LNS Research

The world’s most productive companies don’t just make things better—they MAKE THINGS DIFFERENT. They rethink what they make, how they make it, and how value is delivered to the customer. It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about transformation. Here’s what “make things different” looks like in action: ? Shifting from product-based to outcome-based business models ? Designing modular products that are easier to assemble, service, or customize ? Embedding smart technology into physical offerings ? Creating tight feedback loops between design, production, and market response This mindset unlocks entirely new ways to grow—building more agile, customer-aligned, and future-ready operations. That’s why LNS Research has made “Make Things Different” the theme of The Industrial Transformation Event 2025, taking place October 28–30 in Chicago, IL. We'll examine real competitive advantage - how to scale it...how to embed it...and how to sustain it. Join us for this executive-only gathering that brings together manufacturers who are not only adapting to change but actively reshaping how the industry creates value. Registration for The Industrial Transformation Event is now open! Global manufacturing executives, check out our full agenda and reserve your seat today at https://hubs.ly/Q03dH7_g0. ?? Event Sponsors: Braincube, Augury, Oden Technologies, Fuuz, Litmus, QAD Redzone, ETQ, fabriq, MasterControl, Seeq Corporation, TwinThread ?? #TheIXEvent #OperationalExcellence #Productivity #ManufacturingStrategy #ExecutiveConference

Getting executive buy-in for Embedded Quality isn’t just about checking a compliance box—it’s about proving its value as a strategic driver of operational efficiency, customer loyalty, and business impact. Yet, too many business cases fail to make the cut because they focus too narrowly on within-function improvements instead of enterprise-wide value. The reality? Business cases that only highlight department-level improvements are less than HALF as likely to get approved as those that showcase cross-functional, enterprise-wide benefits. And without executive alignment, even the most well-intentioned quality initiatives can stall. From budget constraints to competing priorities, today’s quality leaders must rethink how they position Embedded Quality as not just an operational necessity, but a business differentiator. Here are the real checkmarks quality leaders need to focus on in building a winning business case: ? Align with corporate objectives—tie Embedded Quality initiatives to key priorities like zero waste, net-zero emissions, and competitive New Product Introduction (NPI). ? Balance hard and soft savings—while warranty cost reductions and improved throughput resonate with executives, don’t overlook the revenue impact of stronger customer loyalty. ? Build credibility with incremental wins—secure early successes that reinforce the long-term vision and help navigate budget constraints. ? Partner across the value chain—quality isn’t just a function; it’s a company-wide imperative. Collaboration with operations, product development, and IT is key to making the case stick. In his latest blog, LNS Research Senior Analyst James Wells explores the essential financial and strategic elements of a business case that not only gets approved but drives meaningful transformation. Read the full blog to learn more. And make sure to follow James Wells on LinkedIn for his ongoing insights on how quality leaders can position Embedded Quality as a must-have for today's industrial organization. #EmbeddedQuality #DeliveredQuality #IndustrialTransformation #OperationalExellence #CQO https://hubs.ly/Q03c4J950

Manufacturers can’t afford to lose critical knowledge. As experienced workers retire, a massive challenge looms: how do organizations capture and transfer that expertise before it’s gone? LNS Research explores how leading manufacturers are tackling this problem—leveraging Agentic AI, Connected Frontline Workforce (CFW) applications, and Virtual Operations Centers to revolutionize knowledge management. In her latest blog, LNS Research Analyst Allison Kuhn examines industrial knowledge management and provides her expert insights on the following: ? AI is streamlining knowledge capture, but it’s not enough. ? CFW applications are delivering real-time, task-specific guidance. ? Virtual Operations Centers are breaking down silos and connecting teams like never before. The Future of Industrial Work (FOIW) depends on preserving and enabling knowledge at scale—and it takes more than just technology alone. Read Allison's latest blog on how manufacturers are building future-ready knowledge ecosystems. And don't forget to follow her on LinkedIn for her ongoing research into industrial challenges, strategies, and advancements! #KnowledgeManagement #IndustrialAI #ManufacturingInnovation #DigitalTransformation #FOIW https://hubs.ly/Q03bgNSn0

How do the top 30 industrial productivity leaders stay ahead in unpredictable markets? They don’t just build efficient operations—they build resilient ones. When disruptions hit—whether it’s supply chain breakdowns, market shifts, or labor shortages—most companies scramble to react. However, the most productive companies—what LNS Research calls Pathfinders—have already engineered flexibility into their operations. ? They have contingency plans baked into their supply chains. They don’t rely on a single supplier or region—they build redundancy and visibility to adapt quickly. ? They scale up (or down) without sacrificing efficiency. Their operations aren’t rigid—they leverage modular production, dynamic resource allocation, and flexible staffing models. ? They make better decisions, faster. Thanks to real-time data, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights, they adjust proactively rather than reactively. Productivity isn’t just about being efficient today—it’s about staying efficient no matter what happens tomorrow. LNS Research's 2025 Industrial Productivity Index will soon be out and we're excited to announce the 2025 Productivity Pathfinders this May. These organizations have figured out what it takes to be truly productive and create real bottom-line results, even in the face of disruption and today's biggest industrial challenges. ?? COOs and global manufacturing executives: Want to future-proof your organization? Join us at Productivity Pathfinders 2025 to learn how top companies turn agility into a productivity advantage. https://hubs.ly/Q039Gvtj0 Event sponsors: Braincube, Augury, QAD Redzone #ProductivityPathfinders #operationalexcellence #manufacturing #COO #productivity

