Key Mobile Trends Shaping Manufacturing in 2019

In 2019, mobility continues to expand across industries. Manufacturers must adopt new technologies and empower employees to use them effectively. From the Internet of Things (IoT) to the rise of bring‑your‑own‑device (BYOD), mobile tech offers tangible advantages that can keep companies ahead of the curve.

Below are the key trends every manufacturer should prioritize.

1. Growing Workforce Mobility

By 2020, 48% of the workforce will operate from mobile devices. Sectors such as shipping, inventory management, and field service will feel this shift most strongly. To harness these benefits, manufacturers should partner with a mobility provider that can deliver comprehensive device support—including rugged tablets—alongside 24/7 field assistance.

2. Artificial Intelligence Adoption

AI is infiltrating nearly every sector. When integrated correctly, it streamlines plant operations, reduces manual tasks, and empowers remote teams with real‑time performance insights. AI‑driven data collection, analysis, and automated insights can boost manufacturing throughput while maintaining quality.

3. Heightened Security Requirements

Adding personal devices to the corporate fleet elevates security risks. Dual‑factor authentication, device encryption, and remote wipe capabilities are essential safeguards. A dedicated mobile‑solutions partner can implement these controls and provide ongoing support, ensuring company data remains protected regardless of device type.

4. Integration of Personal Devices (BYOD)

Remote workforces demand flexibility. BYOD allows employees to use familiar devices for business tasks, improving satisfaction and productivity. However, success hinges on uniform mobile policies, secure connectivity, and mobile‑optimized applications that bring desktop functionality to smartphones and tablets.

Manufacturers moving toward fully digital operations must weave mobile solutions into every facet of their workflow. Innovation keeps processes efficient, but only leaders who adopt these trends early will avoid obsolescence.

About the Author

Dipesh Hinduja is the senior IT manager and technical architect at Stratix, specializing in scaling teams and businesses that thrive on rapidly evolving technologies.