SYSPRO, a global ERP software provider for the manufacturing and distribution industries, released consolidated results from several surveys that show manufacturers are eager to adopt new technologies such as AI, automation and IIOT. The new research includes: a poll of 128 manufacturers conducted at its Fall 2024 SPARK Customer Roadshow, responses from an October 2024 Trends Webinar Survey, and over 360 data points from interviews with manufacturing leaders conducted in collaboration with Frost & Sullivan. According to a press release by the company, major findings from the three research surveys include: Complex manufacturing companies are beginning to embrace smart technologies A significant number of manufacturers are overcoming barriers of high upfront costs and internal resistance to change, to adopt technologies such as automation and robotics (37 per cent), AI and machine learning (19 per cent) and industrial internet of things (IIOT) (18 per cent) technologies. Looking ahead to 2025, AI and automation (40 per cent) lead in their digital transformation priorities, followed by enhancing digital integration and real-time insights (29 per cent) and managing costs while adopting new technologies (24 per cent). Most manufacturers have plans for AI Forty per cent of respondents said that implementing AI and automation was their No. 1 priority when it comes to digital transformation, and 80 per cent are either devoting resources to AI implementation or are making near-term plans to do so. Twelve per cent have already deployed AI (differentiated from machine learning) or are actively in the process of doing so, while almost six in 10 (57 per cent) are actively researching use cases, and another 11 per cent plan to deploy AI within the next 12 months.  Manufacturers face significant technical hurdles that impede adoption of new technologies Almost one in three (30 per cent) say they have difficulty integrating new technology, while 15 per cent say outdated systems are creating inefficiencies, and another 15 per cent suffer from limited scalability to meet future needs. Manufacturers face difficulty providing real-time data and analytics Another significant challenge manufacturing leaders face is the inability to obtain real-time data so they can make quick, data-driven decisions (40 per cent). Analytics can provide a solution to this problem, but only 23 per cent have made implementing analytics a key technology priority for the coming year. Additionally, almost one-quarter (24 per cent) are not using any kind of analytics at all. Skilled labor shortage remains a serious challenge for manufacturers When manufacturers were asked about the biggest challenges they expect to face in 2025, the number 1 response was their ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce (30 per cent), followed by supply chain disruptions (23 per cent) and cybersecurity (12 per cent).  “Manufacturers clearly see smart technology as the key to overcoming workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions. However, adoption is still challenging,” said Kelly Kucera, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at SYSPRO Americas. “SYSPRO’s ERP solutions are designed to simplify this transition, providing the flexibility and integration needed for real-world manufacturing environments.”