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# Disconnected Data: The Hidden Cost in Manufacturing
- URL: https://www.industrialbriefs.com/data-integration-challenges-manufacturing/
- Published: 2026-09-17T21:00:27.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-17T21:00:26.000Z
- Description: A study by Hexagon reveals a disconnect between perceived and actual data integration in manufacturing, impacting quality and efficiency.
- Author: IndustrialBriefs
- Tags: manufacturing, engineering

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Manufacturers are increasingly touting their operations as connected, yet a recent study reveals a significant gap between perception and reality. This disconnect poses substantial challenges for the sector, impacting quality control and operational efficiency.

**What Happened**  
Recent research by Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence Business Area highlights a discrepancy in how manufacturers perceive their connectivity versus the actual integration of their operations. While 77% of surveyed manufacturers claim their operations are mostly or fully connected, only 40% have truly integrated systems across design, production, quality, and business systems. This lack of integration is leading to costly inefficiencies; 43% of manufacturers report that rework disrupts production schedules, and 42% discover quality issues too late to address them effectively.

The study surveyed 511 U.S. manufacturing professionals from various levels within organizations. It found a significant disparity in perceptions of data integration across hierarchical levels. While 80% of executives believe their data is well-integrated, only 33% of shop floor workers agree. Furthermore, 67% of respondents report losing six or more hours weekly to bottlenecks in measurement and inspection processes.

**What This Means for Your Business**  
For AECM professionals and government contractors, these findings underscore the importance of not just implementing connectivity solutions but ensuring that these systems are fully integrated. The gap between executives' perceptions and the reality on the shop floor suggests that investments in technology must be accompanied by strategies for effective data integration and communication.

Businesses that successfully bridge this gap can expect improvements in quality control and operational efficiency, potentially reducing costs associated with rework and production disruptions. Moreover, with the increasing emphasis on compliance requirements such as CMMC and NIST, ensuring robust data integration can enhance security and compliance across the board.

**What US Operators Should Watch**  
As the industry moves towards greater automation and data-driven decision-making, it is crucial for operators to monitor developments in data integration technologies and methodologies. Upcoming federal funding opportunities may provide avenues for investing in these technologies. Additionally, staying informed about evolving compliance standards and ensuring that data systems are aligned with these requirements will be critical.

Investing in robust feedback loops between design, manufacturing, and quality teams will be essential for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Ensuring that inspection data reaches all relevant stakeholders in real-time can prevent costly delays and improve product quality.

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*Source: http://www.ManufacturingTomorrow.com/news/2026/09/17/77-of-manufacturers-call-their-operations-connected-only-40-really-are/28226\.* [*Read the original story ->*](http://www.manufacturingtomorrow.com/news/2026/09/17/77-of-manufacturers-call-their-operations-connected-only-40-really-are/28226?ref=industrialbriefs.com)