Latest news with #StateofSmartManufacturingReport
Channel Post MEA
2 days ago
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
61% Of Cybersecurity Professionals Plan AI Adoption Amidst Growing Cyber Risks In Manufacturing
Rockwell Automation has released the cybersecurity findings from its 10th annual 'State of Smart Manufacturing Report.' Drawing insights from more than 1,500 manufacturing leaders across 17 of the top manufacturing countries, the report reflects how cybersecurity is becoming a central business issue. One third of respondents have direct information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity responsibilities. As manufacturers advance smart operations, the integration between IT and OT increases the risk of cyberattacks. The report shows that manufacturers are beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help manage these risks to strengthen protection. 'Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue — it's a boardroom issue,' said Stephen Ford, vice president and chief information security officer at Rockwell Automation. 'As IT and OT become more connected, the attack surface is expanding. Our latest research confirms what we're seeing firsthand: Cyber risk is now one of the top threats to manufacturing growth. You can't protect tomorrow's enterprise with yesterday's tools. AI is a critical part of the modern security stack, enabling manufacturers to detect threats in real time, maintain productivity, and stay ahead in an increasingly aggressive threat landscape.' Key global cybersecurity findings include: Cyber threats are among the most serious external risks. Cybersecurity (30%) now ranks among the top external risks, second only to inflation and economic growth (34%). Security teams accelerate AI adoption. 61% of cybersecurity and IT professionals plan AI and machine learning (ML) adoption for security in the next 12 months, outpacing general manufacturing by 12 percentage points. Cybersecurity tops smart manufacturing use cases. 38% of manufacturers plan to use data collected from current sources to drive protection. IT/OT security takes center stage. 48% of cybersecurity professionals identified securing converging architecture as a key to positive outcomes over the next five years, compared to just 37% on average. Cyber readiness is a growing talent priority. More than half (53%) of respondents from companies of $30 billion or more identified cybersecurity practices and standards as extremely important skill sets, compared to 47% of all respondents. Workforce development continues to be a major hurdle. A shortage of skilled talent, training challenges and rising labor costs remain significant barriers to competition. As manufacturers recruit the next generation, cybersecurity and analytical skills are also becoming hiring priorities, reinforcing the need to align technical innovation with human development. 'Cybersecurity has become a business enabler,' said Ford. 'It's no longer just about preventing threats, it's about empowering transformation with confidence. The most forward-thinking manufacturers are proactively leveraging advanced technologies like AI to stay ahead of evolving risks.'
Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Asia Pacific manufacturers boost focus on cybersecurity threats
Manufacturers across the Asia Pacific region are facing heightened cybersecurity risks as operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems become increasingly interconnected. New findings from Rockwell Automation's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report reveal that cybersecurity has become a key concern for manufacturing businesses, second only to inflation and economic conditions. Boardroom priority Manufacturing businesses are recognising cybersecurity as a strategic issue, not just a technological challenge. The report, which collected feedback from over 1,500 manufacturing leaders in 17 countries, shows that one third of respondents hold direct IT and OT cybersecurity responsibilities. As companies further integrate OT and IT in their operations, the risk of cyberattacks grows more complex. Many are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address these risks in real time. "Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue - it's a boardroom issue," said Stephen Ford, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Rockwell Automation. "As IT and OT become more connected, the attack surface is expanding. Our latest research confirms what we're seeing firsthand: Cyber risk is now one of the top threats to manufacturing growth. You can't protect tomorrow's enterprise with yesterday's tools. AI is a critical part of the modern security stack, enabling manufacturers to detect threats in real time, maintain productivity, and stay ahead in an increasingly aggressive threat landscape." Key survey findings According to the Rockwell Automation survey, cybersecurity (30%) is now seen as one of the two most significant external risks by respondents, just after inflation and economic growth (34%). More than half (61%) of cybersecurity and IT professionals plan to adopt AI or ML-based solutions for security within the next year, 12 percentage points above the broader manufacturing sector. The report also indicates that 38% of manufacturers intend to leverage data collected from current sources to enhance protection. Additionally, 48% of cybersecurity professionals highlighted the need to secure converging IT and OT architecture within the next five years, compared to an average of 37% among all respondents. Workforce and skills needs Talent requirements are also changing as the digital environment evolves. More than half (53%) of respondents from companies with revenues of USD $30 billion or more view cybersecurity practices and standards as extremely important skills, compared with 47% of all respondents. This highlights a growing emphasis on cybersecurity capabilities in workforce development and hiring strategies. The report acknowledges ongoing challenges in talent development, workplace training, and rising labour costs, all of which continue to affect the competitiveness of manufacturing organisations in the region. As manufacturers seek to hire new talent, cybersecurity and analytical skills are expected to be critical requirements. "Cybersecurity has become a business enabler," said Ford. "It's no longer just about preventing threats, it's about empowering transformation with confidence. The most forward-thinking manufacturers are proactively leveraging advanced technologies like AI to stay ahead of evolving risks." Survey methodology The State of Smart Manufacturing Report analysed responses from 1,560 participants from a range of sectors - including consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, automotive, semiconductor, energy and life sciences. Respondents ranged from management to C-suite roles and represented companies with annual revenues from USD $100 million up to more than USD $30 billion. The findings reflect the increasing role cybersecurity plays in manufacturing and reflect industry trends towards integration of IT and OT, the growing use of AI, and prioritisation of skills development for future workforce needs.