See if you've heard this one: A CEO, a COO, a CDO, and a CQO all walk into an event… Okay, no punchline here—just the premier gathering of manufacturing leaders at The Industrial Transformation Event 2025, back at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, this October! LNS Research is excited to announce ??REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for this year's executive event. Seating is limited, so don't delay in securing your spot. Each year, the top minds in manufacturing operations, sustainability, quality, analytics, technology, workforce, leadership, and more come together to share insights, tackle challenges, and drive the future of industry. This isn’t just another conference—it’s where big ideas turn into bold actions and connections spark transformation: ??Collaborate ??Network ??Innovate ?? October 28-30, 2025 ?? The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago ?? A global platform for manufacturing innovation Join manufacturing C-suite leaders and the entire LNS Research Analyst team, including co-founders Matthew Littlefield and Mehul Shah, Niels Erik Andersen, Allison Kuhn, Vivek Murugesan, and James Wells, as we dive into this year's theme: ??Make Things Different: How to Scale, Embed, & Sustain Competitive Advantage?? Over the course of three days, across numerous keynotes, panels, executive Roundtables, and networking sessions, we'll challenge conventional wisdom and provide a bold perspective on what it truly takes to scale, embed, and sustain competitive advantage in today’s complex environment. Explore our full agenda with topics including: AI, Analytics, Change Management, Connected Frontline Workforce, Embedded Quality, Intelligent Supply Networks, Sustainability, Technology, and role-specific sessions for the CIO, COO, CQO, and CSO. Learn more and register today! Event Sponsors: Braincube, Augury, Oden Technologies, Fuuz, Litmus, QAD Redzone, MasterControl, Seeq Corporation, TwinThread #theixevent #industrialtransformation #productivitypathfinders #manufacturingexcellence https://hubs.ly/Q038BnLQ0

LNS Research data shows that 97% of manufacturing respondents report improved performance through Connected Frontline Workforce (CFW) initiatives. These applications aren’t just another tech trend—they’re driving real results in safety, quality, and productivity. The future of industrial work hinges on one undeniable truth: A connected, empowered workforce is no longer optional; it’s the backbone of operational success. So what you should know about CFW applications? ?? They go beyond mobile tools, seamlessly integrating AI-driven insights, real-time knowledge sharing, and decision intelligence to enhance frontline decision-making. ?? 52% of industrial organizations have already seen safety improvements, and a third have realized gains across all five key performance areas as a result. ?? The latest innovations—including Generative AI, AR/VR, and advanced analytics—are further redefining how manufacturers train, engage, and support their workforce. With the rapid evolution of the market, manufacturers need a clear framework to navigate the CFW landscape. That’s where LNS Research’s ?CFW Applications Solution Selection Matrix? comes in—a strategic tool designed to help companies identify, evaluate, and deploy solutions that maximize business value. In her latest blog, LNS Research Analyst Allison Kuhn breaks down the latest advancements in CFW applications, exploring their essential capabilities, emerging innovations, and why they’ve become a must-have for manufacturers. She also provides a roadmap for organizations looking to implement or optimize these solutions, ensuring they drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, and productivity. Read Allison's latest blog to learn more. And watch for LNS Research's newest edition of our CFW Applications Solution Selection Matrix, fully updated for the latest advancements, coming soon. #industrialtransformation #CFW #operationalexcellence #manufacturingquality #sustainability #AI https://hubs.ly/Q038bmkJ0

Artificial Intelligence isn't just disrupting manufacturing—it’s redefining it. From asset health and process analytics to productivity and worker safety, industrial AI is proving to be more than just a buzzword. Companies are leveraging AI-powered machine monitoring, predictive insights, and even generative AI to tackle everything from unplanned downtime to the skilled labor shortage. And while the hype cycle may have settled, the real race is just beginning—who will lead, and who will fall behind? In his latest blog, LNS Research Analyst Vivek Murugesan dives into the evolving Industrial AI landscape, the key players, and what manufacturers should prioritize to make AI a true competitive advantage. Read Vivek’s blog to learn how: ? AI is driving asset health, process analytics, and autonomous operations to new levels of efficiency. ? Generative AI and Copilots are reshaping how frontline workers access and apply knowledge. ? Causal AI and intelligent agents are shifting AI from prediction to true decision-making power. And, discover which manufacturers integrating AI into their strategy (not just chasing trends) will be the ones to win. #IndustrialAI #Manufacturing #ArtificialIntelligence #SmartManufacturing #IndustrialTransformation https://hubs.ly/Q037yXQs0

Congrats Mike Speetzen and team! We're not surprised at all to see you having such success in 2025 and beyond! The LNS Research Pathfinders study identified Polaris Inc. as the #1 most productive marine and offroad vehicle manufacturer and the #2 company in the entire automotive/transportation industry!

The biggest challenge in manufacturing today isn’t just efficiency—it’s aligning technology, workforce, and strategy to drive real results. In his latest blog, LNS Research Principal Analyst Niels Erik Andersen unpacks why digital transformation efforts often stall and how leading manufacturers are overcoming these roadblocks. The companies making the biggest impact aren’t just adopting new technologies—they’re rewiring how their teams think and work. Real-time data isn’t just another tool in the arsenal; it’s reshaping decision-making, turning agility into a competitive advantage. The difference between progress and stagnation? It’s not just about what you invest in—it’s how you use it. Read Niels' full blog to learn more. And make sure to follow him on LinkedIn for additional insights. #operationalexcellence #intelligentsupplychainnetwork #industrialtransformation #productivity #AI https://hubs.ly/Q035CjTp0

The move to more and more standalone and focused industrial automation vendors is almost complete, at least in the US, with Rockwell Automation, Emerson, and now Honeywell.