The decline in natural resources is very real. The International Water Management Institute estimates that nearly every country south of the 35th parallel will experience economic or physical water scarcity by 2025. Manufacturing consumes around 54% of the world’s energy and is the source of 22% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Driving sustainability in manufacturing is now a key strategic priority for the World Economic Forum.
Clearly, the implications for industrial companies are massive. Yes, there are complex supply chains, changing regulations and other dependencies beyond control. What companies can control in the near term, however, is their own operational efficiency. By optimizing processes at the plant level with connected worker technologies, material waste and rework are reduced, and companies can remain productive and competitive despite limiting resources.