How to Overcome Uncertainty and Predict the Future of Discrete Manufacturing

Discrete manufacturing is changing. Are you prepared?

 In the past, discrete manufacturing was characterized by “sameness.” Each product was the same. Sales and shipping processes remained the same year after year. Whether you worked in the office or on the shop floor, every day felt the same.

Now, everything has changed. 

The changes began before COVID. First, labor flexibility opened up. Then, the selling process shifted as big-box retailers required EDI integration, and manufacturers suddenly became fulfillment partners. Now, many discrete manufacturers maintain their own complete eCommerce stores, MTO is increasingly common as customers demand control over their purchases, and dynamic pricing has the power to change your profitability by the minute. 

Discrete manufacturing is entering a new and uncertain era. Almost nothing is the same anymore – and it’s hard to imagine the coming years. 

Here are just some of the top challenges manufacturers will grapple with over the next few years: 

• Turbulent Legislative & Economic Policies

After decades of relative global stability, today’s volatile international environment comes as a shock to most of us. 

It’s a strange world: Supply chains break overnight. Tariffs and political maneuvering drive up costs. Offshoring flits in and out of fashion, and restrictive regulations and requirements impact every aspect of a modern manufacturing business. 

• Ever-Evolving Global Expectations

Manufacturing has always been an industry that people trust to help overcome obstacles. And right now, the world has a lot of obstacles. 

Long-standing manufacturing processes and models are in flux as different countries seek to solve different challenges. These challenges require manufacturers to explore solutions involving the circular economy, servitization, and technology like AI and automation. 

• Kaleidoscopic Paths for Opportunity

What’s happening tomorrow, next quarter, or next year? If we’ve learned anything from the 2020s, it’s that none of us can predict the future. 

However, savvy manufacturing leaders can ensure that they have accurate, timely insight into emerging trends so they can forecast probable future scenarios and be prepared to act faster than their competitors. 

How This Discrete Manufacturing White Paper Helps You Overcome Uncertainty

Complex issues require complex research, and to tackle future challenges, you need to understand that research. But you don’t have time to interpret pages and pages of charts and graphs. You have a manufacturing company to run. 

That’s why the team at Platform Technology Advisors is pleased to bring you a different kind of white paper. 

This white paper starts with the data from an in-depth IDC-Sage research report on manufacturing leaders around the globe, but it doesn’t stop there. Instead, it takes your understanding that critical step further by bringing in actionable commentary and analysis from acclaimed expert Professor Frank Piller, the cofounder of MIT’s Smart Customization Group, who BusinessWeek and The Economist frequently quote.

Access the white paper now and spend your next coffee break building your knowledge about: 

• The impact of changing legislation on manufacturers
• Digital transformation and the promise of emerging technologies
• 4 tips for changing the culture and strategic approach of your manufacturing company

It’s time to prepare your discrete manufacturing company to handle our era of uncertainty.  

Access the White Paper to Get Started

At Platform Technology Advisors, we are your strategic technology partners, specializing in ERP systems like Acumatica, Sage Intacct, Sage X3, and Sage 100. With over 300 years of combined experience, 27+ full-time experts, and a 100% go-live success rate, we deliver results that empower businesses to scale and innovate. Our expertise extends to custom development and integration, including our proprietary iPaaS, DataMap.Tools. More than implementation, we focus on transformation — optimizing operations and simplifying complex systems to drive success. Contact us to learn more.