In recent times the disruption in all facets of manufacturing have left companies searching for ways to meet demand, control cost and improve operational agility. Rapid changes in market forces and covid-induced labor constraints have made it difficult to track, manage and predict demand/supply balance, order management processes, inventory levels, workforce availability and logistics services. In a recent American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) blog, Carlos Gonzalez notes that "...analytics is the backbone.....Without the proper collection and analysis of production trends, the design journey, and supply chain performance, companies cannot properly identify lessons learned to improve manufacturing processes. A proper method of data collection and analysis is required to propel any manufacturing company forward."1

Analytics have become essential for manufacturers of all sizes and in all industries. According to Paul Wellener, Vice Chair at Deloitte LLP, "Manufacturers should set goals for data capture and analysis across the global manufacturing footprint, as this step alone is a key to identifying breakpoints and opportunities for improvement." 2

Analytics solutions help manufacturers quickly synthesize information from a combination of internal and external sources throughout the supply chain. Modern analytics platforms -such as Oracle Analytics-play a key role in managing and improving manufacturing operations and cross functional alignment. Read on for profiles of five manufacturing companies and their stories of analytics innovation.