As manufacturers confront rising complexity, labor shortages, and the relentless pressure to maintain quality, one truth is emerging from the noise: technology that helps people work smarter—not just faster—is key to sustainable success.
The 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing report from Rockwell Automation makes this clear. Over half of global manufacturers are already piloting smart manufacturing programs, while another 20% have scaled their efforts. A further 20% plan to invest in smart manufacturing soon. The industry isn’t just adopting technology—it’s reshaping how people and systems work together.
Quality Begins With Information
One of the strongest themes from the report is the central role of quality in digital transformation. AI and machine learning are rapidly being applied to quality control—nearly half of manufacturers say they plan to deploy AI for this purpose in the next year. But quality doesn’t just depend on detection. It depends on execution. And execution depends on the clarity and accuracy of the information frontline workers use to do their jobs.
That’s where technologies like Canvas Envision, integrated with Plex MES from Rockwell, make a difference. Envision allows manufacturers to deliver dynamic, model-based visual instructions directly to workers through the MES, ensuring that every task is clearly defined, visually guided, and up to date. This isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about getting quality right the first time.
Engaging Workers Through Technology
Labor and skills shortages continue to rank among the top five challenges for manufacturers. But rather than simply trying to automate around the workforce, many companies are rethinking how to support and engage their employees. According to the report, over half of manufacturers plan to reskill or redeploy existing workers into new roles. This speaks to a broader trend: the recognition that people are not obstacles to digital transformation—they’re the key to making it stick.
In fact, 36% of respondents said they want to invest in technology that makes workers’ jobs more engaging. That means tools that help them understand complex tasks faster, make smarter decisions in real time, and see the direct impact of their work on business outcomes.
Smart Manufacturing Is Human-Centered Manufacturing
Smart manufacturing isn’t just about AI, automation, or analytics. It’s about delivering the right information to the right person at the right time—especially in high-stakes environments like assembly and quality inspection. When instructions are buried in PDFs or scattered across disconnected systems, even the best-trained workers can struggle. But when they have instant access to intuitive, visual work instructions tailored to the job at hand, quality improves—and so does morale.
The Future of Manufacturing is Collaborative
The Rockwell report paints a clear picture: digital transformation is accelerating, but its success depends on how well technology supports people. As companies look to AI and cloud platforms to enhance quality and resilience, the most valuable investments will be those that make work easier, clearer, and more meaningful for the people on the front lines.
Smart factories aren't just defined by their machines—they’re defined by the collaboration between humans and technology. And when that relationship is strong, quality isn't just a KPI—it becomes a competitive edge.
