Manufacturers are investing in digital transformation, but are those investments actually improving production performance? New independent research from Tech-Clarity reveals how manufacturing operations software and artificial intelligence (AI) are delivering measurable business value.
Manufacturers face growing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, maintain quality, and make faster decisions. At the same time, disconnected systems, limited shop floor visibility, and unreliable production data can make it difficult to identify opportunities for improvement.
So, what are manufacturers doing to overcome these challenges?
A new independent research study from Tech-Clarity, based on insights from more than 400 manufacturing professionals, explores the business value of Manufacturing Operations Software (MOS), including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and the growing role of AI in manufacturing.
The findings reveal how manufacturers are using technology to improve operational performance, achieve measurable results, and prepare for the next generation of intelligent manufacturing.
Download the Free Manufacturing Operations Software & AI Research eBook
Manufacturing Operations Software Is Becoming a Business Necessity
Manufacturing Operations Software (MOS) is no longer simply a tool for tracking production activities. It is becoming an important part of how manufacturers manage operations, connect information, and improve performance.
MOS encompasses technologies such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), manufacturing operations management (MOM), quality management, scheduling, and other applications that support production.
For manufacturers struggling with disconnected data, manual processes, or limited production visibility, these technologies can help bridge the gap between business systems and shop floor operations.
But how much value are manufacturers actually seeing?
What the Research Reveals About Manufacturing Software ROI
Tech-Clarity’s research highlights several measurable benefits manufacturers are achieving through investments in manufacturing operations software.
66% of respondents reported quality improvements from their MOS investments.
60% achieved improved visibility across manufacturing sites, helping teams better understand operations and identify opportunities for improvement.
56% reported reduced operating costs, demonstrating how improvements in manufacturing operations can support broader financial goals.
These findings suggest that manufacturers are seeing benefits beyond basic production tracking. Connected manufacturing operations can help organizations improve quality, increase visibility, and make better-informed decisions.
For manufacturers evaluating MES or other manufacturing technologies, understanding where peers are realizing value can help guide future investment decisions.
Why AI Makes Connected Manufacturing Data More Important
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for manufacturers to analyze information, predict outcomes, and support decision-making.
However, AI is only as useful as the data available to it.
When production information is scattered across spreadsheets, disconnected machines, and separate business systems, manufacturers may struggle to provide AI applications with accurate, timely, and contextualized information.
Manufacturing operations software can help establish a stronger data foundation by connecting production activities, capturing shop floor information, and making operational data more accessible.
Tech-Clarity’s research also explores how manufacturers are currently applying AI.
Rather than replacing human decision-making, many organizations are using AI to support employees through information summaries, recommendations, and predictive insights.
As AI adoption continues, manufacturers with connected, reliable operational data may be better positioned to take advantage of these emerging capabilities.
What Are Top-Performing Manufacturers Doing Differently?
Not every manufacturer approaches digital transformation the same way.
Beyond identifying the benefits of MOS and AI, Tech-Clarity’s research examines the practices that distinguish top-performing manufacturers.
The full eBook explores important questions, including:
- How quickly are manufacturers realizing value from MOS investments?
- What operational improvements are companies achieving?
- How are leading manufacturers approaching AI adoption?
- What challenges are organizations encountering when implementing manufacturing software?
- Which strategies and best practices help manufacturers maximize the value of their investments?
Whether your organization is evaluating its first MES solution or looking to expand its existing manufacturing technology capabilities, these findings can provide valuable perspective.
Get the Full Research: The Business Value and Evolution of Manufacturing Operations Software in the Age of AI
Manufacturers need more than technology. They need solutions that deliver measurable improvements across their operations.
Understanding how other manufacturers are investing in MOS, achieving results, and preparing for AI can help organizations make more informed technology decisions.
ISE is proud to be a sponsor of this independent research from Tech-Clarity, helping manufacturers access insights into the evolving role of manufacturing operations software.
The full eBook provides a deeper look at the survey findings, industry trends, and best practices shaping the future of manufacturing.
Ready to see what more than 400 manufacturing professionals have to say?
Download Your Free Copy of the Tech-Clarity Research eBook
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Research source: Tech-Clarity, “The Business Value and Evolution of Manufacturing Operations Software in the Age of AI,” October 2026. Survey of more than 400 manufacturing industry professionals. ISE is a research sponsor.