LONDON, May 6, 2026 – 61% of industrial businesses rate their digital progress as poor or adequate, according to research from Forterro. The study, based on responses from 1,200+ senior ERP decision makers, found that manufacturers are not turning connectivity into actionability, resulting in missed opportunities for business growth.
Despite growing investment, digitalization often remains fragmented: disconnected systems, underused data and a lack of end to end visibility continue to limit business impact. Forterro’s figures show that 76% of companies do not fully exploit their data, while 56% still depend on manual or paper based processes. Plus, only half of manufacturers have a clearly defined digital roadmap.
In this context, structuring the digital transformation has become a strategic imperative, particularly when considering everchanging UK legislation, like packaging EPR, which requires tighter control over financial flows, compliance and data integrity for packaging supply chains. Digital maturity is a real tool for businesses to connect systems agree their business and enable leaders to make more informed, strategic decisions.
Carrie Tallett, senior product manager for Orderwise, Forterro, commented: “UK manufacturing is under significant pressure driven by escalating energy costs, geopolitical instability and fragile supply chains. Fragmented internal systems and incomplete digital transformations mean manufacturers feeling the impact more acutely. The real challenge is no longer adopting new tools but making them work together. Digital maturity depends on connected systems, reliable data and aligned processes.”
Resilience is a key priority in volatile times, and the research found automation is central to continuity. 74% of organizations that have invested in automation report improved responsiveness to unexpected events, such as the current energy crisis. The research found that data-driven companies can achieve productivity gains of up to 50%.
It also highlighted how connected systems protect margins. By combining data automation with best-in-class customer service, investing in digital maturity helps to ensure that margins are protected. 61% of manufacturers believe that improved use of digital solutions is essential to controlling costs and increasing efficiency, with 67% viewing them as essential for expanding into new markets.
