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A New Era in Manufacturing with Rockwell Automation's MES Solutions

Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking line of adaptable Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions. This initiative is aimed at merging operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT) on a resilient, cloud-based platform, setting a new standard for manufacturing practices worldwide.

The innovations introduced are crucial for manufacturers who face escalating demands for flexibility, scalability, and operational resilience. For years, traditional MES systems functioned in silos, often leading to insufficient visibility across OT and IT operations. According to Rockwell’s 2025 Smart Manufacturing Report, 21% of manufacturing leaders recognized integration challenges as significant internal obstacles. The new adaptable MES from Rockwell overcomes these hurdles by providing a unified platform that enhances visibility and connectivity across all phases of the manufacturing lifecycle, from material handling to production and tooling.

This transformative approach streamlines operations, providing manufacturers with the agility to modify their processes in response to changing demands. Embedded analytics, AI-driven insights, and connected workforce technologies work together to ensure optimal production performance. As Lorenzo Veronesi, a research director at IDC, points out, “Existing MES systems, while fundamental, have become hindrances to agility in a rapidly evolving landscape.” The future lies in modern MES platforms that enable manufacturers to reconfigure processes as needed, seamlessly integrate digital threads, and accelerate innovation.

Key Features of Rockwell's Adaptable MES Solutions

Rockwell’s MES solutions are poised to serve as the digital backbone of contemporary manufacturing operations, ensuring comprehensive integration of software, hardware, and services within a cohesive OT/IT framework. Designed for interoperability and scalability, these new offerings harness the power of the cloud while maintaining the resilience of edge environments. Key characteristics of Rockwell's MES solutions include:

1. Industry-Specific Solutions: Tailored for discrete, hybrid, and regulated sectors, these solutions ensure compliance, traceability, and security.
2. Comprehensive SaaS Capabilities: Featuring a multi-tenant Software as a Service (SaaS) architecture equipped with AI to guide manufacturers toward autonomy.
3. Unified OT/IT Integration: Seamless connectivity enhances operational resilience and visibility across the production process.
4. Flexible and Secure Architecture: Built to adapt to existing systems while incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI.
5. Resilient Deployment Options: Offers a range of configurations, including cloud and hybrid models, to meet diverse operational needs.

As David Rudofsky, CFO at Wonton Food Inc., states, “Plex provides the flexibility required to grow our digital infrastructure at our pace, allowing us to select the functionalities that work for us now with future-proof potential.” Rockwell’s specialized MES offerings simplify compliance with industry standards while decreasing implementation timelines by minimizing excessive customizations.

Impact on Operational Performance and Business Results

Manufacturers globally are already reaping the benefits of Rockwell's MES solutions. Various case studies illustrate this impact:

• - A manufacturer of stationery products utilized Plex MES to unlock scalability and improve real-time production visibility.
• - An instant food manufacturer automated its work-in-progress (WIP) management and achieved better operational and financial outcomes by implementing Plex MES.
• - A pharmaceutical developer adopted FactoryTalk® PharmaSuite® to craft a digital manufacturing solution, significantly boosting efficiency.

Rockwell's MES offerings empower manufacturers with insight-driven analytics and predictive forecasting, aiding them in streamlining operations toward autonomy. The adaptive capabilities of the system facilitate essential decision-making processes that are crucial in today’s demanding manufacturing environments.

For more information on Rockwell Automation's adaptable MES solutions, visit the Plex website.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc., listed on the NYSE as ROK, is a world leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, dedicated to connecting imagination with technology for a more productive and sustainable world. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs nearly 26,000 people worldwide, serving clients across more than 100 countries. To discover how the company brings its Connected Enterprise® solution to life, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.