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Smart Manufacturing

Your Journey to Smart Manufacturing Starts Here
Female employee in a office that looks down at a plant floor viewing information on her monitor with a number of hanging monitors displaying locations within the plant to her right side
Smart Manufacturing
  • Smart Devices
  • Smart Machines
  • Smart Systems

Smart manufacturing equips you with the information and insights to optimize productivity, quality, risk management, and sustainability. Smart manufacturing also provides you with the flexibility to address manufacturing issues quickly and efficiently, while reducing downtime and risks to your workers, assets, and reputation. Your journey to smart manufacturing starts here.

Rockwell Automation is uniquely positioned to be your partner on your digital transformation journey. Though we have the full complement of services, products, and partnerships to implement smart manufacturing – we understand that this is not simply a technology purchase. This is your journey.

We’re here to help you create your future. To get the right information into the right people’s hands at the right time. To improve the quality of your products while decreasing disruptions in manufacturing processes. To improve your worker’s safety and quality of life. To apply contextual patterns in manufacturing that expand human possibility.


Smart Manufacturing Solutions

Smart Devices
Conveyor system in a factory
Smart Devices

Plant floor information begins with your sensors and devices. Smart Devices provide much more than simple binary data. They provide insights about their status and that of your machine – insights that can reduce downtime and improve productivity.

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Smart Machines
Two Rockwell Automation employees in the Twinsburg Ohio facility viewing a machine in operation
Smart Machines

In today’s competitive environment, plant floor asset optimization is mission critical. Creating machines from the ground up that optimize productivity, quality, and safety, while providing insights and information to decision makers when it’s needed is a requirement of best-in-class manufacturers.

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Smart Systems
Two women dressed in business attire are in a manufacturing setting looking at a tablet.
Smart Systems

Smart systems improve productivity, quality, safety and cybersecurity while providing insights and information that make your enterprise more profitable.

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Optimize Productivity, Quality, and Safety

On your plant floor, helping to ensure that your assets and resources are more productive and safer while making quality products is mission critical. We know that the most productive companies are also – not coincidentally – the safest companies. Best in class performers regularly achieve higher OEE and fewer injuries by taking advantage of technologies that reduce unscheduled downtime while reducing risks. We know that the most productive companies get insights and information to operators, managers, and executives when it’s needed to make timely, actionable decisions. It starts with understanding your objectives and helping to create a path forward. Let Rockwell Automation help you plan your best future!

Smart Starts Here
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eBook
Smart Starts Here

Your guide to smart manufacturing to deliver measurable results by improving safety, increasing quality and optimizing plant performance.

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Bringing the Future of Automation into Focus eBook
Bringing the Future of Automation into Focus eBook
eBook
eBook
Bringing the Future of Automation into Focus eBook
Technology is rapidly transforming automation and empowering new ways to work.
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A Powerful Tomorrow Is Within Sight

An increasingly competitive global marketplace, accelerating expectations, regulatory mandates, increasing risks, a shrinking workforce and an unpredictable supply chain. The challenges facing today’s manufacturers are multifaceted and complex. To meet these demands, industry leaders have embraced digital transformation.

Emerging automation technologies will simplify production environments, unleash extraordinary innovation, improve system lifecycle management, and mitigate cybersecurity and safety risk.


Digital Transformation Strategy Consulting

Digital transformation is an innovation and productivity accelerator. It’s also a complex endeavor. Today, only 16% of industrial organizations have embarked on enterprise-wide digital transformation programs. Most attempts result in false starts as companies struggle to turn investments into results. So how do you find success? Start with a business-first, not technology-first, approach. Our digital transformation consulting team can work with you on a strategic plan that addresses priority use cases, business justification, change management, and an execution roadmap for technology implementation and support. All customized to your unique objectives and digital maturity level.

Digital Transformation Strategy Consulting
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Capability
Digital Transformation Strategy Consulting

The Rockwell Automation Digital Transformation Strategy Consulting Team can get you started on the journey to your next competitive advantage.

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How Can Our Smart Manufacturing Solutions Benefit You?

