With 2025 on the horizon, the industrial production sector is undergoing transformative changes driven by technological advancements and shifting market dynamics. Reports from leading companies, including Omron and Kyndryl, outline five key trends reshaping the industry and presenting both opportunities and challenges. These trends will not only redefine processes but also dictate how companies operate within the increasingly complex technological ecosystem.
First on the agenda is data-driven automation, marking a significant shift from traditional maintenance approaches to predictive and prescriptive models. According to Omron, the integration of advanced sensors and data analytics will enable companies to intervene at the first signs of equipment wear and tear, thereby reducing downtime and boosting overall operational efficiency. This evolution signifies the heart of autonomous production, wherein data becomes central to decision-making processes.
Next, the need for adaptability and smart technology is more pressing than ever. The complexity of modern production environments demands flexibility to respond to rapid changes. Systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will be pivotal, helping companies immediately adjust machine parameters to maintain consistent quality. High-resolution inspection systems will also play a role, allowing for the detection of microscopic defects, which can be corrected instantly to minimize waste.
Co-creation is another trend highlighted as key for innovation. Partnerships among companies, universities, and research institutions allow organizations to transcend their limitations. By collaboratively developing new technologies and materials, companies not only accelerate innovation but also align their solutions with market demands. This collaborative approach fosters environment conducive for rapid technological advancements.
Alongside these trends, energy efficiency has become imperative, driven by sustainability demands. Omron points out the advantages of gallium nitride (GaN) technology over traditional silicon-based devices. GaN components provide superior power management capabilities with reduced footprint and heat generation, which is particularly valuable for the automotive sector, especially for electric vehicles requiring high efficiency and performance optimizations.
The spotlight on ethical AI continues to grow as industries integrate AI technologies more extensively. The focus now shifts to ensuring these systems make transparent and verifiable decisions. Companies are increasingly tasked with maintaining control over operations, even as they leverage AI's benefits. This discussion has gained traction as autonomous factories reshape operational landscapes.
According to Kyndryl’s analysis, the manufacturing sector is faltering against outdated systems. Despite identifying high-quality IT tools, many leaders worry about the age of their technologies, with only 31% feeling adequately prepared to handle future risks. The 88% who believe their tools are top-tier must grapple with the reality of legacy systems, which pose substantial impediments to progress.
Kyndryl emphasizes the impending need for significant investments across various sectors. For the manufacturing industry, connectivity through 5G networks and hybrid systems is fundamental for enabling the rapid processing of vast data streams required by AI technology. Those investments are imperative to strengthen operations and data management capabilities as the digital transformation march continues.
The financial services sector faces its own unique challenges as it grapples with regulatory changes and the surging demand for digital transactions. Here, Kyndryl forecasts continued investment aimed at leveraging cloud and AI technologies to achieve agility and compliance. Unlike the manufacturing sector, financial leaders express greater confidence about their IT infrastructure, with 91% believing it’s state-of-the-art. Yet concerns about obsolescence loom just as large, with 45% reporting fears of imminent technology failures.
The convergence of payment application ecosystems is expected to simplify user experiences, catering to the demand for seamless and secure transactional processes. AI's integration will also be pivotal, enhancing fraud detection and regulatory compliance, especially as fintech companies pressure traditional banking institutions.
Healthcare sectors, having faced immense global pressures, are also on the path of modernization. Kyndryl emphasizes the role of advanced technologies and AI to navigate this complex environment more efficiently. Notably, telemedicine and integrated clinical data frameworks promise to increase access to quality care, yet only 36% of health leaders believe their infrastructure meets modern standards.
The Italian healthcare system is leveraging national recovery plans to accelerate digital transformations, aiding institutions to adopt technologies more quickly. The emphasis is on personalized care, data management efficiency, and cost optimization as they transition toward sustainability and resilience.
Lastly, the overarching trends reflect how 2025 will be instrumental for industrial production and technology fields. Companies needed to navigate the incorporation of AI, address security requirements, and engage verbosely with co-creation as they move toward more autonomous and efficient operations. All sectors must balance between investing for efficiency and managing legacy concerns to remain competitive amid rapid technological changes.
