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Global manufacturing faces unprecedented challenges in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions, rising tariffs, and supply chain disruptions. Mid-tier and specialist IT providers are stepping up, offering AI-driven solutions and analytics to boost efficiency and resilience. Information Services Group (ISG) has launched a research study to evaluate these providers, with findings to be published in the ISG Provider Lens® Manufacturing Industry Services and Solutions — Mid-tier and Specialist IT Firms report in January 2026.
Mid-tier and specialist IT providers are pivotal in transforming manufacturing design and development. These firms partner with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs) to deliver rapid prototyping, digital twins, and software testing. By focusing on agile engineering, they enable manufacturers to accelerate development cycles while ensuring compliance and quality management. This adaptability is critical as manufacturers navigate complex global markets and evolving regulatory landscapes.
The rise of Industry 4.0 technologies has fueled the adoption of smart factories. Providers in this segment integrate operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) to create virtual factories and model plants. These solutions enhance shop floor efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve manufacturing agility. The ISG report will assess providers’ expertise in deploying advanced technologies to optimize production processes and ensure scalability.
Supply chain fragility remains a top concern for manufacturers in 2025. Mid-tier IT firms and specialists are addressing this through AI, automation, and blockchain technologies. These tools streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and improve customer experience (CX). The report will evaluate providers’ capabilities in enabling new business models, such as service lifecycle management and subscription-based services, to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Digital transformation is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. IT providers in this category offer end-to-end consulting and transformation services, aligning IT strategies with evolving business needs. By implementing diverse, global solutions across the value chain, these firms help manufacturers stay competitive. The ISG study will analyze providers’ ability to drive strategic transformation and deliver measurable outcomes.
The ISG Provider Lens® report will provide enterprise buyers with critical insights into vendor capabilities, helping them evaluate partnerships and offerings. With global manufacturing at a crossroads, mid-tier and specialist IT providers are essential in driving innovation and resilience. The report, authored by Swadhin Pradhan, assistant director and principal analyst at ISG, will serve as a key resource for navigating the evolving landscape of manufacturing IT services.
ISG is a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm. A trusted partner to more than 900 clients, including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is a long-time leader in technology and business services that is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to help organizations achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm, founded in 2006, is known for its proprietary market data, in-depth knowledge of provider ecosystems, and the expertise of its 1,600 professionals worldwide working together to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments.
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