Manufacturers have digital transformation top of mind as 2024 begins. But how fast manufacturers will turn thoughts and intentions into real action remains to be seen. Manufacturers are prioritizing digital and technological advancement, but most still have not implemented robotics and automation and are not yet leading on the artificial intelligence cultural and economic shift, says Wipfli LLP in the State of Manufacturing 2024 outlook report. “As an industry, manufacturing has work to do to maintain its place as a leader and innovator in the American economy,” the report says. Manufacturing technologies are evolving quickly, and the survey of 300 manufacturing executives indicated plans to invest in Industry 4.0 technologies and automation. Robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are making business processes in every industry smarter and more efficient. But the survey found that most manufacturers are not using any of these tools in their operations.