Rockwell Automation, Inc., a prominent American industrial automation company headquartered in Milwaukee, has recently issued a comprehensive industry insights report titled “Scaling MES Across the Enterprise.” This report is based on responses from over 1,500 manufacturing and industrial operations decision-makers across 17 countries. The study provides a detailed analysis of the current state of manufacturing execution systems (MES) adoption and integration within the industry.
The report reveals that while a significant majority of manufacturers have adopted MES, only a minority have successfully implemented these systems across their entire operations or achieved full integration with other critical systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), product lifecycle management (PLM), quality management, and operational technology systems. Integration remains the top priority and the most significant obstacle for manufacturers, with data integration challenges and operational risks cited as the primary barriers.
One of the key findings of the report is the growing expectation among manufacturers for AI-supported processes. Despite this, a substantial portion of manufacturers report that they are not fully utilizing their data, indicating a gap between the potential of AI technologies and their current application in the industry.
The report includes real-world examples to illustrate how companies are addressing these challenges. For instance, Kumi North America has expanded its Plex MES infrastructure to connect production across multiple sites, thereby enhancing performance through broader system integration. This example underscores the efforts being made by companies to overcome integration hurdles and leverage MES for improved operational efficiency.
Rockwell Automation, Inc., which specializes in producing a range of automation products including control systems, motor control devices, sensors, and industrial control panels, continues to play a pivotal role in the global market. The company, which went public in 1987, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and has a market capitalization of approximately $51.5 billion as of July 14, 2026. The company’s close price on that date was $461.92, with a 52-week high of $497.36 and a low of $305.44.
The insights provided in the report are particularly relevant for decision-makers in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, as they navigate the complexities of MES integration and strive to harness the full potential of their data and AI technologies.
