To augment the workforce, APAC leaders use technology tools such as tablets (52%), mobile computers (53%), and workforce management software (62%). Around 65% plan to augment their evolving workforce with wearable mobile computers.
60% of APAC leaders rank ongoing development, retraining/upskilling, and career path development to attract future talent as a high priority for their organisations.
