SMS Benchmarks for Manufacturing

SMS benchmarks help manufacturing teams understand how their messages perform across complex supply chains and production environments. This guide explores key metrics that shape effective communication at every stage of operations.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in manufacturing is 22 to 32 percent, reflecting how often suppliers, distributors, or production partners reply to SMS messages.

Response rate expresses the portion of contacts who respond to a text compared with all messages that successfully reach their phones.

It is calculated by taking the number of incoming replies, then dividing that figure by the total delivered texts, and finally converting the result into a percentage.

In manufacturing settings, this number signals how reliably teams are exchanging updates about orders, inventory, staffing, and maintenance.

Strong response rates support faster coordination, reduced downtime, and more predictable production schedules.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate for manufacturing is around 0.4–0.9 percent, reflecting relatively stable subscriber behavior for an operationally focused industry.

Opt-out rate is the proportion of people who text STOP or otherwise unsubscribe from your SMS program during a given period.

It is calculated by dividing the number of opt-outs by the number of successfully delivered messages in that same timeframe.

In manufacturing, watching this percentage helps teams understand how workers, vendors, and partners respond to shift alerts, safety notices, and logistics updates.

A consistently low opt-out rate signals that communications feel relevant, well timed, and respectful of recipients’ attention.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in manufacturing is 13–20% and indicates how often recipients tap links inside SMS messages that support production, logistics, or supply workflows.

Click-through rate shows the portion of delivered texts that generate at least one click on a tracked link.

To find it, divide total link clicks by successfully delivered messages, then multiply the result by 100.

In manufacturing, this metric highlights whether staff, partners, or customers consider messages useful for tasks like viewing work orders, checking shipment status, accessing documentation, or confirming maintenance windows.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate for manufacturing is 1.5–2.5%, reflecting how many people follow through on a key step after receiving an SMS.

Conversion rate describes the share of recipients who complete a specific outcome compared to everyone who received a message.

It is calculated by dividing the number of successful results such as confirmed orders, quote approvals, or scheduled maintenance visits by the total SMS messages delivered, then multiplying by 100.

In manufacturing this metric matters because it shows how well messaging supports production planning, inventory control, and on time delivery, helping teams make sure every text contributes to smoother operations.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for manufacturing is 98–99%, which means almost every SMS actually reaches the phone it was meant for.

In production environments, this reliability keeps lines moving smoothly as updates about orders, inventory, and maintenance reach teams without delay.

Delivery rate is calculated by taking all messages that successfully land on recipient devices, then dividing by the total sent after removing those rejected because of invalid numbers or carrier level blocking.

In manufacturing, this metric matters because planners, supervisors, and logistics teams depend on timely SMS for shift scheduling, parts availability alerts, quality notifications, safety messages, and shipping coordination.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, which shows that text messages are almost always seen in manufacturing, whether on the shop floor or in the back office.

Open rate refers to the percentage of delivered texts that recipients actually view.

It is calculated by dividing the number of opened texts by the number of successfully delivered texts, then multiplying the result by 100.

In manufacturing this metric matters because urgent notices like safety alerts, equipment downtime updates, or schedule changes must reach workers fast.

High open rates make sure teams act on critical information without delay.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read an SMS in manufacturing is 3 minutes.

Time to read describes how long it takes workers or supervisors to open and view a text after it lands on their device.

It is calculated by tracking the time gap between successful delivery and the first open across a large number of messages, then averaging those results.

This metric is crucial in manufacturing because slower reading can delay line change instructions, safety alerts, maintenance coordination, shift updates, and inventory corrections, so teams can make sure information moves as quickly as the production environment demands.

Average Response Time

The average response time for manufacturing is 90 seconds, showing how quickly production teams usually reply after receiving a text message.

Response time is the period between when a message reaches a phone and when the first reply is sent.

It is calculated by taking this time gap in every conversation and finding the average value.

In manufacturing it matters because quick replies help coordinate production schedules, address equipment issues before they grow, and keep material flows on track.

Faster response times also make sure operators, supervisors, and suppliers stay aligned in fast changing environments.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate is 1–2% in manufacturing, which indicates that only a tiny portion of operational SMS alerts never get through to staff, suppliers, or logistics partners.

This metric is calculated by dividing the number of undelivered messages by the total texts sent, then converting that into a percentage.

In manufacturing, it is crucial because dependable delivery supports production line updates, shift notifications, supply chain alerts, and safety messages.

A low bounce rate helps keep contact data accurate so communication flows smoothly across plants, warehouses, and distribution networks.

Why Are SMS Metrics Important?

Sms metrics play a critical role for businesses in manufacturing because they show how well communication reaches teams, suppliers, and customers.

Whether sharing production updates, coordinating deliveries, or alerting staff to equipment issues, strong sms performance helps keep operations running smoothly.

Metrics like delivery rate, open rate, and response rate reveal how quickly people see and react to messages.

Conversion and click through rates highlight how effectively texts prompt actions such as confirming shipments or scheduling maintenance.

By tracking these metrics, manufacturing companies make sure their messaging supports efficiency, reduces downtime, and strengthens relationships across the supply chain.

Overview of Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector relies on precise, timely communication to coordinate production, inventory, and logistics across complex networks of teams and partners.

Operations often run on tight schedules, so delays or missed messages can quickly affect output, quality, and safety.

SMS offers a direct, immediate channel that reaches staff and stakeholders wherever they are, with near universal reach and engagement rates above 90 percent.

By delivering critical updates quickly and reliably, SMS helps maintain operational continuity, support rapid decision making, and reduce communication bottlenecks.

As manufacturing becomes more connected and data driven, SMS plays a key role in keeping communication responsive, aligned with expectations, and supportive of efficient day to day operations.

SMS Use Cases in Manufacturing

SMS is valuable in manufacturing because it delivers fast, trackable communication to plant teams and suppliers.

It helps reduce downtime and shorten response cycles by getting critical messages to the right people immediately.

Production line alerts - Send targeted texts to maintenance crews when sensors detect anomalies, enabling rapid repairs and minimizing unplanned stoppages.

Supplier and materials coordination - Notify vendors of changing part requirements, shipment windows, or expedited orders to keep kanban and just-in-time deliveries aligned.

Workforce scheduling and safety notices - Communicate shift changes, overtime needs, or urgent safety bulletins to frontline operators to make sure staffing and compliance remain intact.

Order and delivery tracking - Provide real-time shipment updates to warehouse teams and customers, reducing manual calls and improving parts-on-time metrics.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Manufacturing

How can sms support quality control in manufacturing?

Sms can alert supervisors instantly when defects are detected on the production line. This helps teams react quickly, isolate issues, and reduce the spread of faulty products.

What role does sms play in coordinating maintenance activities in manufacturing plants?

Technicians can receive sms notifications about scheduled maintenance or unexpected equipment issues. This keeps maintenance teams aligned and reduces delays caused by missed work orders.

How can sms improve communication with suppliers in manufacturing operations?

Procurement teams can use sms to confirm delivery times, report shortages, or request urgent shipments. Fast two-way texting helps prevent material bottlenecks and keeps production running smoothly.

In what ways can sms enhance worker safety in manufacturing environments?

Safety managers can send sms alerts about hazards, lockdowns, or emergency procedures directly to employees. This rapid communication supports quicker responses and helps protect staff on the shop floor.