Which lessons learned are here to stay?
One year into the pandemic, the manufacturing industry has undergone significant disruption and transformation. For a sector that works primarily on-site in physical spaces, the workflow and production changes were abrupt and highly impactful. Leaning on technology, adapting quickly to new demands and supply chain restrictions, and adopting contactless safety processes—all while maintaining productivity and manufacturing essential items to fight COVID-19—were enormous challenges to overcome.
But after one full year of responding and adapting to this crisis, manufacturers have learned a lot about their capabilities. Widespread remote work had never been a serious consideration, but with this shift came some surprising, welcomed insights. Steps to reduce contact and prevent the risks of COVID-19 also improved overall efficiency and workforce safety. The need to pivot to manufacture new products, including PPE, opened the door for new partnerships. Border closures sparked new exploration in global supply-chain innovations. These discoveries have led many to re-evaluate how new processes, ways of working, and adaptability could determine the direction the industry is headed.