Opinion

Article by Rob Stummer, Asia Pacific CEO at SYSPRO The Australian Government is unlocking the potential for the manufacturing sector to deliver for the future...

The benefits offered by the adoption of cloud computing are now well understood in the manufacturing sector, however many firms are still struggling to put a clear migration strategy in place.

Australia is currently in the throws of an energy crisis dubbed the ‘perfect storm’ by our new Federal Energy Minister, Chris Bowen. With blackouts threatening millions of Australians in the coming months, energy prices surging and supply issues running rife along the east coast, it’s looking like a dark winter ahead.

Manufacturers across Australia are investing in AI, but its value depends on the quality of the operational data behind it. For example, the National AI Centre found that 43 per cent of Australian SMEs had adopted AI between December 2025 and February 2026, yet confidence and trust remain low.

Advanced technologies and services can have a transformative effect in cost, product quality and productivity, substantially increasing the bottom line for manufacturing companies.

As industries adopt more automation, the demand for reliable and efficient pneumatic systems, which power everything from robotic arms to air-powered tools, continues to rise.

Hydrogen projects are expanding across transport, energy and industrial processing, with global demand projected to rise through to 2030 according to The International Energy Agency (IEA).

In the face of significant challenges, investing in a young and dynamic workforce can help Australian manufacturers to remain competitive and innovative in an increasingly challenging market.

Australian manufacturers operate in a volatile and uncertain market. Supply chain disruptions, fluctuating material costs and unpredictable market demands highlight the importance of robust procurement strategies.

Australia's productivity has been a subject of concern across many industries in recent years. This slowdown is influencing government policy considerations aimed at boosting productivity growth.