Parsec’s 2024 State of Manufacturing Survey: Europe

This survey of 600 European manufacturing leaders highlights supply chain pressures, digitalization progress, and the growing importance of MES and AI readiness in 2024.

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The 2024 State of Manufacturing Survey – Europe captures insights from 600 manufacturing professionals across the region, revealing an industry balancing rising operational risks with accelerating digital transformation. Supply chain volatility continues to dominate concerns, with 69% of respondents describing supply chain issues as “very” or “extremely” challenging, driven by economic pressures, visibility gaps, cybersecurity threats, and extreme weather.

Labor shortages further complicate progress: quality assurance roles (54%) and engineering positions (47%) are the hardest to fill, and evolving technology demands require new skills across the workforce. These gaps directly impact the industry’s ability to adopt AI, with 34% citing lack of skilled talent as a barrier.

Digitalization, however, is gaining momentum. While only 19% have fully completed their initiatives, over half are actively implementing strategies—and 85% of those who have completed digitalization rate their results as “good” or “excellent.” AI adoption is also accelerating, with 92% stating it is important for enterprise software like MES and ERP to offer AI capabilities.

MES plays a pivotal role throughout the findings. Although just 44% currently use MES, organizations that integrate MES and ERP report significant gains in visibility, planning, efficiency, and supply chain resilience.

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Key Insights from the 2024 Europe Manufacturing Survey

Supply chain volatility intensifies, with nearly 70% calling disruptions highly challenging.

Skills shortages stall modernization, especially in QA, engineering, and technical roles.

Digitalization and AI adoption accelerate, with strong reported outcomes among early adopters.