Manufacturers have long prioritized refining their processes to enhance efficiency, elevate product quality, and manage costs. However, the rise of digital manufacturing has transformed this landscape, integrating technologies such as AI, IoT, AR/VR, and digital twins into manufacturing processes for optimization. This evolution enables better response to dynamic business environments, regulatory requirements, and the imperative for sustainability amid escalating resource depletion and environmental concerns.

Sustainability has become increasingly vital, particularly for sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and mining, focusing on resource optimization and emissions tracking. While implementing digital transformations in new factories is straightforward, retrofitting existing facilities, known as brownfield factories, poses challenges such as integrating modern technologies with legacy systems, the risk of destabilizing current processes, longer time frames for realizing value, and resistance to change. However, thorough assessments and strategic investments can yield substantial gains and align performance with sustainability across brownfield operations.

In this viewpoint, we explore the current state of digital manufacturing adoption in brownfield factories, examining technology enablers, key use cases, and challenges that enterprises face in modernizing their factories. The report provides a business case for digital manufacturing in brownfield factories to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Scope

• Industry: manufacturing, automotive, mining and extraction, oil and gas, energy and utilities, aerospace and defense, consumer goods, and industrial products  
• Geography: global

Contents

In this viewpoint, we:

• Explore the current state of digital manufacturing adoption in brownfield factories
• Examine the technology enablers driving digital transformation
• Discuss key use cases illustrating the benefits of digital manufacturing
• Consider the challenges that enterprises face in modernizing their factories
• Propose a business case for digital manufacturing in brownfield factories

Membership (s)

Engineering Research and Development

Outsourcing Excellence