Digital Transformation an Essential for 90% of Manufacturers Worldwide: New Global Study
In a transformative shift for the manufacturing sector, a recent global report by Rockwell Automation, Inc. has revealed that a staggering 90% of manufacturers now consider digital transformation to be essential to their competitive edge. The 'State of Smart Manufacturing Report 2026' outlines insights from over 1500 manufacturers across 17 countries, reflecting a significant change in the industry’s approach toward digital technologies.
Previously, discussions around digital technology adoption often revolved around whether to implement these innovations. However, manufacturers are now focusing on how best to utilize, scale, and derive measurable benefits from these technologies. The survey indicates that many manufacturers are moving from pilot projects to full-scale integrations of smart manufacturing technologies into their daily operations.
Blake Moret, the CEO of Rockwell Automation, emphasizes the current complexity and pressures within the industry, stating, "Manufacturers are facing more challenges than ever before. This year’s research highlights how leading companies are prioritizing digital transformation to enhance their operations. Success hinges on linking technology, people, and processes to convert insights into improved decision-making, increased performance, and enhanced resilience."
Key findings from the report reveal that 59% of manufacturers are actively deploying smart manufacturing technologies, as opposed to merely conducting pilot projects — a notable decrease in the experimental phase that characterized years past. The report highlights significant advancements with artificial intelligence (AI) acting as a catalyst for industrial competitiveness. Currently, 34% of operational processes leverage AI to enhance quality, cybersecurity, and process optimization, with expectations that this figure will exceed 50% by 2030.
The report also addresses operational intelligence as a distinguishing characteristic in modern manufacturing. Despite the surge in data collection, only 43% of that data is utilized effectively, indicating that implementing this data is a critical factor for performance improvement rather than merely its availability. Additionally, nearly half of the manufacturers surveyed (46%) reported being affected by a cybersecurity incident within the last year, highlighting the increasing vulnerabilities as operations become more interconnected and autonomous.
As manufacturers increase their investments in transformation, they aim for measurable outcomes regarding quality, cost reduction, decreased operational risks, and improved overall equipment effectiveness. One-third of operational budgets continue to be allocated towards industrial technology, reflecting a sustained commitment to actionable investments rather than short-lived experiments.
This 2026 report is grounded in over a decade of global research, emphasizing key elements that shape modern industrial operations: insight, resilience, adaptability, and workforce transformation. It underscores the necessity for manufacturers to develop secure, integrated IT/OT architectures as they scale AI and advanced automation technologies.
With the adoption of such innovations, manufacturing enterprises can redefine their capabilities and approach towards sustainable productivity and efficiency. For a more comprehensive overview, the complete 'State of Smart Manufacturing Report 2026' is available for review.
Previously, discussions around digital technology adoption often revolved around whether to implement these innovations. However, manufacturers are now focusing on how best to utilize, scale, and derive measurable benefits from these technologies. The survey indicates that many manufacturers are moving from pilot projects to full-scale integrations of smart manufacturing technologies into their daily operations.
Blake Moret, the CEO of Rockwell Automation, emphasizes the current complexity and pressures within the industry, stating, "Manufacturers are facing more challenges than ever before. This year’s research highlights how leading companies are prioritizing digital transformation to enhance their operations. Success hinges on linking technology, people, and processes to convert insights into improved decision-making, increased performance, and enhanced resilience."
Key findings from the report reveal that 59% of manufacturers are actively deploying smart manufacturing technologies, as opposed to merely conducting pilot projects — a notable decrease in the experimental phase that characterized years past. The report highlights significant advancements with artificial intelligence (AI) acting as a catalyst for industrial competitiveness. Currently, 34% of operational processes leverage AI to enhance quality, cybersecurity, and process optimization, with expectations that this figure will exceed 50% by 2030.
The report also addresses operational intelligence as a distinguishing characteristic in modern manufacturing. Despite the surge in data collection, only 43% of that data is utilized effectively, indicating that implementing this data is a critical factor for performance improvement rather than merely its availability. Additionally, nearly half of the manufacturers surveyed (46%) reported being affected by a cybersecurity incident within the last year, highlighting the increasing vulnerabilities as operations become more interconnected and autonomous.
As manufacturers increase their investments in transformation, they aim for measurable outcomes regarding quality, cost reduction, decreased operational risks, and improved overall equipment effectiveness. One-third of operational budgets continue to be allocated towards industrial technology, reflecting a sustained commitment to actionable investments rather than short-lived experiments.
This 2026 report is grounded in over a decade of global research, emphasizing key elements that shape modern industrial operations: insight, resilience, adaptability, and workforce transformation. It underscores the necessity for manufacturers to develop secure, integrated IT/OT architectures as they scale AI and advanced automation technologies.
With the adoption of such innovations, manufacturing enterprises can redefine their capabilities and approach towards sustainable productivity and efficiency. For a more comprehensive overview, the complete 'State of Smart Manufacturing Report 2026' is available for review.
Topics Business Technology）
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