What Digital Transformation Looks Like in Manufacturing: Key Insights From our Podcast

In an Industry where “digital transformation” gets thrown around like confetti, it’s easy to lose sight of what it means—especially in manufacturing. At InSource Solutions Group, we’re not just talking about it. We’re redefining how it gets done. Recently, Michelle Miller and Jarett Messing, two of our Offering Managers at InSource, sat down to discuss how manufacturers tackle transformation the right way—and how we help make that happen.

Let’s get one thing straight: digital transformation isn’t new. But the pressure to adapt is mounting. Whether it’s pandemic-induced remote work, labor shortages from the Great Resignation, or rising consumer expectations, manufacturers are being pushed to modernize faster than ever. Yet, most still wrestle with outdated tools, paper-based processes, and disconnected systems.

As Michelle put it, manufacturers know they need to change—they just struggle with how.

Transformation vs. Translation

Jarett broke it down with a solid analogy: in the first industrial revolution, companies that merely swapped steam power for electricity without redesigning their workflows missed the mark. The same mistake is being made today when paper forms become digital forms— the process behind them stays the same.

True transformation changes how work gets done. It’s not about the tools; it’s about the system. We identify a client’s priorities when we kick off a transformation project. Are they losing yield? Fighting for uptime? Struggling with first-pass quality? Understanding these goals shapes the entire roadmap. Then we get on-site. We don’t just look at tech stacks; we walk the floor, talk to the people, and study how work actually happens.

We look at both digital maturity and operational discipline. It’s not just about automation. It’s about how teams work, communicate, and solve problems.

Fix the Process Before the Platform

Sometimes, the best tech recommendation is… no tech. One client had great scheduling software. But employees weren’t using it. Why? Because everyone was still calling in last-minute changes. There was no structure. So we helped implement a daily cross-functional meeting cadence. Once the process was in place, the software finally delivered.

Digital transformation isn’t just for leadership. We’re big on connected worker tools—apps that put SOPs, videos, and communications in the hands of frontline employees. Think: YouTube for the factory floor. Operators can troubleshoot in real-time, access training content, and take more ownership of their work.

It’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter.

Digital transformation is a business strategy, not an IT project. It touches everything: people, processes, and technology. When done right, it doesn’t just replace binders with tablets. It builds a culture of continuous improvement that sticks.

If you’re curious how this might look at your facility, let’s talk. We’re here to help you figure out the “how.” Contact us today!

Want to Hear the Full Conversation?

Hear Michelle and Jarett unpack digital transformation strategies that actually work.

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