Rockwell Automation announces the initial findings of its 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing in Spain study, based on surveys of 70 Spanish manufacturers. This survey reveals the main challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies for the industry. The main conclusions of this study include:
• Cybersecurity through AI and ML is the most important reason to invest in smart manufacturing: 87% of companies surveyed in Spain stated that they have invested, or plan to invest in the next 12 months, in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This figure is slightly higher than the European average, which stands at 84%.
• Empowering and supporting people with technology is crucial: Most European companies are considering investing in greater automation, but among Spanish companies, this only ranks 3rd, at 37%. Spanish companies plan to outsource work to contractors (47%) and introduce AI/ML technology (43%), both above the European average for these options, which are 32% and 33%, respectively.
• Increasing the resilience of operations and processes is key for manufacturers: 43% of Spanish respondents stated that improved quality was the outcome they sought when adopting smart manufacturing technologies, two points higher than the European average. This was higher than cost control (42%), growth in new markets (33%), and monitoring sustainability efforts (33%).
• Adopting a dual approach to mitigate risks: Manufacturers are adopting a dual approach to mitigate their risks: investing in technology and in new talent. 26% of Spanish companies cited the lack of skilled workers as a major concern, below the European average of 31%. Furthermore, they cited technology as their biggest challenge, at 28%.
• More sustainability and ESG initiatives: The pursuit of ESG is driven by improved efficiency (42%), compliance with government regulations (34%), and the provision of a competitive differentiator (33%). In Spain, the highest score was for product quality and safety, at 39%, followed by reducing manufacturing waste, recycling, and energy management, all at 36%.
These results are part of the 9th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report, produced in collaboration with Sapio Research and Rockwell Automation, which analyzes the responses of 1,567 manufacturing leaders and managers from various industries.
