The State of Manufacturing Technology 2015

A new white paper examines technology innovations that are revolutionizing the plant floor.


Troy, Michigan – A new white paper shows that a host of emerging technologies are converging on the shop floor to transform how things are made – from tracking products across a global supply chain to materials handling, shop safety and product quality. The inaugural Plex State of Manufacturing Technology examines the use of technology by more than 130 leading manufacturing organizations.

Download this paper to: 

  • See how cloud solutions are demonstrating real improvements in plant productivity, process improvements, and product quality
  • Gain the insight on how manufacturers are continuously experimenting adapting and leveraging mobile, wearable, and IP-enabled tools and machines to improve all aspects of their operations
  • Understand how cloud solutions are already transforming manufacturing innovation

Here are some of the key findings from a survey of more than 130 manufacturers: 

  • Manufacturers embrace new technologies in their operations: 
    • 55% of respondents use IP-enabled tools and machines
    • 92% employ hand-held scanners
    • 48% use sensors
    • 27% use low-power Bluetooth, a technology that is just emerging
  • Cloud solutions shown to improve operations: 
    • 74% of respondents have achieved improvements in process integration as a result of using cloud technologies in their operations
    • 66% saw improvements in plant productivity 
    • 61% experienced better quality 
  • Technologies deliver real-time access to data for global supply chains: 
    • 81% of respondents have improved mobile access to data as a result of cloud technologies
    • 80% use consumer mobile devices like tablets and webcams in their manufacturing operations
  • Cloud technologies enable innovation: 
    • 40% drew a direct correlation between cloud technologies and their ability to innovate over the next five years

Download the paper here.

Source: PLEX