Exclusives

Digital transformation technologies are experiencing a gold rush in the manufacturing industry, not just in Australia but beyond. However, amid this surge in cutting-edge tech and automation processes, a fundamental element remains crucial: trust.

Australians’ perception of local manufacturing is growing steadily through the years as the critical industry becomes a vital factor in the country’s economy and the nation’s efforts to achieve environmental goals. 

Amid rapid technological progress and dynamic shifts in the business environment, businesses across all sectors must remain ahead of the curve. Brad Kasell, a seasoned expert in business intelligence and technology at Domo, a cloud-native data experiences innovator, shares his perspective on the emerging trends reshaping the manufacturing sector.

Sustainability has become a significant driving force in the global food supply chain as the demand for alternative products increasingly pressures manufacturers and distributors into abandoning single-use non-biodegradable plastic packaging.

As digital transformation reshapes industries worldwide, manufacturers in Australia and beyond are finding themselves at the forefront of an evolution. This shift presents opportunities for companies looking to improve efficiency, drive innovation, and boost growth.

In a significant move to bolster its presence in the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) region, Legrand, a global leader in electrical and digital building infrastructure, has acquired Australian Plastic Profiles (APP), a prominent player in the Australian PVC conduit market. 

Manufacturing companies worldwide are increasingly gearing up for a significant transformation with environmental sustainability at the centre. This comes amid stronger environmental regulations, a shift in consumer behaviour, and the industrial sector delves deeper into Industry 4.0. 

The Australian government announced in late February a $310 million acquisition of nuclear submarine components from the United Kingdom. The payment will support the manufacture of nuclear-powered submarines to be built in Osborne, South Australia. The investment follows a larger GBP 2.4 billion Australian contribution to expand Rolls-Royce Submarines' production capacity.

The arrival of technological advancements in manufacturing has ushered in a new era of innovations and challenges for smart factories. For businesses in the era of Industry 4.0, data analytics serves as the driving force for revolutionising manufacturing processes and addressing new challenges that come with it. 

The Australian Government has taken a significant step toward ensuring the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of the Adelaide-based Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR).