News and Insights
Smart Factories, AI, Supply Chains and Data: MLC’s 2025 Surveys
MLC’s 2025 surveys show manufacturers advancing digital maturity, AI, and data use, but facing hurdles from legacy systems, data gaps, workforce resistance, and supply chain disruption.
The Best of the Manufacturing Leadership Journal 2025
A best-of collection from Manufacturing Leadership Journal 2025 highlights key insights on AI, digital twins, supply networks, sustainability and data governance. These articles offer practical strategies for leading manufacturing through rapid transformation.
Digital Manufacturing in Action at GM’s Cadillac Plant in Tennessee
GM’s Cadillac plant in Tennessee uses robotics, AI and automation to improve safety, quality and efficiency, including battery inspections and a robot installing seats on a moving line.
Using AI to Boost Supply Chain Visibility and Resiliency
AI improves supply chain visibility and resilience with real-time data, predictive insights, and automation. It helps manufacturers anticipate disruptions, respond faster, and reduce downtime across operations.
Digital Tools for Manufacturing Resilience
Manufacturers are increasing investment in cloud, GenAI and digital supply chain tools to boost ROI, resilience and workforce development amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Laying the Foundation for More Circular Manufacturing Supply Chains
Manufacturers can build more circular supply chains by partnering across the value chain, using advanced technologies for traceability and planning, and engaging customers with incentives that support reuse, repair, and recycling.
Best Practices for Cultivating Collaborative Manufacturing Ecosystems
Manufacturers can strengthen ecosystems by organizing data, building trust with partners and conducting risk assessments. Shared insights improve inventory, quality, resilience and customer satisfaction.
Smart AI Moves: Build Your Supply Chain Step by Step
Build a strong AI foundation before scaling supply chain transformation. Focus on clear goals, cost-benefit analysis, and support across people, processes, data, and technology.
Survey: Tariff Tumult Roils Supply Chains
More than 40% of manufacturers say tariffs are already hurting supply chains, with rising costs the biggest impact. Most are turning to digital tools, analytics and resiliency efforts to boost visibility and reduce disruption.
Four Ways to Leverage Spatial Computing in M4.0 Supply Networks
Spatial computing can boost M4.0 supply network resilience through safer training, real-time facility data visualization, and shared virtual collaboration for faster disruption response.
The Foundations of Enabling an M4.0 Supply Network
Manufacturing 4.0 supply networks require digital visibility, collaboration and agile execution. Treating suppliers as an extension of the business helps improve quality, speed and resilience.
Smart Factories and Supply Chains Thrive with Connectivity
Smart factories use IoT, AI, 5G and advanced analytics to improve visibility, agility and efficiency. Manufacturers are also addressing legacy equipment, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions with connected, data-driven solutions.
Resilient Supply Chains and the Digital Thread
Digital thread principles improve supply chain resilience by enabling real-time, contextual data flow, better metrics, and integrated redesigns across operations. Lean practices and advanced analytics help reduce risk and improve agility.
How to Boost Competitiveness Through Supplier Collaboration
Leading companies are turning supplier collaboration into a strategic advantage by integrating planning, procurement, and suppliers to boost innovation, resilience, and performance. This approach can improve customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and create mutual growth.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Balancing Today’s Needs with Tomorrow’s Challenges
Sustainable supply chain management balances current operations with future growth through smart location planning, efficient facility design, and resilient business continuity. Packaging, transportation, and risk preparedness also support long-term performance.
Harnessing Manufacturing 4.0: A Supply Chain Perspective
Manufacturing 4.0 tools like AI, IoT, and cloud computing can transform supply chains with better visibility and real-time decisions. Success depends on cloud platforms, predictive analytics, data integration, and strong change management.
How Will GenAI Prompt a Step Change Toward Autonomous Supply Chains?
GenAI could accelerate autonomous supply chains, but most companies are still reassessing projects amid risk and implementation hurdles. Success is far likelier for firms with a strategic vision, AI-ready data, and strong cyber protections.
Meet the Manufacturing Leader of the Year
Dan Dwight of Cooley Group, named 2024 Manufacturing Leader of the Year, credits digital transformation success to transparency, resiliency and agile culture. Cooley Group is now expanding its Manufacturing 4.0 efforts into supply chain resiliency.
Technologies for the Factory of the Future
Manufacturers can future-proof operations by using data, AI, IoT and digital tools to improve sustainability, resilience and supply chains while reducing waste and downtime.
Manufacturing and Supply Chains in 2030
AI, digitalization, automation, and supply chain resilience will reshape manufacturing by 2030, raising costs but improving efficiency. Companies will need strategic investment to stay competitive.