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
61% of Cybersecurity Professionals Plan AI Adoption as Manufacturing Faces Growing Cyber Risks
Global State of Smart Manufacturing Report finds cybersecurity is now the top external concern after economic conditions MILWAUKEE, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today released the cybersecurity findings from its 10 th annual " State of Smart Manufacturing Report." Drawing insights from more than 1,500 manufacturing leaders across 17 of the top manufacturing countries, the report reflects how cybersecurity is becoming a central business issue. One third of respondents have direct information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity responsibilities. As manufacturers advance smart operations, the integration between IT and OT increases the risk of cyberattacks. The report shows that manufacturers are beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help manage these risks to strengthen protection. "Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue — it's a boardroom issue," said Stephen Ford, vice president and chief information security officer at Rockwell Automation. "As IT and OT become more connected, the attack surface is expanding. Our latest research confirms what we're seeing firsthand: Cyber risk is now one of the top threats to manufacturing growth. You can't protect tomorrow's enterprise with yesterday's tools. AI is a critical part of the modern security stack, enabling manufacturers to detect threats in real time, maintain productivity, and stay ahead in an increasingly aggressive threat landscape." Key global cybersecurity findings include: Workforce development continues to be a major hurdle. A shortage of skilled talent, training challenges and rising labor costs remain significant barriers to competition. As manufacturers recruit the next generation, cybersecurity and analytical skills are also becoming hiring priorities, reinforcing the need to align technical innovation with human development. "Cybersecurity has become a business enabler," said Ford. "It's no longer just about preventing threats, it's about empowering transformation with confidence. The most forward-thinking manufacturers are proactively leveraging advanced technologies like AI to stay ahead of evolving risks." The full findings of the report can be found here. Methodology Rockwell's 10 th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report analyzed feedback from 1,560 respondents from 17 of the top manufacturing countries with roles from management up to the C-suite and was conducted in association with Rockwell Automation and Sapio Research. The survey sampled from a range of industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, Automotive, Semiconductor, Energy, Life Sciences, and more. With a balanced distribution of company sizes with revenues spanning $100 million to over $30 billion, it offers a wide breadth of manufacturing business perspectives. Note that data and statistics referenced in this release may be sourced from the raw survey data and not included in the report itself.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
61% of Cybersecurity Professionals Plan AI Adoption as Manufacturing Faces Growing Cyber Risks
Global State of Smart Manufacturing Report finds cybersecurity is now the top external concern after economic conditions , Aug. 13, 2025 /CNW/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today released the cybersecurity findings from its 10 th annual " State of Smart Manufacturing Report." Drawing insights from more than 1,500 manufacturing leaders across 17 of the top manufacturing countries, the report reflects how cybersecurity is becoming a central business issue. One third of respondents have direct information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity responsibilities. As manufacturers advance smart operations, the integration between IT and OT increases the risk of cyberattacks. The report shows that manufacturers are beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help manage these risks to strengthen protection. "Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue — it's a boardroom issue," said Stephen Ford, vice president and chief information security officer at Rockwell Automation. "As IT and OT become more connected, the attack surface is expanding. Our latest research confirms what we're seeing firsthand: Cyber risk is now one of the top threats to manufacturing growth. You can't protect tomorrow's enterprise with yesterday's tools. AI is a critical part of the modern security stack, enabling manufacturers to detect threats in real time, maintain productivity, and stay ahead in an increasingly aggressive threat landscape." Key global cybersecurity findings include: Cyber threats are among the most serious external risks. Cybersecurity (30%) now ranks among the top external risks, second only to inflation and economic growth (34%). Security teams accelerate AI adoption. 