Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2024. Read them in this 16th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
The Tech Future of Manufacturing in 2024: Key Trends and Predictions
By Adam Gluck, Co-founder and CEO, Copia Automation
As we move ahead into 2024, the manufacturing industry is poised to undergo significant transformations. Driven by advancements in technology and evolving industry practices, these changes promise to reshape how manufacturing processes are managed and executed. In this article, we delve into four critical tech trends that are set to redefine the manufacturing landscape in the year ahead.
1. The Accelerating Convergence of IT and OT
One of the most significant trends we’re observing is the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). For years, these two realms functioned separately within manufacturing organizations, but the boundaries are now blurring. This change is driven by the increased complexity of industrial software, necessitating a more integrated approach.
In 2024, we expect to see an inflection point in cloud adoption across the OT domain. As data management and application development increasingly move to the cloud, manufacturers will leverage its scalability and accessibility. Concurrently, the expansion of edge computing and hybrid architectures will enable quicker identification and containment of software issues, leading to faster response and recovery times. By processing and analyzing data on-premise while maintaining cloud connectivity, manufacturers can enjoy enhanced speed and security.
2. Emergence of Industrial DevOps
The concept of Industrial DevOps is emerging as a pivotal strategy in manufacturing. Factories today are run by an extensive array of software, managing everything from production lines to data aggregation. This complex technology stack necessitates standardized processes and tooling, for which DevOps practices are ideally suited.
Copia’s Industrial DevOps platform eliminates manual and tedious tasks and provides clear visibility of the code that is running on the plant floor for easy comparisons to previous versions. This superior visibility and control helps with troubleshooting and maintenance, resulting in decreased downtime and shorter recovery times. Any future tweaks to the code are automatically updated in the source control repository, avoiding any errors caused by manual updates, with automatic alerts flagging unauthorized changes.
Industrial DevOps brings superior control and visibility to the manufacturing process. By adopting solutions that offer version control, continuous integration and delivery, test automation, and collaboration for automation code development, OT teams can align more closely with business goals. This alignment is key to eliminating silos, accelerating innovation, and reducing risk. In 2024, the term “Industrial DevOps” will become more widely recognized and adopted, marking a significant shift in how we approach automation engineering in industrial settings.
3. Automation Fills the Workforce Gap
A persistent challenge in the manufacturing sector is the workforce gap, especially in technical roles like controls engineers. With a limited talent pool, automation is stepping in to fill this void. We anticipate significant investments in technologies like industrial AI, collaborative robots, and software automation.
This trend is especially pronounced in software, where the shortage of skilled personnel is driving the adoption of tools that maximize the productivity of existing developers. Automation tools that simplify coding, streamline debugging, and provide self-service access will be crucial. These tools will not only enable lean teams to accomplish more but will also play a vital role in meeting the increasing consumer demand for products.
4. Macro Outlook: Cautious Optimism
Looking at the broader picture, the manufacturing sector faces ongoing challenges, including supply chain disruptions and inflation. However, the overall economic outlook for the industry remains positive. Strategic investment in automation, software innovation, and workforce development will be crucial for manufacturers to find growth and resilience, regardless of market conditions.
As we embrace these trends, it’s clear that 2024 will be a year of significant transformation in the manufacturing industry. The integration of IT and OT, the rise of Industrial DevOps, the increasing reliance on automation to fill workforce gaps, and the overall optimistic economic outlook, are all converging to redefine the landscape of manufacturing. At Copia Automation, we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation, helping manufacturers navigate these changes and emerge stronger and more efficient.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam Gluck, Co-founder and CEO, Copia Automation
An early hire on Uber’s driver engineering team, Adam was a founding engineering strategist at Uber, working on the company’s driver app and playing an instrumental role in redesigning Uber’s overall microservice architecture. Adam founded startup Copia Automation with Matthew Lee on a mission to accelerate the digital revolution within US manufacturing. Adam and Matthew were recognized in 2022 on Forbes “30 Under 30” for driving a movement to reshape manufacturing through software innovation. Adam received a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree in Sociology from the University of Chicago.
