Manufacturers are no longer asking whether digital transformation is necessary. They’re asking how to make it happen successfully.
According to Rockwell Automation’s 2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, 90% of manufacturers now consider digital transformation essential to remaining competitive. More importantly, the industry has moved beyond experimentation and into execution, with 59% of manufacturers actively using smart manufacturing technologies to support day-to-day operations.
The message is clear: smart manufacturing is no longer a future initiative. It’s a present-day business imperative.
However, as manufacturers invest in automation, AI, data analytics, and connected operations, many are discovering that technology alone isn’t enough to deliver meaningful results.
AI Adoption Continues to Accelerate
Artificial intelligence remains one of the most significant trends shaping manufacturing today. Rockwell’s report found that 95% of manufacturers have already invested, or plan to invest over the next 5 years in AI technologies. In fact, one-third of manufacturing operations are already AI-augmented, supporting applications such as quality management, cybersecurity, and process optimization. Manufacturers expect that number to continue growing significantly by the end of this decade.
The enthusiasm is understandable. Manufacturers see AI as a tool for improving quality, reducing costs, optimizing operations, addressing talent shortages, and helping teams make good decisions more efficiently.
However, AI is only as effective as the infrastructure supporting it.
Connected Operations Depend on Reliable Infrastructure
One of the most revealing findings in the report is that manufacturers continue to struggle with turning data into actionable insights. While organizations are collecting more information than ever, only about 43% of available data is being used effectively. This suggests the challenge isn’t gathering data. It’s creating the systems, connectivity, and processes needed to transform it into business value.
As manufacturers pursue AI, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and advanced analytics, reliable automation systems and network infrastructure become increasingly important. Without a strong foundation of industrial controls, networking, cybersecurity, and data management, even the most advanced technologies may fail to achieve their intended impact.
Cybersecurity Remains a Critical Priority
The report also highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in manufacturing environments. Nearly half of all manufacturers reported experiencing a cyber incident within the past year, reinforcing the reality that digital transformation and cybersecurity must go hand-in-hand. As IT and OT become increasingly connected, manufacturers must protect both their data and their production environments.
For many organizations, cybersecurity is no longer an IT-only issue. It has become an operational requirement that directly impacts uptime, productivity, and business continuity.
Technology Still Depends on People
We’ve come a long way in manufacturing technology. But despite these rapid advancements, workforce challenges remain a major concern for manufacturers. The State of Smart Manufacturing Report emphasizes the importance of workforce development, training, and change management as organizations adopt new technologies. Success depends not only on selecting the right solutions, but also on ensuring employees have the knowledge and support to use them effectively. Simply put, it takes people, processes, and technology working together to achieve the desired outcomes.
Turn Insight into Action at Automation Fair®
The findings from Rockwell’s 2026 report reveal an important reality: manufacturers now understand where they need to go. The challenge is getting there efficiently and maximizing the return on their investments. That’s where strong partnerships come into play.
As an authorized Rockwell Automation Distributor, Agilix Solutions helps manufacturers navigate every stage of their digital transformation journey. From automation and controls solutions to industrial networking, cybersecurity, connected infrastructure, and modernization initiatives, we help customers build the foundation required to support today’s smart manufacturing technologies.
For manufacturers looking to see these trends in action, Automation Fair® offers a unique opportunity to see the technologies featured in this report. Attendees can connect with industry leaders, learn from other companies driving smart manufacturing initiatives, and gain practical insights into AI, automation, cybersecurity, networking, and digital transformation.
Agilix Solutions’ Automation Fair travel packages make it easy to take advantage of this experience while building valuable connections with Rockwell Automation experts, industry partners, and fellow manufacturers.
The manufacturers leading the next generation of industrial innovation won’t simply be the ones that invest in technology. They’ll be the ones that continuously learn, adapt, and work with trusted partners to turn those investments into measurable business outcomes.