The manufacturing industry is at a turning point. A shortage of skilled workers, rising energy costs, geopolitical uncertainties and growing competitive pressure are forcing companies to fundamentally rethink their processes. Digitalization is no longer a nice-to-have - it is the decisive lever for remaining competitive.
And the figures speak for themselves.
Despite difficult economic conditions, digitalization remains a strategic priority: according to a recent Bitkom study (2025), 71% of German industrial companies are already using Industry 4.0 applications - mainly digital marketplaces and digital twins.
That sounds promising at first. But a look behind the figures shows: The majority are still in the early stages.
An IFS survey of 815 managers from the manufacturing industry makes the dilemma clear: all respondents see technology as essential for survival - but only 10 percent count themselves among the digital pioneers. 65% are stuck in the early stages of digitalization and do not yet have a concrete plan for the next steps.
The most problematic aspect: 82% of manufacturers fear that their company will no longer be competitive within three years without increased investment in new technologies.
So the pressure is palpable - implementation is lagging behind.
When we talk about digitalization in production, we are not referring to abstract concepts. We are talking about very specific technologies and approaches that measurably improve production processes:
Those who invest in digital transformation see measurable results. According to a PwC study on digital product development, companies achieve an average 19% increase in efficiency over five years by investing in digital technologies - while at the same time reducing time-to-market by 17% and production costs by 13%.
Particularly interesting: digitally leading companies achieve better results even though they spend less than four percent of their turnover on research and development - i.e. less than the 1,000 most research-intensive companies worldwide.
So it is not the level of investment that matters, but its strategic orientation.
One trend is particularly clear for the current year. According to a global manufacturing study, 93% of the COOs surveyed are planning to increase their investments in AI and digital technologies.
Artificial intelligence is leaving the test phase and entering the productive value chain.
The focus is shifting to intelligent supply chains: with AI support, complex scenarios can be modeled, disruptions simulated and reactions planned - before problems even reach production.
The topic of sustainability is also gaining in importance: sustainability is increasingly becoming an equally important factor alongside traditional production criteria such as costs and quality - with the result that environmental impacts need to be monitored, reported and optimized in real time.
The challenges on the road to the digital factory are real. A lack of expertise, legal uncertainties and technological complexity are slowing down implementation in many companies.
Added to this are data silos, evolved IT landscapes and the difficult question: where do we start?
Our experience from projects in the manufacturing industry shows: The decisive step is the first one. Companies that start with a clearly defined use case - such as predictive maintenance for a critical system or the real-time connection of a production section - quickly gain insights and create the basis for the next step.
Proceeding step by step does not mean being hesitant. It means prioritizing smartly.
1. increase efficiency
Up to 19% efficiency gain through digital product development (PwC 2025)
2. faster to market
17% shorter time to market through digital processes
3. reduce costs
On average 13% lower production costs through digitalization
4. remain competitive
82% of manufacturers see their future at risk without digitalization
Today, digitalization is less a driver of innovation than a means of meeting current challenges: Skills shortages, high energy prices, geopolitical uncertainties, increasing customer demands.
Companies that act now will secure efficiency gains - and above all their future viability.
The technologies are available. So do the findings from successful projects. What is needed is a clear plan and a partner who will follow the path.
That is precisely our task at prodot.
Would you like to know where your company stands in the digital transformation and which steps make sense next? Talk to us - we'll take a look together.