Keeping pace with client demands is key to any manufacturing company. Big data and other innovations will continue to have huge impacts on the industry, and it is essential that businesses are willing to make the necessary investments to remain competitive.

With the right manufacturing software systems, including ERP and cloud technology, companies can streamline efficiency and stay as organized as possible.

A recent Bloomberg Businessweek article further underlined this point, adding that 3D printing is becoming a more important aspect of the manufacturing sector as well. Digital innovations are affecting numerous industries, the news source explained. The same way that the music world began to sell digital options, it will not be long before manufacturing follows in its footsteps.

"The product design can be intricate and complex, and immediately responsive to innovation," the article said. "Combine that with big data, and it allows a company to build what customers need before they know they need it and then bring it to market in radically short time."

Additionally, Bloomberg explained that 3D printing is likely to have a more immediate effect on customized manufacturing, but it is just a matter of time until other sectors will need to adjust as well. This does not mean that the entire industry will cease to exist, on the contrary, the news source said that it is important to be flexible and willing to integrate new systems.

While 3D printing might not be right around the corner for many manufacturing companies, adopting cloud technology and big data into daily operations is more imperative. Having comprehensive manufacturing business software can help organizations make a smoother adjustment with current innovations, and ensure that they are prepared for what is still down the road.