This report examines how manufacturers are prioritizing digital investment in 2026, with particular focus on smart factory technology, supply chain visibility, and ERP modernization.

Supply chain visibility remains the top-funded initiative for the third consecutive year. Manufacturers with real-time inventory and production data integrated into their ERP reported 30% fewer stockout incidents than peers relying on batch-updated reporting.

Expect continued consolidation of shop-floor IoT platforms with core ERP systems, as manufacturers seek a single source of truth for production, quality, and inventory data rather than siloed MES and ERP reporting.