Rockwell Automation Report Shows MES Adoption Is Widespread, but Enterprise-Scale Deployment Remains
Time:2026-07-15 Browse: 0
Rockwell Automation has released its latest industry insights report, Enterprise-Scale MES Deployment, revealing that Manufacturing Execution System (MES) adoption has become widespread among global manufacturers, while enterprise-wide deployment and system integration remain major challenges.
The report surveyed 1,560 manufacturing and industrial operations decision-makers across 17 major manufacturing countries and regions, providing insights into the current development of MES implementation, industrial digital transformation, AI readiness, and cybersecurity requirements.
MES Adoption Reaches High Levels, but Enterprise Deployment Is Limited
According to the Rockwell Automation report, 93% of manufacturers have already deployed MES at one or more production sites. However, only 28% of manufacturers have expanded MES deployment across their entire enterprise.
The survey also found that only 23% of manufacturers have achieved full integration between MES and key business and industrial systems, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), quality management systems, and Operational Technology (OT) platforms.
Although MES has become an important component of smart manufacturing strategies, many companies still face difficulties scaling their systems across multiple factories and connecting isolated production data sources.
Integration Capability Becomes a Key Factor in MES Selection
The report highlights that system integration is becoming one of the most important considerations when manufacturers invest in MES solutions.
Around 44% of manufacturers identified integration capability as a top priority during MES purchasing decisions. At the same time, 33% of respondents stated that MES-related data integration remains one of their biggest challenges during digital transformation projects.
As factories become increasingly connected, manufacturers require MES platforms that can integrate production equipment, automation systems, enterprise software, and industrial data platforms to improve operational visibility and decision-making.
AI-Driven Manufacturing Growth Depends on Better Data Utilization
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a growing role in future manufacturing operations. The report shows that manufacturers expect 42% of processes to receive AI support within the next year, increasing to 54% by 2030.
However, data utilization remains a significant barrier. About 43% of companies reported that they are not yet effectively using the industrial data they have collected.
For manufacturers looking to implement AI-based optimization, predictive maintenance, and intelligent production management, improving data accessibility and integration will be a critical step.
Cybersecurity and Compliance Become Important MES Requirements
As manufacturing systems become more connected, cybersecurity and operational resilience are increasingly influencing technology decisions.
The Rockwell Automation report found that 46% of manufacturers experienced cybersecurity incidents within the past year. Meanwhile, 43% of respondents ranked security and compliance as one of the most important factors when selecting MES solutions, making it the second-largest consideration after integration capability.
Manufacturers are increasingly seeking MES platforms that can provide secure connectivity between factory operations, enterprise systems, and digital platforms while maintaining reliable production performance.
MES Moves Toward Enterprise-Wide Smart Manufacturing Enablement
The findings from Rockwell Automation demonstrate that the manufacturing industry has moved beyond the initial stage of MES adoption. The next challenge is achieving scalable deployment, improving system integration, and maximizing the value of manufacturing data.
As smart manufacturing continues to evolve, MES platforms will play a more important role in connecting automation equipment, production processes, enterprise systems, and emerging AI technologies.
For global manufacturers, building an integrated digital manufacturing environment will become a key factor in improving production efficiency, operational flexibility, and long-term competitiveness.
