Nuevo León, Jalisco, and Baja California Lead the Connected Factory Revolution, According to Zebra

Mexico’s manufacturing sector is undergoing an accelerated transformation. Driven by the nearshoring trend and the need to remain competitive against markets like the United States, companies are shifting toward smart, connected, and paperless operations, according to The Rise of the Connected Factory study by Zebra Technologies.

The report highlights that 90% of industrial leaders in Latin America prioritize IoT connectivity, process automation, and advanced analytics as key pillars to achieving greater efficiency, traceability, and operational agility.

Ana Laura Cacogui, Marketing Manager for Manufacturing LATAM at Zebra Technologies, noted that in Mexico, “we have moved from paper-based and manual records to connected digital platforms and automated operations that enable real-time decision-making and rapid response.”

Connectivity and Full Visibility Drive Industry Growth

States such as Nuevo León, Jalisco, and Baja California are attracting record investments in IoT infrastructure, 4G/5G networks, and smart industrial parks — enabling real-time monitoring of equipment and processes.

Nearshoring and Automation as Efficiency Drivers

Automotive and electronics companies are moving toward digital workflows, QR codes, mobile platforms, and collaborative robots, reducing errors and accelerating production times. Between 2023 and 2024, Mexico secured over USD 36 billion in relocation projects, a shift that demands greater scalability and operational efficiency.

The impact of this transformation translates into tangible benefits, including reduced costs and errors, enhanced traceability, optimized logistics, and stronger sustainability practices. However, the study warns that challenges remain, such as the need for specialized digital talent, a more balanced industrial infrastructure nationwide, and full integration between IT and OT systems.