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Accelerating AI in the Food and Beverage Sector

The food and beverage industry is witnessing a transformative wave with manufacturers rapidly deploying artificial intelligence (AI) beyond mere pilot projects. According to recent insights from Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, nearly 90% of food and beverage manufacturers are currently utilizing or planning to utilize AI and machine learning technologies in the near future.

However, despite widespread interest in AI, a significant barrier persists: manufacturers are reported to be effectively utilizing only about 45% of the data they collect. This inefficiency markedly hampers the scaling of AI initiatives and their ability to yield substantial business impacts. Greg Schmidt, Vice President of CPG Global Industry at Rockwell Automation, underscores this dilemma, stating, "Many manufacturers are past the question of whether AI can provide value. Now, the focus has shifted to how to scale successful pilot projects across the enterprise. This requires more than new technologies; it necessitates connected data, integrated operations, and a clear link between AI initiatives and business outcomes."

Integrating AI with Broader Digital Strategies

The analysis highlights that the most successful companies are those integrating AI within a broader digital transformation strategy. Instead of focusing solely on isolated use cases, these companies invest in stronger interconnections between operational and management systems, improve data accessibility, and align AI programs with essential goals such as enhancing quality, increasing productivity, reducing costs, and mitigating operational risks.

As manufacturers extend AI adoption, the integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is critical. Stakeholders predict that AI-assisted manufacturing processes will rise from approximately 37% today to over 60% by 2030, emphasizing the need for access to connected and contextualized data.

Workforce Readiness: A Key to Long-term Success

Beyond technological considerations, workforce preparedness is identified as a crucial factor in achieving long-term success. The report notes that 93% of manufacturers anticipate smart manufacturing initiatives will transform their workforce, and 40% have recently retrained employees. Organizations that harmonize their personnel, processes, and technology are often better positioned to foster innovation at scale and ensure sustainable outcomes over time.

A comprehensive FAQ titled "From AI Pilot Projects to Business Impact: How Food and Beverage Manufacturers Can Scale AI for Measurable Business Results" addresses essential questions related to this shift.

Key Challenges in Scaling AI

1. Data Connectivity: Despite widespread AI adoption, many companies lack the connected data, standardized processes, and integrated systems needed for large-scale success.
2. Effective Data Usage: With only about 45% of collected data being effectively utilized, manufacturers struggle to harness AI's capabilities to achieve wide-ranging business results.
3. Impact on Operational Outcomes: The central focus for food and beverage manufacturers is increasingly on measurable results, such as product quality enhancement, productivity improvement, cost reduction, and risk mitigation.

Factors for Success in AI Deployment

• - Companies leading in AI deployment perceive it as integral to a comprehensive transformation strategy. They focus on building robust data infrastructures, integrating IT and OT systems, establishing reproducible processes, and investing in workforce development to support long-term adoption and business impact.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc., headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. The company connects imaginative thinking with technological potential to expand possibilities for a more productive and sustainable world. With nearly 26,000 employees serving clients in over 100 countries as of the 2025 fiscal year, Rockwell Automation continuously demonstrates its commitment to driving innovation in this rapidly evolving sector. To learn more about their Connected Enterprise solutions for industrial applications, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.