61% of industrial businesses have rated their digital progress as poor or adequate, according to research from Forterro.
The research study found that manufacturers are not turning connectivity into actionability, resulting in missed opportunities for business growth.
Despite growing investment, digitalisation often remains disjointed, with underused data, disconnected systems, and a lack of end‑to‑end visibility continuing to limit business impact. Forterro’s findings show that 76% of companies do not fully exploit their data, while 56% still depend on manual or paper‑based processes, and only half of manufacturers have a clearly defined digital roadmap.
Structuring the digital transformation has become strategically necessary, particularly when considering everchanging UK legislation, like packaging EPR, which requires stricter control over financial flows, compliance and data integrity for packaging supply chains. Digital maturity is an efficient tool for businesses to connect systems and enable leaders to make more informed, strategic decisions.
The research found that automation is central to continuity during unpredictable times, with 74% of organisations who have invested in automation reporting improved responsiveness to unexpected events, such as the current energy crisis. The research also found that data-driven companies achieved productivity gains of up to 50%.
The study also highlighted how connected systems can protect margins, by combining data automation with best-in-class customer service. 61% of manufacturers believe that improved use of digital solutions is essential to controlling costs and increasing efficiency, with 67% viewing them as essential for expanding into new markets.