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Fictiv's 10th Annual State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report

Fictiv, a prominent name in global manufacturing solutions, recently released its 10th Annual State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report. This year’s survey, which gathered insights from 254 senior leaders in manufacturing and supply chain roles, paints a daunting picture of an industry grappling with heightened trepidation due to tariffs, trade wars, and geopolitical instability.

Overview of Key Findings

This report arrives at a time when manufacturing and supply chain managers face unique challenges that affect their operational strategies. The findings indicate a prevailing anxiety as leaders navigate the market landscape marked by escalating trade conflicts, increased global tensions, and persistent supply chain disruptions. Dave Evans, Fictiv’s Co-Founder and CEO, emphasizes that while companies are significantly worried about the implications of trade policies, they are also starting to adapt and invest in technologies that make their operations more resilient and efficient.

Global Uncertainty on the Rise

The report highlights a staggering 96% of respondents who express concern about the impact of current trade policies. Furthermore, 93% believe that the dynamics of trade wars are expected to intensify through 2025. This uncertainty forces manufacturing leaders to rethink their sourcing strategies, ensuring they are prepared for unforeseen challenges.

Supply Chain Disruptions Accelerating

Supply chain happenings pose a pressing concern, with 77% of survey participants indicating that a lack of available resources limits their capability to effectively manage supply chains. Notably, 68% of leaders view onshoring as an essential strategy to mitigate risks associated with supply chain management. As the landscape evolves, strategizing for domestic production has become imperative for maintaining continuity.

Scaling Production More Challenging

With a significant percentage, 91% of the surveyed leaders face impediments to product innovations due to resource constraints. 86% reported that the difficulty in sourcing parts diverts attention from launching new products. Innovations in digital manufacturing are recognized, with 90% of leaders acknowledging the role of digital platforms as vital to fostering flexibility and speeding up the market introduction of new products.

Sustainability Takes a Front Seat

Sustainability has transitioned into a fundamental aspect of the manufacturing strategy. A measured 95% of participants reported that climate events affect their operational strategy, thereby engaging 91% in existing sustainability initiatives. It is clear that organizations now prioritize environmental responsibilities alongside their business objectives, driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressures for carbon reduction.

Advances in AI

The advances in AI technology are noteworthy, as 87% of manufacturing leaders report significant maturity in their AI applications. Additionally, 94% are incorporating AI in their operational frameworks, enhancing areas such as inventory management and product design, ultimately transforming how manufacturing operations are conducted.

Navigating the New Reality

The 2025 report accentuates the pressing need for manufacturers to embrace adaptive strategies and innovations. Key approaches include:

• - Building Resilient Supply Chains: Strategies surrounding onshoring, nearshoring, and diversifying sourcing are highlighted as vital in mitigating supply chain risks.
• - Leveraging Digital Manufacturing: By utilizing digital solutions, companies can streamline operations and accelerate their product time-to-market, addressing efficiency gaps identified in the report.
• - Embracing AI: AI's transformative potential for manufacturing remains clear; investment here can solve existing operational constraints.
• - Prioritizing Sustainability: With climate considerations at the forefront, integrating sustainability becomes essential for competitive advantage and fulfilling regulatory commitments.

Looking Ahead

The report presents a vivid outlook for the manufacturing sector, one filled with both challenges and opportunities. Companies prioritizing agility, innovation, and sustainable practices are anticipated to thrive in the evolving marketplace. Small-scale discussions and roundtables to deliberate on these findings and strategic considerations will ensure continuous engagement from industry leaders.

Fictiv continues to represent the forward-thinking approach necessary to maneuver the complexities of present-day manufacturing and supply chains, ensuring its clients remain ahead with their operational strategic goals.

For those interested, Fictiv will conduct an interactive roundtable discussion on the state of manufacturing and supply chain strategies on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 9 AM Pacific Time. Further details for registration are available through their official channels.

About Fictiv

Fictiv bridges the gap between ideas and production, providing innovative manufacturing solutions that enable businesses to scale efficiently. With operations spanning multiple global manufacturing hubs, Fictiv specializes in transforming concepts into tangible products while mitigating risks associated with offshore production. The company’s extensive experience and quick adaptability position it as a pivotal player in the modern manufacturing arena.

For the complete report and insights, access the full 2025 State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report on Fictiv's website.