Manufacturing has demonstrated continued strength in 2022, building on the momentum it gained emerging from the pandemic, and surpassing expectations from the prior two years. While overall demand and production capacity have hit recent highs, there are indications that the near-term outlook may not be as bright.

The industry is currently experiencing concerns related to inflation and economic uncertainty. In addition, manufacturers continue to grapple with talent challenges that may limit the industry’s growth momentum. Moreover, supply chain issues including sourcing bottlenecks, global logistics backlogs, cost pressures, and cyberattacks will likely remain critical challenges in 2023.

Going forward, as leaders look beyond disruption and revamping their approach, they should consider five important trends for manufacturing playbooks in the year ahead: managing uncertainty; tackling workforce shortages; driving supply chain resiliency; scaling smart factory initiatives to the metaverse; and developing sustainability.

* According to Deloitte’s 2023 Manufacturing Industry Outlook