What the 2026 State of the Smart Manufacturing Report Says About the Direction of Manufacturing

More organizations than ever are actively deploying smart manufacturing technologies to support operations, while others are preparing to invest and scale their own. Industry leaders have moved from planning and pilots into the era of execution. They are building for agility and acting at scale, now. 

Manufacturers are exploring best practices of other top performers across the globe and are discovering how they can integrate new strategies into their processes. 

Smart manufacturing technologies like artificial intelligence, digital transformations, and security systems are changing how manufacturers operate. However, Rockwell Automation’s State of Smart Manufacturing Report gives organizations the resources, insights, and industry information to make informed decisions based on how other leaders are adapting to these changes and the direction the industry is headed.

Key Takeaways from Leaders Across the Industry

Digital transformation is non-negotiable.

Digital transformation is no longer a strategic priority, it is a strategic necessity. Industry leaders aren’t piloting this anymore. They are scaling and executing changes to their processes at a faster rate than ever before. 

Artificial Intelligence is the top driver of business outcomes and the changing industry landscape. 

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond experimentation and hype to now delivering on outcomes, especially when scaled responsibly and embedded into production functions.

Resilience and security are now requirements for successful processes. 

Manufacturers are more digitally exposed than ever before, making resilience and security essential to a production environment, not just IT add-ons.

Exploring the Changing Manufacturing Landscape

The 2026 report combines actionable insights with real data to offer a glimpse into how organizations in the industry are adapting their strategies and evolving to stay ahead of the industrial shift.

Across industries worldwide, all are addressing a common challenge: adapting innovative, smart technologies to solve their individual operational challenges while also positioning themselves to stay relevant and prioritize long-term growth.

This data-driven industry analysis documents the shift in manufacturing. Focusing on decision-making that puts technological integration at the core of their competitive strategy.

The Path Forward: Insights to Execution

One of the key takeaways from the report is the 8 step action plan designed to help manufacturers transfer relevant points into practical next steps fit for their operations.

Beyond highlighting industry trends, the 2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report helps drive value and achieve success by providing insights into the new technologies, strategies, and operational solutions that are shaping the future of manufacturing.

Explore The Full Smart Manufacturing Report

Download the full report to explore how manufacturing leaders are succeeding and making decisions that put technology at the center of their digital strategy.

Download the 2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report

How the Industrial Solutions Network Helps

The Industrial Solutions Network works with manufacturers, OEMs, and system integrators to help translate smart manufacturing insights into practical modernization strategies.

Our team supports organizations as they evaluate technologies, align operational goals with digital transformation initiatives, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, visibility, and resilience across their operations.

For teams exploring how smart manufacturing can impact their operations, connecting with your local ISN location can help you begin turning industry insights into actionable strategies.