MES, Analytics & IIOT
Two employees in the factory viewing a tablet in front of a Rockwell Automation product
Software
MES, Analytics & IIOT

Bring edge-to-enterprise analytics, machine learning, industrial internet of things (IIoT) and augmented reality (AR) to your industrial operations making it more accessible, understandable, and actionable.

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ASEM 6300 Industrial PCs, Thin Clients, and Monitors
Man on left, woman on right in a manufacturing environment having a discussion while looking at a tablet. Both are wearing yellow safety coats and white hard hats.
Product
ASEM 6300 Industrial PCs, Thin Clients, and Monitors

Visualization and computing systems provide critical production information and enterprise data - enhancing operations, reducing downtime and costs.

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iTRAK Intelligent Track Systems
iTRAK Intelligent Track System
Hardware
iTRAK Intelligent Track Systems

Revolutionizing the design and build of track-based industrial motion control for packaging and materials handling, iTRAK combines linear and rotary motion.

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Machine Safety
Two men in yellow hard hats and safety glasses in discussion holding tablet in an industrial environment
Capability
Machine Safety

Imagine machine safety that actually improves productivity and business performance – achieving  significantly higher OEE with less unscheduled downtime, and less than half the injury rate of average performers.

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Process Systems
Female employee standing in an aisle in a factory viewing her tablet
Capability
Process Systems

We can help you improve quality and productivity, increase efficiency and reduce costs in your distributed control system.

Integrate Technology
Fiix Computerized Maintenance Management System
Man holding tablet device and looking at equipment on production floor
Software
Fiix Computerized Maintenance Management System

Maximize the value of production assets, systems, plants, and processes with critical insights from this world-class AI-powered CMMS.

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Protect Critical Customer, Product and Manufacturing Information

Smart manufacturing and digital transformation means connectivity from device, to machine, to system, to enterprise. It also means evolving risk management considerations. It means protecting your customer information, intellectual property, assets, workers, and environment.

Our expertise, along with our partners in IT, provide us with a unique understanding of the IT/OT convergence to be successful in both digital transformation and the requirements of building a smarter, safer, more secure infrastructure.

Industrial Cybersecurity
Two employees in the factory viewing a monitor in a factory wearing yellow saftey jackets and white hard hats.
Capability
Industrial Cybersecurity

Discover how Rockwell Automation and our partners help protect your information, intellectual property, assets, workers, and environment.

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ARC: Enabling Safe and Secure Industrial Operations
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Whitepaper
ARC: Enabling Safe and Secure Industrial Operations

Digital transformation demands active cybersecurity strategies that support rapid detection and response to any suspicious behavior. Companies also need trusted partners dedicated to helping ensure the security of critical OT products and services.

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Reduce Engineering Time

Creating products and processes in the digital world can unleash new insights and efficiencies in your physical operations. Whether you’re designing and commissioning machines, or managing production in a plant, digital engineering can help you get to market at record speeds, reduce risk and redefine productivity.

Do It Better Digitally with FactoryTalk
Two female employees in an office viewing information on a computer that has been projected as a larger, semi-transparent image in front of the monitor.
eBook
Do It Better Digitally with FactoryTalk

Learn how you can work smarter, faster, and better in a digital environment.

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Digital Engineering
Engineer viewing performance with real-time software on his tablet
Capability
Digital Engineering

Whether you’re designing and commissioning machines, or managing production in a plant, digital engineering can help you get to market at record speeds.

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What is Smart Manufacturing

Smart manufacturing refers to the integration of intelligent devices and technologies, such as industrial components like sensors, VFDs, controllers, visualization and software all connected to optimize production and improve efficiency. Smart manufacturing allows machines, systems, and devices to communicate and share data in real time, helping to improve decision-making. 

This connectivity enables manufacturers to monitor production, predict maintenance needs, and quickly adapt to changes. The goal of smart manufacturing is to create more flexible, efficient, and responsive manufacturing processes. By leveraging data and digital tools, smart manufacturing can reduce costs, enhance product quality, and increase sustainability. 

