Manufacturers face significant challenges, including labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs, with 94% reporting unexpected expenses exceeding budgets in the past year. This report dives into why leveraging modern technology is critical for addressing skills gaps, improving operations, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

The manufacturing industry is facing unprecedented challenges. Rising costs, skills and labor shortages, supply chain snarls, and more are forcing leaders in the industry to reassess how they approach their operations. Heading into 2025, manufacturers need a clear picture of these challenges and how technology can help overcome them.

Quickbase surveyed over 500 manufacturing leaders in the US and UK – from directors to C-suite – to uncover their biggest challenges heading into 2025 and beyond. Respondents told us they’ve been impacted by sharply rising costs, experienced workers (and their crucial knowledge) aging out of the workforce, budget overruns, and more. Leaders in the manufacturing space need to find ways to use technology to strategically clear these hurdles.

Read this report to learn:

• The top challenges faced by manufacturers today
• Where technology can make an impact
• Key areas for manufacturers to prioritize change
• Effective change management
• Real-life examples of technological change for good in manufacturing

Methodology:
Quickbase surveyed 536 manufacturing leaders in the US and United Kingdom in October 2024, from Directors up to C-Level executives including COOs. This survey explored their biggest challenges in the workforce related to labor concerns, the skills gap, budget and project issues, and more. Respondents were decision-makers at various levels of manufacturing organizations.