The next three to five years will be crucial for UK manufacturers, with digital systems exposing inefficiencies, sustainability now an operational and financial imperative, and manufacturers struggling to grasp technological advancements. A fundamental shift in approach is required to how products are made, powered, and managed. With data, connected value chains, AI, sustainability and skills representing key issues, Toby Mankertz, Manufacturing Industry Director at Columbus UK, says it’s now up to manufacturers to master them all to place themselves in a strong competitive position. He argues that this is a critical manufacturing development and one that leaders must act on to achieve future success.