Strategic moves for 2024

As we navigate 2024, forward-thinking manufacturers are looking ahead to the anticipated economic recovery in 2025. In this context, investing in automation emerges as a strategic decision for corporate success as market conditions improve.

Automation: A Competitive Advantage for Manufacturing

Deloitte’s 2024 Manufacturing Outlook (1) further supports this view, highlighting the urgent need for manufacturers to adopt digital transformation and smart factory solutions to remain competitive. The report shows that an overwhelming 86% of manufacturing executives surveyed believe that smart factory solutions will be a key driver of competitiveness over the next five years (1).

Economist Alan Burriou, president of ITR Economics, strongly advocates this proactive approach. He emphasizes the importance of investing in automation and robotics now to prepare for future growth, warning that “companies that do not invest in automation now will be struggling to catch up when the economy improves in 2025” (2). His expert insights underscore the urgency of adopting automation solutions that: Palletizing System In the current economic climate.

Labor shortage expected to worsen

Research suggests that in addition to the anticipated economic recovery, the labor shortages that manufacturers currently face are unlikely to abate and are expected to worsen. According to Deloitte (3), even if all skilled workers in the United States were hired, there would be 35 percent more unfilled jobs in the durable goods manufacturing sector than skilled workers available to fill them. Predict It is projected that the U.S. will be short more than 2 million manufacturing workers by 2030.

The labor shortage is expected to worsen. There are currently about 40 million baby boomers remaining in the labor force, making up 25% of the total labor force, and many are in traditional manufacturing roles. As these baby boomers retire, younger workers are increasingly choosing jobs with better working conditions and compensation, and are avoiding manufacturing positions.

Cobots bring automation within reach

Recent automation innovations have made this transition easier than ever. Collaborative Robot (Cobot) PalletizerIn particular, they have made significant advances in performance, flexibility, and integration compared to previous products. These advances have democratized automation, making it no longer the exclusive domain of large manufacturers. Now even small and medium-sized businesses can leverage these technologies to compete effectively in the global marketplace.

Key examples of this new wave of accessible automation include: Robotiq Lean Cobot PalletizerSolutions designed with ease of use and flexibility in mind. These systems implement the principles of Lean Manufacturing to provide cost-effective (ROI of less than 1 year), space-efficient, and rapidly deployable solutions for businesses of all sizes. Robotiq cobot palletizers demonstrate how modern automation can be tailored to the specific needs of each manufacturer, regardless of the size of the operation.

By embracing these innovative solutions, manufacturers can not only prepare for the economic recovery, but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. As we look to 2025 and beyond, those who invest in smart, flexible automation solutions like cobot palletizers will be well positioned to thrive in the evolving manufacturing landscape, turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s competitive advantages.

references

(1) Deloitte. “Manufacturing Outlook 2024.” https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/manufacturing/manufacturing-industry-outlook.html

(2) Control Engineering. “Manufacturing, World Economy 2024-2025: Short-Term Pain, Then Growth.” https://www.controleng.com/articles/manufacturing-global-economy-2024-2025-short-term-pain-then-growth/

(three) Creating a Path for the Future Workforce Today
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/manufacturing/manufacturing-industry-diversity.html/#the-future