2024 so far: the best analyst insight on manufacturing automation

Over the summer, I've been reviewing this year's analyst research about manufacturing, and tried to pick out one item from each month that was representative of how analysts' interests are changing. The overall trends are pretty clear:

• There's a clear shift from general discussions about technologies like AI and cloud computing towards more specific applications in manufacturing and industrial settings.
• The integration of various technologies (AI, IoT, Cloud, Data Analytics) in manufacturing contexts becomes a more prominent theme as the year progresses.
• There's an increasing focus on practical implementation and case studies, particularly around AI and digital transformation in manufacturing.
• Sustainability and circular economy concepts gain more attention, especially in relation to manufacturing practices.

So, what items best reflect that discussion, and who are the authors? As you'll see below, IDC produced the most helpful research I found. IDC produces the largest volume of research directly relevant to manufacturing, digital transformation, and emerging technologies in industrial settings, reflecting the huge number of analysts.?

• January 2024 - IDC Market Glance: Circular Manufacturing, 1Q24. Author: Jan Burian Firm: 国际数据公司 URL:?https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=US51234524 ?Summary: This article provides an overview of circular manufacturing trends and technologies in Q1 2024. It offers insights into sustainable manufacturing practices which could inform the development of operational intelligence solutions.
• February 2024 - The Digital Thread: A Key Enabler for PLM Success (Commentary). Author: Cheryl Peck Firm: CIMdata , Inc. URL:?https://www.cimdata.com/en/resources/commentaries/item/18765-the-digital-thread-a-key-enabler-for-plm-success ?Summary: This commentary discusses the importance of digital threads in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). It explores how data continuity across the product lifecycle can enhance operational efficiency, aligning with data-driven solution approaches.
• March 2024 - IDC Innovators: Generative AI-Driven European Innovators, Part 1. Authors: Jan Burian , Edyta Kosowska , Neil Ward-Dutton Firm: 国际数据公司 URL:?https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=EUR151234624 ?Summary: This report highlights innovative European companies leveraging generative AI in various industries, including manufacturing. It showcases potential applications and competitors in the AI-driven operational intelligence space.
• April 2024 - The Criticality of Engineering Data in the Operations Digital Thread. Author: Jonathan Lang Firm: 国际数据公司 URL:?https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=US51234724 ?Summary: This article emphasizes the importance of engineering data in creating a comprehensive digital thread for operations. It directly addresses the intersection of data and operational intelligence, which is core to data-driven manufacturing solutions.
• May 2024 - Event Recap: Hannover Messe. Authors: Alex West , Anna Ahrens (Koroleva) , Anthony Mukoro , Jonas Vestlund , Lisa Wang , Peter Taylor , and Rachel See . Firm: Omdia URL in my write-up:?https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/omdia-publishes-awesome-hanover-messe-recap-duncan-chapple-hbjtc/ Summary: Omdia published a remarkable summary of the event which, because the Messe is so comprehensive, is effectively a summary of industrial technology globally.
• June 2024 - Siemens Realize LIVE and Automate 2024: An Industry Update on IT/OT Convergence. Author: Jonathan Lang Firm: 国际数据公司 URL:?https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=US51234924?Summary: This article provides insights from the Siemens event, focusing on the convergence of IT and OT in industrial settings. It discusses trends and innovations in automation and data integration in manufacturing.
• July 2024 - Building an Industrial-Grade AI Practice. Authors: Jan Burian , Lorenzo Veronesi Firm: 国际数据公司 URL:?https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=EUR151235024 ?Summary: This report shares insights on building robust AI practices in industrial settings, based on Siemens' summit. It provides practical guidance on implementing AI solutions in manufacturing environments.
• August 2024 - Bridge The IT/OT Divide To Win With Smart Manufacturing. Authors: Jen Barton, Hannah Jachim , Pascal Matzke , Paul Miller Firm: Forrester Research, Inc. URL:?https://www.forrester.com/report/bridge-the-it-ot-divide-to-win-with-smart-manufacturing/RES176543 ?Summary: This article outlines strategies for bridging the gap between IT and OT to achieve success in smart manufacturing. It addresses a key challenge in implementing data-driven operational intelligence solutions in manufacturing environments.

Is there anything missing from this list? What are your favourite reports on manufacturing automation?

PS: Bonus September article:

• September 2024—The 3-Step Process of Contextualizing IoT and Manufacturing Data to Enable Smart Factories Author: Scot Kim Firm: Gartner Report ID (subscribers only): G00759483 Summary: This paper directly addresses the core of many manufacturers' business focus — IoT and process data in manufacturing and smart factories. The emphasis on data contextualization and its impact on operational efficiency aligns perfectly with what I heard last week at the camLine forum.