Industry Insights - Manufacturing and Distribution Q2 2025Welcome to the new look of Protiviti’s quarterly newsletter for the manufacturing and distribution industry! In this edition, we dive into the latest risks, trends and innovations that are shaping the future of our sector. With a curated selection of articles that will keep you at the forefront of industry developments.Subscribe to quarterly insights Protiviti Spotlight Top Sector Risks: Economic uncertainty and talent shortages take center stage In an industry that depends on intricate supply chains, global markets and technological evolution, uncertainty is a given. Each year, our Top Risks Survey provides a snapshot of the challenges executives anticipate in both the near- and long-term. Results from our latest study reveal that while some risks evolve, many remain persistent, reinforcing the need for proactive, strategic leadership... Read more Navigating new tariffs: Enhance agility and confidence New and fluctuating tariffs and potential shifts in trade relationships are creating significant challenges for management teams. Supply chain and finance functions are pivoting to operate under greater volatility and uncertainty. Key areas requiring immediate focus include cost fluctuations, inventory policy and capital management, budgeting and strategic planning, and cash flow forecasting.<... Read More Learn more about Protiviti: BLOG | INSIGHTS | WHO WE ARE Top Industry Reads Agentic AI: What it is and why boards should care In 2024, generative AI was all the rage. In 2025, agentic AI has emerged as the next frontier of AI deployment. What is agentic AI, and why is it important for directors to understand how management intends to use it? Read More Empowering finance: Integrating agentic AI into the talent model Finance functions can leverage agentic AI to mitigate the effects of talent shortages and improve data production and analysis. These opportunities have profound implications on corporate finance groups. While generative AI can create new text and images in response to prompts or requests, more advanced multimodal gen-AI models feature advanced step-by-step reasoning and research capabilities. These advancements are key to unlocking the evolution to AI agents as an extension of the human workforce. Read More Unlock the Power of AI with Protiviti AI Studio Bring your AI ideas to life with Protiviti AI Studio—a collaborative space designed to help organizations accelerate AI adoption and achieve real business outcomes. From early ideation to hands-on experimentation, our team guides you through every stage of your AI journey.At the Protiviti AI Studio, you can:Envision AI’s impact through use cases and strategy sessionsExperiment with prototypes, demos, and emerging technologiesEnable your teams through immersive training and expert insightsDon’t just explore AI—put it into action. Access Now Topics Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance Business Performance ESG/Sustainability Artificial Intelligence Industries Manufacturing and Distribution Transportation & Logistics
