2026 Manufacturing Industry Trends & Predictions
A Forward Look at What Is Shaping Manufacturing in 2026
Manufacturers in 2026 are facing important questions about where to focus, which investments matter, and how new technologies are influencing day-to-day operations.
Following a period of shifting supply networks, tariff changes, workforce pressure, and rising sustainability demands, leaders are looking for a clear view of what is taking shape across the industry.
This infographic outlines where change is most visible in 2026 and what it means for strategic planning and operational decision-making across manufacturing.
What the infographic covers
Where productivity gains are emerging, including how people, processes, and automation are affecting capacity
How supply chain intelligence is evolving, and why data readiness is no longer the barrier many assume
The organizational changes taking shape as AI-enabled ways of working expand across planning, production, service, and the field
How sustainability pressures are influencing operational priorities, and what real-time visibility requires from manufacturers