The 2024 State of Design and Make webinar, hosted by Baker Baynes, highlighted significant trends and insights in the design and manufacturing industry, focusing on digital transformation, sustainability, and talent management.
Overview of the Webinar
The 2024 State of Design and Make webinar presented a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and insights in the design and manufacturing industry. Hosted by Baker Baynes, an Autodesk Gold Solutions Partner, the webinar featured Richard Smedley-Williams, CEO of Baker Baynes, and Geraldine Clark, Major Autodesk Account Manager. They discussed the findings from the 2024 State of Design and Make report, highlighting the impact of digital transformation on business resilience, sustainability, and talent management.
Key Highlights from the Webinar
The State of Design and Make Report
The 2024 State of Design and Make report, commissioned by Autodesk, is an annual global study that gathers insights from leaders who design and make places, objects, and experiences. The report aims to identify pressing issues that shape today’s businesses and provide strategic guidance for future investments.
The report surveyed 5,399 industry leaders, futurists, and experts, collecting quantitative data through an online survey conducted between July and September of the previous year. Additionally, Autodesk partnered with an external service provider to conduct 31 qualitative interviews, ensuring a robust and credible data set.
Access the full 2024 State of Design and Maker report here
Key Themes: Business Resilience, Talent, and Sustainability
Business Resilience
A significant insight from the report is the resurgence of optimism among businesses, with a higher value placed on digital tools. Approximately 73% of companies feel more prepared to handle unforeseen changes, and 62% reported improved productivity due to digital transformation. Notably, 56% of companies are either approaching or have already incorporated AI into their operations.
Talent Management
Talent management remains a critical factor, though cost control has now surpassed it as the top business challenge. The report underscores that digitally mature companies experience greater business success, with productivity, profitability, and collaboration being key benefits of digital transformation.
Sustainability
Sustainability emerged as the most important business issue for this year’s audience. The report indicates that 97% of companies have taken actions to improve sustainability, driven by both public and private sector pressures. AI is increasingly recognised for its potential to enhance sustainability efforts.
Regional Insights
The report provides regional insights, with the highest participation from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). South African perspectives highlighted business resilience and talent management as critical factors, with digital transformation and sustainability also gaining prominence.
Industry-Specific Insights
Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owner Operators (AECO)
Investment priorities in the AECO industry include technology, improved operations, and environmental sustainability. Different sub-industries, such as mining, oil and gas, and civil infrastructure, have varying focuses, ranging from remote work and technology to environmental sustainability and data management.
Design and Manufacturing (D&M)
In the design and manufacturing sector, investment priorities are centred on new products and services, AI and emerging technologies, and general technology improvements. Life sciences manufacturing, in particular, emphasises data management and analytics.
Local Success Stories
StrucMac
StrucMac exemplifies the benefits of adopting digital tools in the design and manufacturing sector. Founded in 1996 with a small facility and five employees, Struck Mac now operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing workshop and employs over 200 people. The company’s use of modern digitised production systems has significantly enhanced service quality and project turnaround.
Datascape and Crux Architects
Datascape and Crux Architects, two related organisations, have successfully implemented a common data environment, transforming their business operations. Their shared resources and innovative approaches position them as trailblazers in data centre design and human-centric design on the continent.
TW Profile
Recognizing the importance of upskilling, TW Profile invested in an in-house training centre. This decision not only benefits their organisation but also uplifts the industry by combining theoretical and practical applications.
Digital Transformation and AI Adoption
The report highlights the importance of digital transformation and AI adoption for business success. Organisations that invest in digital tools and processes tend to achieve greater productivity, profitability, and collaboration. While cost, time, and lack of knowledge remain barriers, the journey towards digital maturity is crucial for staying competitive.
Talent and Upskilling
Attracting and retaining skilled employees continues to be a significant challenge. The report emphasises the need for companies to invest in training and upskilling to bridge the talent gap. Digital maturity and process maturity are critical factors in attracting top talent.
Sustainability and AI
Sustainability has become a key priority for businesses, delivering both short and long-term benefits. AI plays a crucial role in enhancing sustainability efforts, from automating tasks to improving data accuracy and maintenance.
Call to Action
Organisations are encouraged to embark on their digital transformation journey by assessing their team’s strengths, addressing change, and developing a success plan with the Autodesk Solution Advisor tool. Start the digital transformation assessment today by completing your details below and one of our digital transformation specialist will be in contact with you.
Conclusion
The 2024 State of Design and Make webinar provided valuable insights into the future of design and manufacturing. With optimism returning, businesses are better prepared to navigate change, driven by digital transformation, AI adoption, and a focus on sustainability. To remain competitive, organisations must invest in upskilling their workforce and embracing new technologies. For further insights and to take actionable steps towards digital transformation, explore the resources and tools discussed in the webinar.
About Baker Baynes
Baker Baynes is an BBB-EE level 1, award-winning Autodesk Gold Solutions Partner, providing comprehensive solutions to clients globally from South Africa. We are dedicated helping our clients solve their problems through digital transformation to design and make a better world.
Presenters
Richard Smedley-Williams, CEO of Baker Baynes
Richard Smedley-Williams has built Baker Baynes into a leading solutions provider, focused on solving customer challenges through the integration of technology, people, and processes. Under his leadership, Baker Baynes has become an award-winning Autodesk Gold Solutions Partner, recognised as the EMEA Emerging Partner of the Year at Autodesk’s Channel Awards. With extensive experience in the industry, Richard is dedicated to helping clients leverage technology to achieve business success.
Geraldine Clark, Major Autodesk Account Manager
Geraldine Clark brings over 20 years of experience in solution sales to her role as Major Autodesk Account Manager. She specialises in working with large accounts to implement the right technology solutions for their business and project needs. Geraldine is known for her strong client relationships and her ability to help organisations remain competitive and productive in a rapidly changing market.
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