New ZEISS report finds U.S. manufacturers are turning to quality assurance to overcome 2025 industry challenges.
A new report from ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions USA reveals that 93% of U.S. manufacturers view quality assurance as mission-critical to solving industry challenges in 2025.
Drawing on responses from more than 1,100 manufacturing professionals across 49 states, the U.S. Manufacturing Insights Report 2025 provides a deep dive into the trends, opportunities, and challenges facing major industries, including aerospace, automotive/new energy vehicles, electronics, and medical. With participants ranging from shop-floor operators to C-suite executives, the report offers actionable insights into how U.S. manufacturers are addressing workforce shortages, reducing rework costs, and driving efficiency through advanced quality solutions.
“Quality’s role has evolved from manufacturing stage to critical enabler of innovation, cost savings, and strategic growth,” said Mark Smith, President, Head of ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions North America. “The findings of this report show that accuracy and speed of metrology technologies and software are pivotal, as precise data helps drive efficiency – enabling manufacturers to see more, know more, and deliver confidently.”
Key Findings:
- The state of manufacturing is stable, according to 42%, indicating no significant growth or decline.
- Top manufacturing challenges include a lack of skilled personnel (47%), time-consuming inspection processes (47%), and the cost of rework and iterations (38%), emphasizing the importance of easy-to-use inspection technologies and software and precise data.
- Quality is universal, with 93% of manufacturers citing that quality is very or extremely important to their operations, rising to 95% among executives and directors.
- Sustainability is a critical success factor, positioning lean manufacturing operations as a priority to ensure long-term business viability.
- New metrology technology is one of the greatest opportunities to overcome challenges, according to 44%, with 66% planning to invest in more than one metrology technology, indicating a strong demand for a multi-technology approach to quality assurance throughout the manufacturing product lifecycle.
Why This Matters Now
The report highlights a shift in U.S. manufacturing priorities, as global supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and cost pressures push the focus on innovation that supports operational resilience and stability, including digitalization, AI-enhanced inspection software, automation, and 3D metrology technologies, making quality a driver of efficiency and competitiveness.
“Understanding the challenges and priorities of U.S. manufacturers is at the heart of what we do,” said Hendrie Viktor, Vice President, Head of Sales at ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions North America. “The U.S. Manufacturing Insights Report 2025 brings together diverse perspectives throughout the country, offering a clear picture of the trends and technologies shaping the future of manufacturing.”
Who Should Read the Report
This report is for leaders across the manufacturing value chain, from executives shaping strategy to engineers, quality teams, technicians, and suppliers who drive efficiency, compliance, and innovation.
