New research shows that manufacturers are investing in connected data, cybersecurity and AI.

Rockwell Automation, a US provider of industrial automation and digital transformation technology, has published the results of its ‘The New Operating Model for Life Sciences Manufacturing: Moving from Compliance to Continuous Readiness’ report. 

The organisation collected data from 104 managers and executives – working in organisations including original equipment manufacturers, systems integrators and engineering procurers – across 16 countries. The report examines how manufacturers are building digital foundations in a rapidly changing environment. 

The research is also part of Rockwell Automation’s 11th annual ‘State of Smart Manufacturing’ report, which surveyed 1,560 decision-makers across various industries and was conducted in association with Sapio Research. 

The research found that 90pc of life-science manufacturers find digital transformation necessary in the current landscape, while 58pc have deployed smart manufacturing technologies at scale or as part of their wider operations. 

In an increasingly modernised working environment, manufacturers are finding that connected data, cybersecurity and validated AI applications are helping to improve overall visibility, strengthen quality processes and support continuous readiness, according to Rockwell. 

A critical finding of the report was that for contributors, technology investment is largely tied to business outcomes, not just capability. 

AI and ML (46pc), process automation (44pc) and cybersecurity (39pc) were found to be among the technologies life-sciences manufacturers expect will be the drivers of stronger business outcomes. Manufacturers are prioritising these investments as a means of improving quality (43pc), digitising operations (36pc) and reducing risk (35pc).

Rockwell’s research also indicated that the adoption of AI is accelerating faster than companies can work on data readiness. Of the participating manufacturers already using AI, 64pc intend to expand its use within the next 12 months, while almost half plan to increase investment over the course of the next five years. However, only 32pc said they effectively use more than half the data they collect.

Furthermore, the push for increased digitalisation is happening in a landscape where cybersecurity has evolved to become a significant lifecycle requirement. More than half (54pc) of contributing life-sciences organisations said that they experienced at least one cyberattack in the past year.

The report noted that the greatest exposure came from IT systems and enterprise networks (41pc), remote access and connected equipment (33pc), and IT/OT integration points (29pc).

Commenting on the report, Matt Weaver, vice-president of global industry for life sciences at Rockwell Automation, said, “Manufacturers used to treat regulatory readiness as a project, something they ramped up for.

“Now, it has to be a daily discipline built into how the facility runs. The companies connecting their data, securing systems and validating AI deployments today are the ones that will be ready for what comes next from regulators or from the market.”

The report said: “Many organisations have already invested in smart manufacturing, AI and cybersecurity solutions. The next phase of maturity will depend on how effectively those technologies are integrated across systems, processes and teams. Successful transformation requires a foundation built on trusted data, clear governance and operational alignment.”

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