2026 Technology in Metals Survey

Welcome to the 2026 technology in metals survey presented by Crowe. As we enter our 15th year of the survey, we continue to focus our survey questions on the business drivers that are most important for metals companies as they consider technology investments in 2026 and beyond. While investment levels and key factors have changed over the years, the core message from metals industry executives remains the same: To differentiate and win in the modern metals industry, technology tied to strategy and outcomes must be part of the overarching plan.

Please reach out directly if you have feedback on the survey questions. We look forward to sharing the results with you later in 2026.
Enterprise technology investment

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* 1. Compared to 2025, how have you adjusted your technology and software investment spend for 2026?

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* 2. If your technology investment is increasing in 2026, why? If your technology investment is decreasing in 2026, why? (Please provide as much information as you would like.)

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* 3. What are your company’s biggest digital transformation and technology challenges? (Please select up to three responses.)

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* 4. Please rank the following factors in order from most important to least important when it comes to making decisions about technology investments. (Place the most important at the top)

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* 5. What area of the business has been most affected by investments in technology?

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* 6. What measures have you found effective in increasing technology adoption among your employees? (Please provide as much information as you would like.)

AI strategy and road map

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* 7. Please select the statement that best describes your company’s use of AI today.

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* 8. What AI tools does your company use today? (Please select all that apply.)

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* 9. Where is your organization using AI today? (Please select all that apply.)

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* 10. Where is your organization planning to use AI? (Please select all that apply.)

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* 11. If you are not currently using AI, what is your number-one hesitation about using it?

Enterprise technology applications

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* 12. Cybersecurity has repeatedly been named the most significant IT-related risk according to past survey respondents. What steps have you taken to mitigate the risk of cybersecurity? (Please select all that apply.)

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* 13. Which of the following IT projects do you currently have in progress or plan to start in the next 12 months? (Please select all that apply.)

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* 14. What are the most common business issues or challenges your company has? (Please provide as many responses as you would like.)

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* 15. What ERP providers and systems are currently in use within your company? (Please select all that apply.)

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* 16. Which of the following technologies and approaches are currently in use at your company? (Please select all that apply.)

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* 17. Which of the following technologies and approaches are currently not in use at your company that you plan to put in place within the next five years? (Please select all that apply.)

Demographics

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* 18. Why did you take the survey this year?

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* 19. Please select the single job function that best describes your position.

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* 20. Please indicate your company types. (Please select all that apply.)

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* 21. What is your company’s annual revenue?

Questions 22-26 must be completed in order to qualify to be entered into the sweepstakes.*

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* 22. Please enter your first and last name:

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* 23. Please enter your company:

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* 24. Please enter your work email:

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* 25. Please select your country:

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* 26. Would you like to receive an advance look at the survey results and receive insights from Crowe?

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* 27. Consent

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* 28. Data usage and aggregations

*Crowe will donate $100.00 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for each properly qualified and completed survey received within the promotion period up to the noted limit. The promotion period begins on Feb. 11, 2026, and ends on May 31, 2026. Total donation will not exceed $10,000. Limit one completed survey per individual. Duplicate submissions will not be counted. Incomplete surveys or surveys received after May 31, 2026, will not be counted for the donation calculation. Donations will be paid by Crowe in one lump sum payment directly to the chosen charity. Individuals will not be named or identified. Crowe is not responsible for any delay in responses or errors caused by a malfunction or failure of any and all technology systems. This promotion is open to individuals who receive the survey invitation and are 18 years of age or older (or as otherwise not prohibited by applicable state law) and a legal resident of the United States. Crowe employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate. Crowe reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason.  If your company policy prohibits participation or accepting gifts, please do not participate. No purchase necessary. Additional restrictions may apply. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is not a sponsor of, nor affiliated with, this promotion. The donation will be made within 10 days following the close of the survey period.
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