“Validating customer designs before manufacturing was ranked the highest innovation priority (52.4 percent), reflecting the need for systems to catch and correct errors early,” says Arik Vrobel, IAT co-chair of WHMA’s Innovation Advisory Team and CEO of Cableteque Corp. “A majority (76 percent) of respondents report encountering customer design errors ‘sometimes’ or ‘often.’”

Three-quarter of respondents describe their current quoting process as “manual, time-intensive, and too slow.” “Respondents rated automated bill of materials enhancement and faster quoting tools as critical, underscoring the role of speed-to-quote as a competitive advantage,” explains Vrobel.

More than one-half (57 percent) of respondents claim that they rely on “tribal knowledge” for quoting, while 50 percent face challenges with incomplete or inaccurate customer information. “Respondents emphasized the need for better documentation and standardized processes to reduce risk and improve consistency,” says Vrobel.

While more than 75 percent expressed an interest in adopting digital platforms, barriers include cost (64.3 percent) and system compatibility (57.1 percent). “With 47.6 percent still relying on basic Excel or Word-based tools, the data points to significant opportunities for digital transformation,” claims Vrobel.

Skills gaps hinder technology adoption for 45.2 percent of respondents. “More than half (51.2 percent) said they need access to training programs, and 64.3 percent expressed interest in WHMA-backed standardized tools, highlighting the importance of workforce development and certification,” Vrobel points out.

“These results clearly reflect an industry in transition, moving away from traditional, manual approaches toward digitization, standardization and workforce development,” says Vrobel. “By focusing on these priorities, WHMA and our members can help shape a more efficient, innovative and resilient wire harness industry.”