61% of cybersecurity and IT professionals plan AI and machine learning (ML) adoption for security in the next 12 months, outpacing general manufacturing by 12 percentage points. Cybersecurity tops smart manufacturing use cases. 38% of manufacturers plan to use data collected from current sources to drive protection. IT/OT security takes center stage. 48% of cybersecurity professionals identified securing converging architecture as a key to positive outcomes over the next five years, compared to just 37% on average. Cyber readiness is a growing talent priority. More than half (53%) of respondents from companies of $30 billion or more identified cybersecurity practices and standards as extremely important skill sets, compared to 47% of all respondents. Workforce development continues to be a major hurdle. A shortage of skilled talent, training challenges and rising labor costs remain significant barriers to competition. As manufacturers recruit the next generation, cybersecurity and analytical skills are also becoming hiring priorities, reinforcing the need to align technical innovation with human development. "Cybersecurity has become a business enabler," said Ford. "It's no longer just about preventing threats, it's about empowering transformation with confidence. The most forward-thinking manufacturers are proactively leveraging advanced technologies like AI to stay ahead of evolving risks." The full findings of the report can be found here. Methodology Rockwell's 10 th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report analyzed feedback from 1,560 respondents from 17 of the top manufacturing countries with roles from management up to the C-suite and was conducted in association with Rockwell Automation and Sapio Research. The survey sampled from a range of industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, Automotive, Semiconductor, Energy, Life Sciences, and more. With a balanced distribution of company sizes with revenues spanning $100 million to over $30 billion, it offers a wide breadth of manufacturing business perspectives. Note that data and statistics referenced in this release may be sourced from the raw survey data and not included in the report itself. About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Milwaukee-based Rockwell says it's spending $2 billion nationwide to boost manufacturing
Rockwell Automation says it will spend $2 billion over the next five years on its manufacturing plants, talent and digital infrastructure. Most of the spending will be focused on capital investments in the United States, said Blake Moret, CEO and chairman of the Milwaukee-based industrial automation company. Rockwell does much of its manufacturing in Ohio but also makes products in Wisconsin. 'The plants that are in both states will be beneficiaries of this investment,' Moret said. Worldwide, Rockwell has around 27,000 employees. The company hasn't released a specific number of jobs that would be created from the $2 billion investment but says it's hiring again after workforce reductions in 2024. 'We've returned to hiring, but it is with a continued close eye on managing or costs and doing it as efficiently as possible,' Moret said. Rockwell on Aug. 6 reported a third-quarter profit of $295 million, or $2.60 per share, compared with $232 million, or $2.02, from the year-earlier quarter. Many of the company's products are aimed at automakers, food and beverage makers, and other industrial users. 'We are very supportive of the renewed focus on increasing U.S. manufacturing. It's important for Rockwell, and I personally think that manufacturing plays an absolutely critical role at the center of the U.S. economy,' Moret said. 'In the same way we tell our U.S. customers, that even with a relatively high labor cost they can compete and win around the world, we're going to demonstrate the same thing to an even higher extent at our own plants,' he added. The 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, released in June by Rockwell, noted that more than 40% of manufacturers are turning to artificial intelligence and automation to help close skills gaps and address labor shortages. Uncertainties around tariffs and the economy have slowed some of the U.S. growth, although Moret says once the unknowns are reduced, companies will renew their capital spending in areas like industrial automation. 'We're not waiting to continue to work on our own operations and to make sure that we can continue to grow market share,' Moret said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rockwell Automation spending $2 billion to boost U.S. manufacturing Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