What is a Smart Factory?

A smart factory is a highly digitized, connected manufacturing environment where machinery, devices, and OT systems are connected to IT systems to enhance access to information at all levels of an organization.  

Effectively, a smart factory is a manufacturing environment that is optimized for smart manufacturing in order to adapt quickly to changes, optimize resources, and maintain high quality standards. The smart factory is a core element of Industry 4.0, emphasizing automation, flexibility, and sustainability in manufacturing. 


What are the Benefits of Smart Manufacturing?

Smart manufacturing offers a wide range of benefits: 

  • Increased efficiency: In smart manufacturing, real-time data and analytics streamline production processes, which reduces delays and improves resource allocation.
  • Lower costs: Advantages like predictive maintenance and optimized workflows help to lower operational costs for manufacturers by minimizing downtime and reducing waste. 
  • Greater quality control: Smart technology, like advanced sensors and analytics, enables continuous monitoring of processes and systems, which helps to maintain high quality standards and reduces defects in end products. 
  • Enhanced flexibility: As markets, demand, and the availability of resources fluctuate, smart manufacturing systems can quickly adapt, helping manufacturers stay competitive and agile. 
  • Sustainability: Data-driven insights and energy-efficient processes lead to reduced resource usage, minimizing environmental impact and supporting sustainable practices. 

Smart Manufacturing Technologies

From intelligent devices, controllers, and automation software to real-time analytics and digital solutions, smart manufacturing technology can be deployed throughout manufacturing processes.

  • Allen‑Bradley sensors and safety devices
  • PowerFlex VFDs
  • Logix programable logic controller
  • FactoryTalk automation software

Why Choose Our Digital Transformation Solutions?

