Top 10 Most Popular Tools For Manufacturing in 2025

The tools were selected after evaluating their relevance, popularity, and impact on manufacturing processes, ensuring a mix of industrial IoT platforms, MES systems, and design tools.

The selection process involved analyzing industry reports, user reviews, and vendor websites to identify tools that are widely adopted and impactful. The list was refined by replacing outdated or less relevant tools, such as IBM Watson IoT, which was sunset in December 2023, with more current options like Microsoft Azure IoT Central. Additionally, "Digital Twins" was replaced with Bentley iTwin for specificity, as digital twins are a concept supported by multiple platforms.

Most popular digital tools for manufacturers

Each tools in details

• Siemens Insights Hub: Previously known as MindSphere, it’s a leading industrial IoT platform, connecting devices and supporting digital twins. Its robust ecosystem, including partnerships with AWS and Microsoft, enhances its appeal, but the high initial cost and integration challenges are notable drawbacks. It’s widely used in energy and transportation, with detailed insights available at Siemens Insights Hub.
• Microsoft Azure IoT Central: Replacing IBM Watson IoT, this platform offers prebuilt templates, making it user-friendly for IoT device management. Its scalability and security are praised, though costs can be prohibitive for small projects. It’s versatile, serving automotive and manufacturing, with more information at Microsoft Azure IoT Central.
• PTC ThingWorx: Focused on industrial IoT, it’s known for VR/AR capabilities, aiding training and optimization. Its end-to-end solutions are ideal for manufacturing, but the learning curve and customization needs can be barriers. It’s prominent in electronics, with details at PTC ThingWorx.
• Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk: A comprehensive suite for automation, it enhances productivity with strong integration capabilities. However, its complexity and IT resource demands are challenges. It’s crucial for food and beverage, with resources at Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk.
• Altizon Datonis: Offers real-time monitoring and analytics, with a user-friendly interface, but scalability is limited for large operations. It’s used in industrial equipment, with more at Altizon Datonis.
• SAP Leonardo: A business transformation platform combining IoT, machine learning, and blockchain, it supports smart product development. Its high cost and complexity are drawbacks, but it’s vital for logistics, with information at SAP Leonardo.
• Bentley iTwin: An unexpected choice for manufacturing, it’s primarily for infrastructure digital twins, integrating BIM and IoT data. Its open platform is scalable, but setup costs are high, used in construction, with details at Bentley iTwin.
• MasterControl MES: Provides real-time analytics and visibility, improving quality control, essential for pharmaceuticals. Customization and integration challenges exist, with resources at MasterControl MES.
• Autodesk Fusion 360: Streamlines design and production, enhancing collaboration, but limited for full lifecycle, used in product design, with details at Autodesk Fusion 360.
• Katana MRP: Simplifies operations for small to medium businesses, with real-time data, but limited analytics, used in e-commerce, with information at Katana MRP.

Industry Trends and Considerations

The manufacturing sector is increasingly adopting these tools to achieve Industry 4.0 goals, with a focus on connectivity, data analytics, and digital twins. The choice of tool depends on industry needs, with pharmaceuticals favoring MES systems like MasterControl, while manufacturing leans toward IoT platforms like ThingWorx. Cost and scalability remain key considerations, especially for smaller operations.

This analysis highlights the diversity and importance of digital tools in manufacturing, from IoT platforms to MES and design software. Manufacturers should evaluate their specific needs, considering both the benefits and challenges of each tool to drive digital transformation effectively.

About MDCplus

Our key features are real-time machine monitoring for swift issue resolution, power consumption tracking to promote sustainability, computerized maintenance management to reduce downtime, and vibration diagnostics for predictive maintenance. MDCplus's solutions are tailored for diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, precision machining, and heavy industry. By delivering actionable insights and fostering seamless integration, we empower manufacturers to boost Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth along with future planning.