Wedoany.com Report on Feb 24th, Fictiv, a global supply chain and manufacturing company, in collaboration with mechanical components supplier MISUMI Global, has released the 11th Annual State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report, surveying over 300 senior industry leaders. The report indicates that the manufacturing sector is experiencing ongoing volatility, with artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and regional resilience reshaping product design, sourcing, and manufacturing methods.
"Global manufacturing has entered a new phase where quality, compliance, and transparency are non-negotiable," said Takao Ono, Representative Director and President of MISUMI. "This research reflects what we see in our customer base: growing expectations for consistent performance at scale amidst increasing regional, regulatory, and technological complexities."
The 2026 State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report highlights that AI, digital platforms, and reshoring have become critical for maintaining competitiveness. Data shows that 95% of respondents believe applying AI to manufacturing and supply chain operations is crucial for their company's future success. Meanwhile, 97% stated that digital manufacturing platforms are essential for production, and 93% view moving manufacturing operations back to the United States as a top priority.
Supply chain management faces challenges, with 81% of leaders finding supplier sourcing and manufacturing processes too time-consuming and costly, and 77% pointing out the complexity of trade compliance requirements, necessitating external expertise. The adoption of AI is accelerating, with 97% of respondents reporting that AI is already embedded in core workflows, and 95% view it as a necessity rather than an option.
"This year's data clearly shows that speed, predictability, and resilience now define competitive advantage. Leading companies are those leveraging AI and digital manufacturing platforms, robust global networks, and embedding quality into their operations," said Dave Evans, President and CEO of MISUMI Americas.
The report also indicates the growing importance of digital manufacturing platforms, with 97% of leaders considering them critical, up from 86% in 2024. Manufacturing leaders prioritize services that reduce handoffs and compress cycle times, with 93% reporting that engineering productivity will improve through managed manufacturing or supply chain services.
The complete 11th Annual State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report is available from Fictiv and MISUMI. Regarding Fictiv, it is a global manufacturing and supply chain enterprise that helps organizations scale their business and reduce risk, having delivered over 39 million parts. MISUMI Americas provides component and manufacturing solutions, serving multiple industry markets.
