Top emerging manufacturing industry trends for 2025

Are you ready to lead the manufacturing revolution, or will you be left behind?

Technology isn't just evolving; it's revolutionising the very core of how businesses operate – within and across sectors. From the precision of AI and rising cyber security risks to the transformative power of Industry Cloud Platforms, the stakes are high - and so is the potential for opportunity. At Zühlke, we don't just predict these changes; we help you turn them into your competitive edge.

Are you interested in discovering which transformative technologies have emerged and are set to have the greatest impact in the future? We have analysed the Gartner® report, 'Top Innovative Technology Trends for Manufacturing Operations in 2024', and explain what these manufacturing industry trends mean for your business in the coming months. 

1. AI: Moving from hype to a real game-changer in manufacturing

AI is no longer a futuristic concept – it's a transformative reality. In particular, the meteoric rise of generative AI has focused attention on practical AI applications that deliver measurable value. Gartner®, for example, highlights AI-based image processing systems redefining manufacturing. These technologies enable manufacturers to:

• Process steering and automation: AI systems like the Zühlke solutions implemented for Martin GmbH or Kanadevia Inova offer exceptional precision and far exceeds the automatic optical inspection that has been in use for many years.
• Streamline operations: Enhance workplace safety and efficiency with AI-driven automation.
• Drive cost savings: Reduce operational expenses with smarter, data-based decisions.

But here's the catch: AI is only as good as the data driving it. At Zühlke, we specialise in tackling poor data quality – a challenge that undermines AI effectiveness. For example, our collaboration with Brückner Maschinenbau and the implementation of machine learning in the production process showed how robust data governance can unlock AI’s full potential.  

Looking ahead, AI Agents are poised to become the next major breakthrough in manufacturing. These intelligent systems, capable of autonomously making decisions and optimising operations, require not just high-quality data but also robust Industry Cloud Platforms to operate effectively. These platforms, as described by Gartner®, refer to specialised cloud-based solutions designed to address the unique needs and challenges of specific industries, e.g. Siemens MindSphere. Such platforms provide the scalability, interoperability, and infrastructure needed to deploy AI Agents across complex manufacturing environments.

This seamless integration of AI Agents with Industry Cloud Platforms will empower manufacturers to move beyond isolated use cases, unlocking end-to-end automation, predictive insights, and a new level of operational efficiency. Transitioning to this advanced approach isn’t optional – it's the next step in staying competitive.

2. Industry Cloud Platforms: The engine of innovation

Industry Cloud Platforms, combine industry-relevant capabilities – including preconfigured workflows, analytics, APIs, and data models – into a single offering and have become a transformative force in manufacturing.

With these platforms, manufacturers can:

• Increase transparency (IoT, data) to optimise their production in terms of sustainability, efficiency, or overall equipment effectiveness.
• Enhance flexibility, enabling the use of the same production lines for different products (Smart Factory).
• Improve and stabilise quality, operational technology (OT) security, and resilience.
• Offer additional services such as predictive maintenance or intelligent device management.
• Reduce IT complexity while accelerating innovation.
• Increase efficiency by streamlining workflows, reduce downtime, and optimise resource allocation to drive operational excellence. 

3. Cybersecurity: Safeguarding your systems and products

Did you know manufacturing became the most targeted industry for cyberattacks in 2024? According to Gartner®, more than a quarter of all global cyberattacks were aimed at manufacturing in 2023, and the number of attacks on systems in production or essential operations has increased.

Traditional IT security is no longer enough as attackers shift focus to targeting operational technology (OT). The result? Disrupted production, breach of customer data or assets, and lost revenue. Manufacturers are also facing newly established product security regulations such as the Cyber Resilience Act.

Zühlke helps manufacturers stay one step ahead with tailored cybersecurity services and DevSecOps practices. By embedding security into every stage of development, we ensure your systems are resilient, scalable, and prepared for tomorrow’s threats. 

4. Sustainability: Turning compliance into opportunity

Sustainability will also play a central role, as sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it is an opportunity to do business better. Digital threads – Gartner® defines them as data-driven frameworks connecting product life cycles – are paving the way for circular economies, improving traceability, and optimising resource efficiency.

At Zühlke, we help you integrate these frameworks into your operations, aligning sustainability goals with profitability. From compliance to keeping your competitive advantage, together we will ensure your business stays ahead of the curve. 

Industry Cloud Platforms will continue to occupy a key role and gain further significance. According to the Gartner® report, the proportion of large manufacturers using these platforms will rise to over 60% by 2027, as they are increasingly leveraged to accelerate business and product innovation while reducing technical debt in IT and OT architecture.

The topic of cybersecurity in manufacturing will also continue to evolve, particularly as the integration of DevOps and security becomes more critical. With the increasing complexity of connected systems and the proliferation of cyber-physical technologies, manufacturers will need to adopt DevSecOps practices to embed security into every stage of development and operations.

What does this mean for manufacturing leaders? A blueprint for 2025 success

For business leaders and decision-makers, these manufacturing industry trends are more than buzzwords; they're a call to action. The rapid pace of innovation demands a strategic approach to technology adoption. The question isn't whether to embrace these technologies, but how to do so effectively.  

The key to successful implementation is to align technology initiatives with business objectives, ensuring every investment contributes to long-term growth and competitiveness. Assessing the feasibility and business value of new technologies will help identify areas with the highest impact. Further, engaging cross-functional teams and breaking down silos will be essential for fostering innovation and collaboration.

We support you with an innovation ecosystem of long-standing partners:

• Strategic AI deployment: From data readiness to AI integration, we make AI work for your business.
• Enhanced security: Safeguard your operations with our expertise in OT security and DevSecOps.
• Innovation enablement: Unlock the potential of Industry Cloud Platforms for new revenue streams.
• Sustainable growth: Achieve compliance and competitive advantage with our sustainability frameworks.