Global manufacturing faces mounting pressures: saturated markets, shrinking profit margins, and rising labor and raw material costs. Traditional growth models are losing their edge. Globally, manufacturers are caught in an "involution storm" of cost pressures, intensified competition, and growth bottlenecks. The question now is clear: how can new technologies reshape core competitiveness and unlock the next wave of growth?
AI Redefines Management Systems: Nine Major Changes in Manufacturing
In the AI era, manufacturing management is being radically transformed. Enterprises should focus on high-quality plant development, building support systems—covering finance, human resources, processes, and IT—and operational systems that create value across the entire value chain, from R&D to marketing, supply, manufacturing, and services. Digital technologies empower every link, driving enterprise transformation and innovation.
Change 1: From Reverse Engineering to User-Driven R&D
Manufacturers are rapidly shifting from reverse engineering to R&D driven by user needs. AI is central to this transformation—generative AI can synthesize complex requirements and propose designs, greatly boosting efficiency. For example, Enpower Electric invests 7–8% of revenue in R&D, achieving a 50% reduction in product size and a 32% increase in power density, resulting in significant revenue and margin growth—clear evidence of the high returns from focused R&D investment.
Change 2: From Static to Dynamic Planning
Traditionally, manufacturers relied on fixed forecasts to create production plans. However, amid personalized demand and volatile macro environments, companies need a "rolling forecasting + production-sales collaboration" mechanism, adopting the "1 + 3 model" (1 month of confirmed orders + 3 months of forecast). This approach ensures long-cycle material supply while dynamically adjusting weekly production schedules. For example, after SLPT Automotive implemented Kingdee's dynamic refinement platform, planning efficiency increased by 50% and lead times were shortened by 30%.
Change 3: From Mass Production to Flexible Manufacturing
Traditional manufacturing focuses on large-scale, high-volume production. With increasingly diverse and personalized market demand, companies are shifting toward multi-product, small-batch production. This requires more adaptable production lines and encourages the adoption of modular, flexible equipment to meet rapidly changing production needs.
Change 4: From Transactional Procurement to Collaborative Supply Networks
Procurement is evolving from traditional transaction models to multi-stakeholder collaboration. Companies need to work closely with multiple suppliers, synchronizing sales forecasts, plans, and orders to respond rapidly. For example, OPPEIN has boosted supply chain efficiency and competitiveness through multi-level division of labor and specialized collaboration.
Change 5: From Stockpiling Distribution to a Win-Win Channel Ecosystem
Distribution is shifting from stockpiling to a symbiotic approach, where brands and distributors share profits and serve end customers together. Dayao Soda has leveraged Kingdee's digital platform to improve distributor efficiency, achieving a 10% annual penetration growth in southern China and improving the inventory-to-sales ratio.
Change 6: Global Expansion—Tapping into Overseas Markets
Globalization is a key growth strategy for manufacturers. Companies must address critical issues such as organizational design, financial and tax compliance, localization, and data security and privacy compliance. Kingdee has established overseas data centers in Singapore and other locations to help manufacturers navigate local operations and ensure data security and privacy compliance.
Change 7: From Accounting-Based Finance to Strategic Business Partnership
Finance is shifting from traditional accounting functions to a business partner to reduce costs and boost sales. For example, Intradin Group, a company specializing in the R&D and production of tools and equipment, used Kingdee's standard costing and management accounting solutions to cut production costs by 15% and boost sales by 17%.
Change 8: From MRP to Enterprise Management AI (EMAI)
Manufacturing is moving from traditional MRP (Material Requirements Planning) to a more intelligent EMAI (Enterprise Management AI) era. For instance, AI applications enable smart market insight, intelligent design, and material optimization in R&D; support intelligent troubleshooting and scheduling in production; and facilitate predictive analytics in marketing.
Change 9: From Hierarchical Structures to Entrepreneurial Model
Traditional manufacturers often revolve around the founder with functional structures. As they grow, companies need to adopt a partnership-based model, empowering more people to take ownership through business units, responsibility centers, or divisions.
As the global economy rapidly reshapes, companies must innovate and transform to stay ahead. Digital transformation is no longer optional—it requires both cutting-edge technology and bold strategic action. On this journey, more enablers like Kingdee—grounded in proprietary technology and deeply engaged in real industry scenarios—are expected to help manufacturers advance toward a digital and global future.
