Unlocking the Value of Data: A New Data Dividend for Manufacturers

Manufacturers are moving beyond isolated digital initiatives and toward data monetization strategies to drive operational performance and long-term revenue growth. 

The 2026 Pulse Survey captures perspectives from 100 senior leaders at large U.S. manufacturers and explores how organizations are unlocking value across two critical domains: smart manufacturing and digital products and services.

The findings highlight a clear shift in priorities as manufacturers balance efficiency with resilience, expand digital offerings, and rethink how data contributes to business outcomes. 

• How leaders are strengthening flexibility and operational resilience
• Where manufacturers are investing to improve performance and uptime
• The growing role of digital products and outcome-based services
• How organizations are beginning to measure value beyond efficiency
• Key challenges slowing progress — and how leaders are addressing them
• The prime role of data monetization strategies and ecosystem partnerships

"Digital offerings already account for 15% of revenue today, and manufacturers expect that to rise to 42% within the next five to ten years—signaling a fundamental shift in how value is created."