Powering digital transformation in manufacturing

When we think about digital transformation and digital workplaces, we automatically think of offices and people sitting at computers. But the reality is far different. According to McKinsey data, over 80% of the global workforce is not in office work but in frontline spaces like assembly lines in manufacturing, logistics, customer service agents, field service engineers, and so on.

Therefore, nearly every workplace is a digital workplace – and manufacturing is no exception. As the industry embraces Factory 4.0, smart factories are leading the way. These digitally powered environments blend technology, data, and people to drive efficiency, innovation, and resilience on a global scale.

However, there’s much more to becoming a successful digital workplace than simply implementing new technologies. The transformation demands bridging gaps between teams, connecting systems, and creating a workplace where digital tools truly enable people to work better.

Bridging IT and OT in the digital workplace

At the core of every successful smart factory lies the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). Historically, IT managed data systems, while OT oversaw machinery and production processes. But to truly digitize manufacturing, these once-siloed teams must now work in harmony.

The alignment between IT and OT isn’t automatic. IT leaders are typically more comfortable leveraging data and advanced technologies like AI, while plant managers often prioritize traditional operational needs. This gap can create friction, slowing down digital progress and creating costly delays for manufacturers.

Our recent research highlights the ongoing challenge: while 83% of IT decision-makers use AI weekly, only 72% of OT teams do the same. Aligning these teams – and providing them with the tools to collaborate across domains – is crucial. It needs a unified platform where operational efficiency meets technological innovation. Why shouldn’t an organization manage its manufacturing machines as it does its laptops – with remote connections and automated fixes?

Transforming data into action

In a smart factory, data isn’t just collected, it’s transformed into real-time insights that drive better decision-making.

The data available to manufacturers is huge, but without the correct processes and systems in place, it is often unused or even not collected. Manufacturers need to be empowered to gather, analyze, and act on data from connected devices and production systems. Through predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and advanced analytics, organizations can prevent downtime, optimize workflows, and respond quickly to changing conditions.

Manufacturers face pressures from every angle, from supply chain disruptions and labor shortages to rising sustainability demands. Real-time data and visibility into all IT and OT systems and the data available is the competitive advantage.

Empowering the frontline worker

In the digital workplace, frontline workers aren’t left behind—they’re empowered like never before. Smart factory technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) bring digital information directly into workers’ line of sight, guiding them through complex tasks with real-time instructions.

With AR, workers can access remote support, complete complex workflows, and perform maintenance using smart glasses, making the physical workplace more efficient, connected, and intelligent. This not only increases efficiency and accuracy but also enhances worker safety and confidence.

Hyundai Motor Company is an example of a company using these innovations in its Singapore facility, with the help of TeamViewer Frontline. This is a holistic smart factory that interconnects humans, robots, and logistics, with digital twin technology. Alongside, cell-based smart manufacturing and an AI-driven warehouse deliver highly efficient inventory management.

Hyundai’s transition to a smart factory has improved workflow, quality control, efficiency, and worker onboarding. It does this by smartly combining OT and IT to streamline its operations and production process.

Unlocking the benefits of digital transformation in manufacturing

When IT and OT work seamlessly, data drives decision-making, and frontline workers are empowered with the tools they need, manufacturers can realize the full potential of digital transformation. This unlocks significant advantages and truly makes any factory or manufacturing organization a digital workplace.

• Faster onboarding and upskilling: New hires can receive dynamic, hands-free instructions through smart glasses or mobile devices, reducing training time and accelerating productivity.
• Seamless remote access to all devices: Technology can enable IT and OT teams to securely access and manage any device, even when unattended, ensuring continuous support with no on-site visits required.
• Higher quality assurance with fewer errors: By combining AR capabilities with integrated cameras and sensors, TeamViewer enables manufacturers to build quality checks directly into their workflows. If an error occurs, remote experts can provide immediate just-in-time support, preventing costly disruptions.
• Greater agility and supply chain resilience: By providing real-time connectivity across the supply chain, manufacturers can spot bottlenecks early, adjust schedules, and maintain delivery commitments—even amid disruptions.

By integrating digital capabilities into their operations, manufacturers can improve operational efficiency and quality, enhance workforce satisfaction, and future-proof their business against a rapidly changing global landscape.

Making manufacturing work better — now and into the future

The shift to smart factories is about more than modernizing equipment – it’s about creating workplaces that are resilient, adaptive, and ready for the future.

We see the digital workplace as the foundation for this future. Connecting people with technology, enabling real-time decision-making, and automating digital processes helps manufacturers unlock new levels of productivity, agility, and sustainability.

It’s important to understand that digital transformation doesn’t just apply to office workers or those who spend most of their workday in front of a computer. We need to even the playing field by giving all workers the tools to perform at their best—faster, safer, and smarter.

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Mark Banfield, CCO, TeamViewer

Mark has been the Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Executive Board at TeamViewer since February 2025. He is responsible for the global go-to-market strategy and customer success. Mark joined TeamViewer following its acquisition of 1E, where he served as CEO and led the company to growth and operational excellence. A seasoned executive with 20 years of experience in the software industry, Mark has a strong background in building high-performance global teams and driving world-class customer experiences through collaborative, high-energy leadership.