AI news ·
Global Survey Reveals AI Adoption and Compliance Boost Operational Resilience in Industrial Manufacturing
A global survey finds companies using PLM solutions adopt AI faster and improve compliance. 59% expect AI to be highly relevant within two years in manufacturing.

Global Survey Finds Edge in AI Adoption and Compliance
Industrial manufacturing is at a pivotal point, influenced by advances in artificial intelligence, interconnected supply chains, and the growing challenges of regulatory compliance. A recent global survey conducted by Aras reveals that companies using product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions demonstrate greater operational resilience.
What’s Driving Change
Aras surveyed over 600 executives across the United States, Europe, and Japan. The results highlight three main drivers in industrial manufacturing: AI as a key differentiator, the need for connected supply chains, and the importance of developing a complete digital thread.
Companies leveraging PLM solutions are accelerating AI adoption and enhancing compliance efficiency. Yet, success requires more than just PLM software. Organizations must invest in adaptable, scalable PLM platforms supported by a fully integrated digital thread to stay competitive.
“Companies are embracing AI, modernizing IT infrastructures, and closing the loop from design to production to recycling,” said Roque Martin, Aras CEO. Those who delay may fall behind in an increasingly digital industrial landscape.
Key Findings
- 59% of companies expect AI adoption to be highly relevant within two years.
- 90% acknowledge the critical role of the digital thread.
- 79% share product design and engineering data with suppliers.
AI adoption aligns with common challenges in product development: reducing production costs (35%), managing product complexity (34%), and maintaining regulatory compliance (33%). Despite this, nearly half of companies struggle with product complexity, and over one-third face issues with connectivity. Tracking product changes across multiple systems remains a significant barrier to fully utilizing the digital thread.
Applications and Barriers to AI
AI is actively used by 80% of respondents to optimize processes, forecast market trends, and understand customer needs. However, scaling AI faces obstacles such as limited resources, budget constraints, and concerns over security and intellectual property.
Compliance and risk management are top priorities, with data privacy cited by 56% of companies, followed closely by product safety (54%) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance. Supply chain resilience continues to be a focus, especially following pandemic-induced disruptions.
PLM Adoption
Companies with PLM systems show a 28% higher rate of AI adoption in product development. They are also 24% more likely to recognize the digital thread’s importance to their business success.
For those looking to strengthen AI skills relevant to product development, exploring focused learning paths can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training’s courses by job role offer practical guidance on integrating AI effectively within workflows.
To access the full Aras survey report, click here.