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Survey Results: The State of Digital Manufacturing 2021

In our latest survey, The State of Digital Manufacturing, we asked large and mid-sized manufacturers worldwide, how they are taking on the challenges of digitalization, the pandemic and more.

A digital revolution is well underway in manufacturing and has been accelerated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This revolution is changing the way companies produce and sell products and services. From internal operations to customer experience, manufacturers across industries are gearing up for change. Customization, from the customer buying experience to the factory floor, is essential for gaining a competitive advantage and long-term customer loyalty. To help manufacturers keep up-to-date with these developments, we’ve released this report, focusing on how manufacturers are responding to smart manufacturing initiatives. The state of digital manufacturing is quickly changing are you ready?

We’re giving a sneak preview of some of the most telling results here, if you’d like the full results download the eBook here!

In short, 2020 disrupted the state of manufacturing across the globe

The impact of recent economic times didn’t slow digital transformation efforts, in fact, the majority of respondents said they have continued or accelerated their efforts. Supply chain optimization is the most critical digital transformation investment initiative among manufacturers during the current economic uncertainty, here’s what we found:

The direct impact of the pandemic

COVID-19 has given credence to many of the trends manufacturers we’re heading towards before the pandemic. An online buying journey for customers, improved quote efficiency, and automation Now that these challenges are clear, less face-to-face customer interaction, slow inefficient process, and lack of data it’s time to change how you work internally and interact with customers before it’s too late.

Many of our respondents noted the next generation of manufacturing buyers, ones who will be accustom to a fully online buying journey, with little or no interaction with sales reps or engineers. “It is all about customer experience in our industry, we need to make it easy for the next generation of entrepreneurs. We need to create value together with our customers and partners.”

Strategic Areas and Investment Initiatives

With the pandemic disrupting all areas of manufacturing many companies are trying to optimize and automate processes from sales to supply chain. Many also believe increasing product quality and driving sales through specific initiatives can help bolster growth now, while building up to future success post-pandemic.

As one respondent noted, “To avoid being obsolete as an incumbent firm, the digital transformation is multidimensional with internal, external and customer changes.”

The importance of a multidimensional approach to digital transformation is critical. Focusing on internal processes can lead to a better customer experience. Without reworks, and order errors customers are more likely to get their products faster and accurately. Manufacturers have also been looking for ways to enable customer-self service, this is nearly impossible without automating processes.

This is why many manufacturers are taking a holistic approach when looking for solution providers. Finding one solution that can bridge the gap between internal operations and customer experience can be a major driver of both revenue and product development.

Where to next?

COVID-19 has given credence to many of the trends manufacturers we’re heading towards before the pandemic. Faster operations, an enhanced customer experience, and of course cutting edge products. Now that these challenges are clear, less face-to-face customer interaction, slow inefficient process, and lack of data it’s time to change how you work internally and interact with customers.

With rapid changes in the market and a focus on customer satisfaction, manufacturers must leverage new solutions to enable the customer to do more while also improving internal operations. Today’s modern manufacturers need to transform their sales pitch to gain the attention and purchasing power of potential customers. That all begins with Tacton’s Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software. CPQ enables manufacturers to optimize every aspect of the buying and selling journey. From supply chain to reducing costs and providing customer self-service. CPQ can truly transform how companies do business.

Learn more by downloading the complete survey results for more info or schedule your personalized demo today!


Michael Brassea

Michael Brassea