TCS and AWS Study: AI Set to Boost Manufacturing Margins by 2026
A study by TCS and AWS reveals 75% of manufacturers expect AI to be a top-three margin driver by 2026. 74% anticipate AI agents managing substantial routine production decisions by 2028. However, only 21% of manufacturers currently consider themselves fully AI-ready, indicating a significant gap between expectations and preparedness in the industry.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have released a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the future of manufacturing, particularly focusing on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving margin gains. The 'Future-Ready Manufacturing Study' reveals significant insights into how manufacturers are preparing for an AI-driven future.
Key Findings
The study, which surveyed 216 senior leaders across North America and Europe, uncovered several noteworthy trends:
| Metric | Percentage | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers expecting AI to be a top-three margin driver | 75% | 2026 |
| Leaders anticipating AI agents to manage substantial routine production decisions | 74% | 2028 |
| Manufacturers considering themselves fully AI-ready | 21% | Current |
AI Readiness Gap
Despite the high expectations for AI-driven productivity improvements, there's a significant gap in AI readiness among manufacturers. Only about one in five companies surveyed consider themselves fully prepared for the AI revolution in manufacturing.
Implications for the Manufacturing Sector
This study highlights a critical juncture for the manufacturing industry:
Urgency for AI Adoption: With such a high percentage of manufacturers expecting AI to drive margins, there's a clear imperative for companies to accelerate their AI strategies.
Automation of Decision-Making: The anticipation that AI agents will manage a substantial portion of routine production decisions by 2028 signals a shift towards more autonomous manufacturing processes.
Preparation Challenges: The low percentage of AI-ready companies indicates potential hurdles in implementation, possibly related to data infrastructure, workforce skills, or technological integration.
Looking Ahead
As the manufacturing sector moves towards greater AI integration, companies will need to focus on:
- Developing robust data infrastructures
- Upskilling their workforce
- Implementing AI-ready systems across their supply chains
The gap between expectations and readiness presents both a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers to gain a competitive edge by leading in AI adoption and implementation.
This TCS and AWS study serves as a wake-up call for the manufacturing industry, highlighting the need for swift action in embracing AI technologies to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
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