Rockwell Automation Inc. has released its 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Consumer Packaged Goods $(CPG)$ Edition, revealing a shift in industry priorities towards innovation and long-term growth. The report, based on insights from 174 CPG leaders across 15 countries, highlights a move away from cost-cutting towards investments in AI, automation, and workforce development. Key findings indicate that scalability, integration, and aligning technology with workforce capabilities are now central to growth strategies. Rising competition, driven by increased market pressure and changing consumer habits, has become a primary concern, surpassing last year's focus on economic uncertainty and inflation. The report also notes that 70% of CPG manufacturers are investing in AI, robotics, and simulation technologies, with a growing emphasis on data utilization for decision-making. Workforce strategies are evolving, with a focus on training current employees and managing change effectively.