Staying Resilient in the Face of Changing Markets

“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

While he’s not frequently celebrated for his philosophical wisdom, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson may have landed a knockout line with this one. The truth is, you can plan and prepare all you want—but when something truly unexpected hits, resilience becomes your greatest asset. Manufacturers know this reality all too well. The early 2020s were a barrage of unexpected jabs: a global pandemic, supply chain breakdowns, international conflicts, material shortages, labor shortages, and economic volatility. These events didn’t just bruise operations—they tested the industry’s ability to get back on its feet. Now, as the industry regains stability, manufacturers are embracing a powerful truth: resilience isn’t just about surviving the blow—it’s about learning to take the hit and keep moving forward. Or, as another legendary (albeit fictional) fighter once said, “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” — Rocky Balboa.

Table of Contents

• What Does Resilience Look Like?
• Planning for the Next Punch
  • Supply chain inconsistency
  • Shifting economic and regulatory headwinds
  • Labor availability & capacity
• Why it Helps to Have an MES in Your Corner
• In Conclusion
• FAQ

What Does Resilience Look Like?

Spirited boxing quotes aside—what does real-world manufacturing resilience actually look like? At its core, a resilient enterprise is built on three foundational traits:

1. Preparedness

   Yes, Tyson might scoff, but smart planning is still step one. Resilient manufacturers don’t just make one plan—they develop fallback strategies for multiple scenarios. Contingency plans today are more sophisticated than ever, bolstered by connected systems that provide end-to-end visibility across operations. These modern playbooks go beyond the “what if” and deliver real-time guidance on “what now” when disruptions strike. Manufacturers are no strangers to contingency planning, but new tools allow those plans to become smarter, faster, and more actionable than ever.

2. Connectedness

   Boxing isn’t just brute force—it’s coordination: footwork, timing, defense, and strategy. A manufacturing operation is no different. Disconnected systems are vulnerable. A resilient organization connects the dots—linking production lines, inventory, logistics, and customer experience. This unified operational view ensures everyone has access to the same up-to-date data, allowing for proactive decisions and cross-functional alignment. It’s the difference between swinging blindly and landing a well-placed hook.

3. Adaptability

   Preparedness and connectedness lay the foundation—but adaptability wins the match. From sudden demand surges to material shortages, today’s manufacturers must be able to pivot with precision. That means having the agility to adjust production schedules, shift suppliers, reskill workers, or re-route logistics—often in real-time. Adaptability is powered by technology, but it’s also cultural. When teams are trained, informed, and empowered to act quickly, they become more resilient by nature.

Planning for the Next Punch

While manufacturers can’t predict every disruption, they can study the patterns—and plan accordingly. Based on insights from Parsec’s 2024 State of Manufacturing Survey, here are three high-probability challenges that manufacturers should be bracing for:

Supply Chain Inconsistency

The pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains—previously the quiet backbone of manufacturing. Now, those vulnerabilities are front and center. Supply chains remain in flux, with disruptions still echoing through material sourcing, shipping costs, and customer expectations. Manufacturers must plan for continued volatility by mapping alternate suppliers, monitoring real-time logistics, and leveraging predictive analytics to anticipate changes.

Shifting Economic & Regulatory Headwinds

Economic uncertainty is the sucker punch no one sees coming. Tariffs, trade agreements, and geopolitical shifts can upend even the most carefully planned operations. Manufacturers must remain vigilant. Staying informed and agile enough to shift sourcing, recalibrate pricing, or meet changing compliance standards is essential to survival.

Labor Availability & Capacity

Perhaps unsurprisingly, labor continues to be a top concern:

• 43% of North American manufacturers struggle to find qualified candidates
• 33% face challenges with worker retention
• 37% are impacted by seasoned employee retirement

The workforce isn’t just aging—it’s shrinking, and technology is outpacing training. Labor shortages, coupled with skill gaps, put enormous strain on production capacity. Solving for this requires both short-term creativity and long-term strategy, including automation, upskilling, and improved retention efforts.

Why it Helps to Have an MES in Your Corner

The right support system can make or break even the greatest boxers. Tyson had Constantine “Cus” D’Amato helping to guide his career. Mickey and Adrian had Rocky’s back through the highs and lows. For today’s manufacturers, that support system comes in the form of connected, intelligent technologies—and chief among them is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). An MES like TrakSYS™ is the coach, strategist, and data analyst all rolled into one. It helps manufacturers plan smarter, respond faster, and operate leaner.

Here’s how:

Capture, Contextualize, Analyze MES platforms ingest data directly from machines, sensors, and business systems—providing a clear, live view of your operations to support fast and informed decisions. Integrated Operations From ERP to CRM to warehouse management and beyond, MES connects disparate systems for a unified view across the value chain. This connectedness strengthens visibility and enhances collaboration across departments. Automation of Repetitive Tasks By automating data collection, production scheduling, and materials tracking, MES lightens the load on human workers and ensures processes can continue—even under stress. Stronger Communication & Transparency When disruption strikes, internal and external communication is critical. MES platforms keep staff, partners, and customers aligned with accurate, accessible information. Ultimately, MES technology helps you spot vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and recover faster. It empowers your operation to get knocked down—and still come out swinging. These capabilities, among others, ensure that teams have accurate, up-to-date, and actionable data at their fingertips—enabling more strategic contingency planning and faster responses to disruption. With the right MES in their corner, manufacturers aren’t just better equipped to weather unexpected blows—they’re positioned to bounce back stronger.

In Conclusion

Resilience isn’t about avoiding every hit; it’s about having the visibility, agility, and tools to respond with confidence. With enhanced insights and connected systems, manufacturers can keep moving forward—round after round. To learn more about how an MES supports resiliency in the face of evolving challenges, contact us today.

FAQ: Staying Resilient in Modern Manufacturing