How to Build a Connected Enterprise in Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector is embracing a transformation, driven by the necessity for enhanced resilience and operational efficiency in the face of recent global disruptions.

A vast majority of manufacturers surveyed for our State of Smart Manufacturing Report (81%) say the obstacles they face—both within their organization and externally—are accelerating digital transformation. This number rises above 90% in certain APAC regions such as India and Japan.

Facing persistent challenges like inflation, rising energy costs, cybersecurity risks, and skills shortages, manufacturers view technology—particularly cloud platforms—as a highly effective mitigation strategy.

Investments reflect this, with cloud/SaaS and AI consistently ranked as the top two technology investments, with cybersecurity and quality rounding out the top four spots according to the 2025 report.

Ultimately, the cloud is the bedrock upon which the modern, agile, and resilient connected enterprise is built.

1. Increased visibility

Integrating cloud-based manufacturing execution systems (MES) with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and other business management systems unlocks greater potential for analyzing operational data to inform strategic business decisions. This visibility isn't confined within the four walls of the factory; connecting MES/ERP systems with customers and suppliers allows data collection across the entire supply chain.

This holistic view supports proactive decision-making, so manufacturers can anticipate and respond to upstream demand changes and downstream supplier adjustments.

2. Flexible connectivity

Cloud platforms facilitate easier synchronization between MES and ERP systems, which untethers the workforce. Functions previously demanding physical presence on the plant floor, such as inventory monitoring, can now be performed remotely via mobile devices, anytime and anywhere.

3. Streamlined data integration

The cloud simplifies the integration of disparate data sources. By connecting MES, ERP, and potentially customer and supplier systems via the cloud, manufacturers can create a unified data ecosystem. This streamlined integration is fundamental for achieving comprehensive visibility and enabling advanced analytics.

4. Real-time monitoring

Cloud connectivity empowers real-time monitoring of operations. Whether checking inventory levels on a mobile device or receiving alerts based on production KPIs, the cloud provides decision-makers with access to current, actionable information precisely when they need it, driving faster responses and optimization.

5. Traceability on a Single Platform

Integrating key systems like MES and ERP on a cloud platform facilitates end-to-end traceability. Tracking materials, production processes, and quality metrics across the entire value chain on a unified platform enhances compliance, quality control, and the ability to quickly identify and address issues.
 

How a Cloud-Based Smart Manufacturing Platform Solves Today’s Challenges

Manufacturers face significant hurdles, including supply chain disruptions, critical skills shortage and complex risk management challenges, exacerbated by global events. Building resilience requires identifying these pain points and leveraging technology to solve them.

Implementing technologies via the cloud helps streamline processes and automate monotonous tasks, making manufacturing roles more attractive to a younger more digital-savvy workforce and by addressing skills gaps. Automation facilitated by the cloud also creates opportunities for employees to engage in more value-adding work instead of repetitive activities better handled by smart technology.

To combat supply chain volatility, specific cloud-integrated solutions like supply chain planning (SCP) aggregate real-time data from multiple sources, providing the accurate information needed to navigate complexity, manage material costs, improve forecasting, and meet shifting demands effectively.

Cybersecurity and risk mitigation is also bolstered by cloud adoption. Utilizing a multi-tenant cloud SaaS solution provides access to dedicated teams of software, hardware, and security experts whose core business is protecting client data and systems, offering a level of security and monitoring often exceeding what individual companies can achieve internally.

It offers a modern IT foundation with superior uptime and deployment adaptability, simultaneously offloading critical tasks like security, maintenance, and hardware management to a reliable SaaS provider.

The cloud provides a crucial foundation—delivering the agility, visibility, connectivity, and robust security needed not only to overcome today's challenges but also to seize tomorrow's opportunities.

Sources: 10th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report | Rockwell Automation