Manufacturing trends 2026: How ERP is powering the next era of growth

Discover how UK manufacturers are navigating disruption, strengthening supply chains, and using AI-powered ERP to stay competitive.

Report MANUFACTURING WHERE NEXT IN 2026 Top trends, main challenges and the pivotal role of ERP (4)

AI is a core growth driver for organisations

82% of manufacturing leaders now see AI as critical to growth—but many are still struggling to turn potential into real, scalable results.

Resilience replacing lean efficiency

Global disruption is forcing manufacturers to rethink supply chains, shifting towards more localised, agile, and risk-aware operations.

Real-time insight is now essential

Disconnected systems are no longer sustainable. Manufacturers need integrated data and real-time visibility to make faster, smarter decisions.

82%

see AI as a core growth driver, with many already reporting measurable ROI

74%

are planning to reshore operations to build more resilient supply chains

80%

of manufacturers plan to invest heavily in smart manufacturing technologies

76%

of manufacturers plan price hikes in 2026+ reshaping pricing and supply chains

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

Powerful ERP for Manufacturing Transformation: It was important to have a solution that could handle multi-currencies in multi-countries. We can now do that [with Sage X3], and we have also achieved putting data in the cloud.

Damian Burke Global CFO, Cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra

MANUFACTURING: WHERE NEXT IN 2026?

Get the full report

Download the report now to find out the top trends, main challenges and pivotal role of ERP

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

CPiO is a Strategic Partner of Sage UK with over three decades of experience in delivering ERP and CRM software including Sage Intacct, Sage 200, Sage X3 and Sage CRM. We offer a wide range of IT services to support businesses with the design, procurement and installation of technical platforms and long-term IT security.

Modern Slavery Act 2015

Corporate Social Responsibility

Environmental and Sustainability