#USA #Milwaukee #Rockwell Automation #Manufacturing Solutions #Elastic MES

A New Era in Manufacturing

Rockwell Automation, a leader in industrial automation, continues to innovate with its Manufacturing Execution System (MES) products. Recently, the company introduced advancements that are transforming how manufacturers operate. As industries evolve, the demand for seamless integration between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) becomes increasingly important. Rockwell's new elastic MES solutions address these challenges, offering flexibility and scalability tailored to meet the operational needs of modern manufacturing.

The Elastic MES Approach

Rockwell Automation has unveiled an elastic, cloud-native MES platform that not only unifies OT and IT but also simplifies the production journey. The company's approach is designed to connect different stages of the manufacturing lifecycle—from materials and inventory management to production processes and tooling—enabling manufacturers to adapt more swiftly to market changes.

Traditional MES platforms often create operational silos, which stifle visibility and hinder connectivity. The 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report by Rockwell reveals that 21% of manufacturers struggle with integration issues that impede efficiency. In response, the new elastic MES eliminates these barriers, providing a streamlined, single-platform solution. Built-in analytics, driven by AI insights, ensure that operations remain agile and optimized.

Lorenzo Veronesi, an associate research director at IDC, emphasizes the importance of this evolutionary shift: “Legacy MES systems can limit agility in a fast-changing environment. The future lies in flexible and scalable platforms that manufacturers can reconfigure on demand. This transition is essential for truly adaptive operations.”

Key Features of Rockwell's Elastic MES

Rockwell's innovative MES solutions are crafted to serve as the backbone of contemporary manufacturing environments. Here are some key characteristics:

• - Purpose-Built for Diverse Industries: The system is tailored for various sectors, including discrete, hybrid, and regulated industries, ensuring compliance and security throughout.
• - Multi-Tenant SaaS Environment: The platform operates within a Software as a Service (SaaS) model complete with AI guidance, facilitating a pathway toward autonomous operations.
• - Unified OT/IT Integration: Enhancing visibility across business operations becomes straightforward with this unified platform, creating resilience in business strategies.
• - Seamless Extensibility: Designed for security and resilience, the platform integrates effortlessly with existing systems while accommodating emerging technologies like AI.
• - Adaptable Deployment Options: Organizations can select from cloud-only or hybrid setups that suit their operational requirements.

David Rudofsky, CFO of Wonton Food Inc., notes the flexibility of choices within the Plex offering: “We selected initial capabilities that met our needs but have the option for further expansion as we grow our digital infrastructure.”

Achieving Operational Excellence

The operational impact of the elastic MES solutions is already evident in various manufacturing sectors. For instance, companies that have adopted Plex MES report significant improvements:

• - Stationery Manufacturer: This company enhanced its scalability and achieved real-time production visibility, empowering leadership to make informed decisions.
• - Baking Mix Producer: By automating work-in-progress (WIP) management through Plex MES, they have increased performance across financial and operational spectrums.
• - Pharmaceutical Developer: By implementing FactoryTalk® PharmaSuite®, they have transitioned to a digital manufacturing core that boosts overall efficiency.

Conclusion

As Rockwell Automation continuously seeks to elevate manufacturing standards, its elastic MES offerings signify a remarkable step toward a more integrated and intelligent operational framework. This advanced MES platform not only addresses immediate operational needs but also positions manufacturers for future advancements as they navigate the shift towards complete autonomy. To explore more about Rockwell's innovative MES solutions, visit their website for detailed insights on how they are revolutionizing the manufacturing landscape.