Australian Manufacturing Week 2025: Investment in digital is essential to survival

Digital transformation is crucial for businesses to remain competitive, and manufacturers must continue to invest to future-proof their businesses and remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven world.

That’s one of the key messages from AMW 2025, which was held in Melbourne from May 6-9, 2025. During this event I spoke on a panel of industry experts that brought together diverse expertise that really complemented each other's insights. 

We each brought a different perspective, but our message was consistent: digital transformation is essential for manufacturers, and it doesn't have to be overwhelming if approached strategically.

As the APAC Vice President of Manufacturing for ECI Solutions, I shared critical insights on digital transformation for manufacturers. My key message was about practical, strategic technology adoption. 

Digital transformation isn't about technology for technology’s sake. It's about meeting the real challenges that businesses face.

Technology should help manufacturers improve visibility, streamline processes, and use their workforce more effectively. Cybersecurity and compliance are crucial — manufacturers need solutions that protect their data and meet regulatory requirements.

My advice is straightforward: start small, identify your biggest pain points, and implement technology that makes immediate improvements. 

Don't try to transform everything at once. Focus on creating a single source of truth for your data and choose solutions that make employees' jobs easier, not more complicated.

By carefully selecting and implementing digital technologies, manufacturers can enhance efficiency, make better decisions, and position themselves competitively in an evolving industrial landscape.

These are messages that should resonate with manufacturers as we look to AMW in Brisbane in 2026.  

The Queensland Government has outlined priorities for a resilient and globally competitive manufacturing industry in the Sunshine State to contribute to economic growth and job creation. 

The Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan outlines strategic priorities to enhance the state's manufacturing sector, with Strategy 1 of the Roadmap focussed on Innovation and Digital Transformation.

As we look to 2026, manufacturers must fundamentally rethink their approach to technology. You can't just survive—you need to strategically transform. 

Manufacturers need to sit down and work out their biggest pain points—what's truly having the most significant impact on your business. In 2025, start by resolving those problems and then gradually expand your digital capabilities.

Technology gives you the ability to understand your operations better. We had a customer who thought they needed to invest a million dollars in new machinery to keep up with production. But by using integrated AI tools, they discovered they could make operational efficiencies without buying expensive equipment. 

That's what visibility does—it helps you work smarter, not harder.

The goal is to free up your staff from administrative tasks and allow them to focus on activities that actually grow the business. Give them tools that make their jobs easier and more meaningful. In manufacturing your people are your greatest asset and visibility is about supporting them to perform at their best.

Cybersecurity won’t be optional in 2026. With increasingly stringent requirements, you need robust systems that protect your business.

Manufacturers aren't cybersecurity experts, and that's not their primary focus. There are mandatory reporting requirements if there's a breach, and there are now pretty serious implications if that happens. More recently, there are direct penalties for breaches. 

Cybersecurity is a critical element of compliance that sometimes gets overlooked by manufacturers. The key is to understand these requirements and implement solutions that can help protect your business.

The most successful manufacturers in 2026 will be those who embrace change during uncertain times. 

Create a single source of truth for your data, implement technology that makes sense for your specific operational needs, and focus on making your processes more efficient. 

In 2026, it won't be about having the most complex system, but having the right system that helps your team work better, faster, and smarter.

The message is clear: digital transformation is not optional, it's essential for survival and growth in modern manufacturing.