Manufacturing has been a key industry since the Industrial Revolution, consistently seeking innovation to stay competitive, especially with the emergence of AI and APIs. Modern challenges include creating new revenue streams, cost reduction, and minimizing time to market, while also addressing supply chain unpredictability and customer satisfaction. API management offers a solution by enabling manufacturers to digitalize, develop proprietary software, and leverage microservices and cloud technologies for agility and efficiency. By integrating APIs, manufacturers can enhance product offerings with additional services, optimize processes using digital twins, and provide IoT solutions that add value. Successful companies are transitioning into software-driven enterprises, utilizing APIs to improve data accessibility, perform predictive maintenance, and explore API monetization possibilities. Notable cases like Cargill and Vestas demonstrate the benefits of adopting API-first strategies to modernize operations, reduce costs, and accelerate time to market, ultimately positioning manufacturers to thrive in a competitive landscape.