🚀 New Era in Digital Transformation: Trial Period Over, Implementation Begun! 🏭

[Alper Aktaş]

For manufacturers who want to remain competitive, digital transformation is no longer a choice, but a necessity. The latest report from industrial automation giant Rockwell Automation clearly demonstrates the critical role artificial intelligence (AI) plays in this transformation.

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📊 Smart Manufacturing Report: What Do the Numbers Say?​

Rockwell's 11th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report (2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report) shared the results of a survey conducted with over 1,500 manufacturers. A full 90% of respondents stated that digital transformation (including the digitalization of processes with technologies such as AI, cloud computing, data analytics, predictive maintenance, and IT/OT integration) is indispensable for operational success.

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  []Cost pressures
  
  []Labor shortages
  
  []Cybersecurity threats
  
  []Supply chain issues
  

This transformation becomes even more important for companies operating under constantly changing and challenging conditions.

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🤖 The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI): From Experimentation to Implementation​

One of the most striking findings of the report is the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence in industry. 34% of companies surveyed in 17 countries stated that they are already using AI-powered solutions in their operations. These solutions play an active role in areas such as quality control, cybersecurity, and process optimization. Manufacturers expect more than half of their operations to be supported by AI by 2030.

Rockwell officials emphasize that this situation is a turning point, and many manufacturers are moving from the "experimentation" phase to the "widespread implementation" phase. Fewer organizations are now engaged in pilot projects, while more are actively using smart manufacturing technologies in their daily operations. For example, this year only 18% stated they were in the pilot phase, while 59% reported actively using these tools.

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💡 Leaders' Perspective: Technology, People, and Process​

Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, said, "What stands out in this year's research is not just the challenges, but how leaders are responding by making digital transformation a core operational priority." Moret added, "The organizations that are seeing results are those that bring together technology, people, and processes to turn insights into better decisions, stronger performance, and greater resilience."

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🔍 Other Key Findings of the Report​

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  []From Pilots to Scaling: 60% of respondents actively use smart manufacturing technologies, while only 18% remained in the pilot phase. This indicates that the pilot-heavy period of previous years has ended.
  
  []One-Third of Operations are AI-Powered: Artificial intelligence supports functions such as quality, cybersecurity, and process optimization.
  
  []Operational Intelligence is a Competitive Differentiator: Although organizations collect increasing amounts of data, the report states that only 43% of it is effectively used. This indicates that the barrier to performance is not data availability, but implementation.
  
  []Cybersecurity is a Reality: Approximately half of manufacturers (46%) experienced at least one cyber incident last year. Risks increase as operations become more connected and autonomous. Secure, integrated IT/OT architectures now form the foundation for scaling AI and utilizing advanced automation.
  
  []Digital Transformation is Planned Where It Doesn't Exist: Even 70% of organizations that have not yet adopted smart manufacturing plan to invest in the next 12 months.
  
  []Budgets Take Digital Transformation Seriously: 28% of respondents' operating budgets are now allocated to industrial technology. This indicates that investment is now focused on implementation, not exploration.
  

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In summary, industrial digital transformation has evolved from a "nice-to-have" to a "must-have" strategy. Artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing technologies will play a key role not only in the survival of businesses but also in their future success.