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Garvey Bottling Line with Emulate3D
On-Demand
Series
28 April 2025
Emulate3D Brings Garvey’s Bottling Improvements to Life
Conveyor and accumulation system specialist, Garvey, brought its bottling line improvements to life with Emulate3D visualization software.
Tech-expert-inspector-taking-notes-on-clipboard-on-food-factory-production-line
On-Demand
Series
23 April 2025
Digital Transformation For a Competitive Edge
How Maple Leaf Foods outperforms competition in a regulated industry with AR, digital twins, and smart manufacturing.
RA SG manufacturing floor with robotic equipment.
On-Demand
Series
10 April 2025
Advancing Sustainability Through Smart Manufacturing
Rockwell Automation’s Asia Pacific manufacturing facility achieves measurable energy and emissions reductions with data-driven sustainability initiatives.
On-Demand
Series
7 April 2025
How Ionetic and Rockwell Automation are Making Electrification Easier
The world’s leading automotive OEMs produce millions of vehicles each year, leveraging Tier 1 suppliers’ capabilities to develop custom EV battery packs in-house and at scale, driving down unit costs.
worker at ows foods uses plex for scheduling
On-Demand
Series
27 January 2025
OWS Foods Automates Scheduling and Planning
Control+M Solutions helps OWS Foods increase demand forecasting accuracy and reduce customer lead times.
Man holding tablet in a Falcon manufacture
On-Demand
Series
27 January 2025
Falcon Group Boosts OEE More Than 160% Using ThingWorx IIoT Platform
Falcon’s CNC operations see machine-utilization growth through deployment of real-time IIoT data, removing the need for significant capital expenditure.
shyft group blue arc commercial ev truck
On-Demand
Series
22 January 2025
The Shyft Group Charges Ahead with Commercial EVs
Plex Enterprise Resource Planning software helps The Shyft Group quickly bring Blue Arc EV brand of commercial electric vehicles to market.
silver-machine-spraying-chemical
On-Demand
Series
11 December 2024
Precision Coating Sees Plant-Wide Alignment with Plex
Precision Coating sees plant-wide alignment and manufacturing efficiencies across the company thanks to data-driven insights from Plex.
uniformed-worker-in-shop-performing-metal-work
On-Demand
Series
2 December 2024
Everyday Technologies Creates Live Inventory with ERP
Everyday Technologies modernized its operations and created a live inventory with Plex ERP, achieving streamlined production and improved forecasting capabilities.
machinery-for-manufacturing-metal
On-Demand
Series
2 December 2024
McGregor Metal Prepares for Plex UX Transition
McGregor Metal modernizes operations with Plex ERP and MES, streamlines plant floor processes, and prepares for a successful transition to Plex UX.
parkohio scanner mes inventory real time data
On-Demand
Series
28 October 2024
ParkOhio Drives Profitability with Real-time Data
Innovative use of MES and ability to access real-time information improves profitability and quality for ParkOhio’s Assembly Components Group.
large-reels-of-wire
On-Demand
Series
21 October 2024
Strand Products Eliminates Manual Work with Plex ERP
Strand Products eliminates manual work, achieves digitization and traceability, and sees financial benefits by implementing Plex ERP.
Pile of tires in warehouse or shop environment
On-Demand
Series
24 September 2024
CMMS Transforms Maintenance for UK Tire Manufacturer
Leading UK tire manufacturer implements Fiix CMMS and Asset Risk Predictor Integration to transition from reactive to predictive maintenance.
strips of copper closeup with perforated holes
On-Demand
Series
24 September 2024
SPF Boosts Efficiency and Profitability with Plex
SPF transforms operations with the Plex ERP, achieving 10% margin growth and efficiency.
2024 Taipei Pack Event ITRAK
On-Demand
Series
26 August 2024
Hopak Machinery Implements Smart Solutions to Develop Intelligent Packaging Machine
The comprehensive smart mechanical solution helps Hopak Machinery overcome space, cost and data collection challenges.
barrett steel manufacture
On-Demand
Series
27 June 2024
Utilization and uptime increase across the board at Barrett Steel thanks to digital transformation
CHG Electrical completely transforms steel stockholder’s operations with Fiix CMMS and ThingWorx IIoT software.
Prometeon tire
On-Demand
Series
26 June 2024
Pioneering the Future of Tire Manufacturing
How Prometeon Tyre Group and Rockwell Automation are Driving Efficiency, Compliance and Sustainability Through Digital Innovation
peanut butter and inshell peanuts on a cutting board
On-Demand
Series
29 April 2024
Teddie Peanut Butter: A Smooth Shift to the Cloud
With real-time performance visibility, Plex ERP and MES positions family-owned company for global growth.
Nokta Makina machine
On-Demand
Series
8 April 2024
Nokta Makina gets to market faster with Integrated Architecture and Emulate3D
Nokta Makina rationalizes supplier base, deploys single-platform automation, and leverages full-machine-lifecycle benefits of Emulate3D digital twin software.
Advanced High Precision Robot Arm inside Bright Electronics Factory. Component Installation on Circuit Board. Electronic Devices Production Industry. Fully Automated Modern PCB Assembly Line.
On-Demand
Series
1 March 2024
In-depth application of digital simulation to create a “virtual debugging” acceleration engine for intelligent logistics
With the support of Rockwell Automation Emulate3D virtual debugging, a leading robotics company improves its debugging efficiency and intelligence.
metal spring in industrial setting with worker
On-Demand
Series
4 February 2024
Winamac Coil Spring Prepares for Growth with ERP
Rockwell Automation Manufacturing ERP helps Winamac Coil Spring win more business and create a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
quality check food and beverage manufacturing man tablet
On-Demand
Series
11 December 2023
Softing Application Speeds Time to Market
Manufacturer installs Softing’s tManager eATM to capture process data and speed up launch of a sustainable packing peanut.
BIC Company Building
On-Demand
Series
23 October 2023
Digital Transformation with BIC
Bridging IT and operational technologies, BIC embraces a new era of seamless, integrated manufacturing.
Logistics solution provider Jungheinrich uses a digital twin to drive smarter levels of logistics processes.
On-Demand
Series
31 July 2023
Jungheinrich Uses Digital Twin to Drive Smart Logistics
Emulate3D enables the logistics solution provider to create digital twins of its logistics production lines and unlock new value in the Chinese market.
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