The challenge of smart factories could boost the global economy
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:23 am
The report, titled " Smart Factories @ Scale ," identified the two main challenges to bringing smart factories to scale: IT-OT convergence and the broadening of the range of skills and capabilities required to drive the transformation, including cross-functional capabilities, soft skills, and digital talent. The report also highlights how technology-driven innovation within an "Intelligent Industry" represents an opportunity for manufacturers to seek to create business value , optimize operations, and innovate for a sustainable future.
Companies are showing growing interest and propensity for smart factories
Compared to two years ago, more and more companies are implementing smart initiatives , and a third of factories have already been transformed into smart facilities . Manufacturers currently plan to increase the number of smart factories over the next five years and increase annual investment by 1.7 times compared to the last three years.
The potential added value of smart factories is higher than ever
Based on this growth potential, it is estimated that buy bulk sms service smart factories could boost the global economy by between $1.5 trillion and $2.2 trillion over the next five years. In 2017, Capgemini found that a large portion of the companies surveyed had already implemented smart factory projects, a percentage that has surpassed half within two years. 5G technology is poised to become a key enabler , as its capabilities offer manufacturers the opportunity to introduce or enhance a variety of highly reliable, real-time applications.
Growth is the next challenge for Industry 4.0
Despite these positive developments, manufacturers believe that success is difficult to achieve , with only a small portion of respondents saying their existing initiatives are "successful," while more than half of organizations report difficulties scaling them up. The two main challenges they face are:
IT-OT convergence , which includes the implementation and integration of digital platforms, data availability, and cybersecurity, will be crucial to ensuring digital continuity and fostering collaboration. Agnostic and secure multilayer architectures will enable progressive convergence.
In addition to digital talent, specific skills will be needed to lead the transformation of smart factories, including cross-functional engineering-manufacturing, manufacturing-maintenance, and safety-security profiles. Soft skills such as problem-solving and collaboration will also be essential.
Companies are showing growing interest and propensity for smart factories
Compared to two years ago, more and more companies are implementing smart initiatives , and a third of factories have already been transformed into smart facilities . Manufacturers currently plan to increase the number of smart factories over the next five years and increase annual investment by 1.7 times compared to the last three years.
The potential added value of smart factories is higher than ever
Based on this growth potential, it is estimated that buy bulk sms service smart factories could boost the global economy by between $1.5 trillion and $2.2 trillion over the next five years. In 2017, Capgemini found that a large portion of the companies surveyed had already implemented smart factory projects, a percentage that has surpassed half within two years. 5G technology is poised to become a key enabler , as its capabilities offer manufacturers the opportunity to introduce or enhance a variety of highly reliable, real-time applications.
Growth is the next challenge for Industry 4.0
Despite these positive developments, manufacturers believe that success is difficult to achieve , with only a small portion of respondents saying their existing initiatives are "successful," while more than half of organizations report difficulties scaling them up. The two main challenges they face are:
IT-OT convergence , which includes the implementation and integration of digital platforms, data availability, and cybersecurity, will be crucial to ensuring digital continuity and fostering collaboration. Agnostic and secure multilayer architectures will enable progressive convergence.
In addition to digital talent, specific skills will be needed to lead the transformation of smart factories, including cross-functional engineering-manufacturing, manufacturing-maintenance, and safety-security profiles. Soft skills such as problem-solving and collaboration will also be essential.