What was one major technological advancement during the Industrial Revolution that significantly impacted production methods?

One major technological advancement during the Industrial Revolution was the steam engine, which greatly changed how goods were produced. Before the steam engine, factories relied on water power or manual labor, which limited their locations and efficiency. The steam engine allowed factories to be built anywhere, as they no longer needed to be near water sources. For example, a cotton mill could now be located in a city, making it easier to hire workers and transport materials. This innovation not only increased production speed but also helped create new industries and jobs, shaping the economy in significant ways.