AI, Data, and Automation Among IT Priorities for Manufacturing and Retail in 2025, Says Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group, a global research and advisory firm, has published a new report that identifies the top six essential priorities that are helping IT leaders in the manufacturing and retail sectors build business-aligned strategies, adopt generative AI, and modernize operations. The firm's report for the manufacturing and retail sector includes a curated list of its top research that IT leaders in the space are using to guide their future-proofing strategies this year.
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - With an increase in supply chain volatility, rising customer expectations, and accelerating technology disruption, manufacturing and retail organizations are under increasing pressure to adapt. Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group reports in a newly released resource that Generative AI, automation, and evolving data governance mandates are reshaping how these sectors operate and compete. The firm's report, Info-Tech's Best Research for the Manufacturing and Retail Sectors 2025, includes a collection of some of its most popular strategic blueprints that are helping IT leaders address emerging challenges and unlock new value from their technology investments this year.
Info-Tech's Best Research for the Top Priorities Facing the Manufacturing and Retail Sectors in 2025
Info-Tech's manufacturing and retail research collection for 2025 highlights six strategic initiatives that will help organizations in these industries align technology with business priorities, leverage generative AI, modernize operations, and strengthen resilience in an evolving market. The firm's recently published report highlights the following research and insights:
-- Build a Durable Goods Manufacturing Business-Aligned IT Strategy - This
blueprint provides a step-by-step approach for aligning IT initiatives
with business goals in the durable goods manufacturing sector. The
resource guides IT leaders through defining mission and vision
statements, eliciting business context, identifying key initiatives, and
constructing a strategic roadmap. It addresses challenges such as
integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, harmonizing IT and OT
departments, and attracting specialized talent, ensuring a cohesive
strategy that drives operational excellence and innovation.
-- Generative AI Use Case Library for the Durable Goods Manufacturing
Industry - The use cases detailed in this report offer a comprehensive
set of value-driven generative AI use cases tailored for durable goods
manufacturers. This resource assists IT leaders in identifying and
prioritizing initiatives that can enhance efficiency, innovation, and
competitiveness. It addresses common adoption challenges, such as
navigating a complex vendor ecosystem, managing workforce impacts, and
safeguarding sensitive data. It provides practical guidance on
leveraging generative AI to transform operations and drive measurable
business outcomes.
-- Retail Industry Business Reference Architecture - This detailed
reference architecture provides a comprehensive framework of business
capability maps, value streams, and strategy maps tailored for the
retail sector. The blueprint assists IT leaders in aligning technology
initiatives with business objectives by offering a validated view of
retail operations. The research is designed to facilitate the
acceleration of strategy design processes, ensuring that IT investments
are effectively prioritized and contribute to measurable top-line
outcomes.
-- Autonomous Technologies in Manufacturing - This practical blueprint
offers a comprehensive framework for integrating autonomous technologies
into manufacturing operations. The resource assists IT leaders in
identifying suitable automation opportunities, assessing readiness, and
developing a strategic roadmap for implementation. It addresses
challenges such as workforce adaptation, system interoperability, and
change management, ensuring a smooth transition toward increased
operational efficiency and innovation.
-- Establish Data Governance - Info-Tech's blueprint provides a structured
approach to implementing a business-aligned data governance program.
This resource assists IT leaders in aligning data governance initiatives
with enterprise value streams and business capabilities, ensuring that
data management efforts deliver measurable business value. It addresses
challenges such as evolving data landscapes, regulatory compliance, and
stakeholder demands by offering best practices, planning tools, and
frameworks to establish clear leadership, accountability, and a culture
of data excellence across the organization.
-- Build Your AI Strategy Roadmap - The sixth resource outlined in
Info-Tech's report provides a structured framework for developing a
comprehensive AI strategy aligned with organizational goals. This
blueprint assists IT leaders in assessing current AI maturity,
identifying high-impact use cases, and establishing responsible AI
principles. It offers tools for prioritizing initiatives based on value
and feasibility, culminating in a clear, actionable roadmap that guides
the organization through effective AI adoption and integration.
With AI adoption accelerating and customer expectations reshaping operations, the firm explains that IT leaders in manufacturing and retail must mobilize faster than ever to modernize and innovate.
"As new technologies bring both disruption and opportunity, IT leaders in manufacturing and retail have a unique opportunity to shape long-term business outcomes," says Info-Tech Research Group's Chief Research Officer, Gord Harrison. "This research report consolidates the frameworks, insights, and tools needed to prioritize the right initiatives, elevate operations, and modernize business models. By focusing on strategy, data governance, automation, and responsible AI adoption, these organizations can strengthen resilience, drive innovation, and create sustainable competitive advantage in 2025 and beyond."
Info-Tech's Best Research for the Manufacturing and Retail Sectors 2025 report equips organizations with strategic guidance to align IT with business goals, adopt transformative technologies responsibly, and build a foundation for sustainable growth. Each blueprint delivers practical methodologies, tools, and sector-specific insights to help leaders confidently navigate a year of disruption, competition, and opportunity.
To request exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech's experts on these blueprints or to download Info-Tech's Best Research for the Manufacturing and Retail Sectors 2025 resource, please contact pr@infotech.com.
Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas
Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2025 to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders. For those unable to attend in person, Info-Tech offers a digital pass option, providing access to live-streamed keynotes, select sessions, and exclusive virtual interviews with speakers and analysts.
Media professionals looking to apply for in-person or digital passes can contact pr@infotech.com to secure their spot and cover the latest advancements in IT directly from the event or remotely.
About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.
To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights.
Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.
For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.
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