Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world's largest industrial automation and digital transformation company, is serving as the digital backbone of modern manufacturing with its cloud-native, interoperable MES platform.

Rockwell Automation announced on the 10th a plan to transform its manufacturing execution system (MES) portfolio.

This strategy focuses on flexibility, scalability, and fault tolerance, and centers on a cloud-native, interoperable MES platform that supports the integration of OT (operational technology) and IT (information technology) in the manufacturing industry.

Rockwell Automation defines MES as a digital backbone that connects the entire operational system, rather than simply a production management tool.

The new platform offers a modular approach that reduces time to value, simplifies operations, and provides flexibility for expansion.

In particular, interoperability and scalability have been enhanced by combining cloud performance and edge failure response.

Key features include: customized design, total solution, OT/IT integration, scalability, and flexible edge-to-cloud deployment. This significantly improves operational visibility by breaking away from the siloed structure of existing MES solutions.

According to Rockwell Automation's 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing report, 21% of manufacturing leaders cited lack of operational system integration as the biggest internal barrier.

“Existing MES systems have limitations in responding to the rapidly changing manufacturing environment,” said Lorenzo Veronesi, associate director at global market research firm IDC. “They must evolve into modern platforms that support on-demand processes, digital thread integration, and accelerated innovation.”

To meet these needs, Rockwell Automation provides a single platform that connects the entire manufacturing lifecycle, from materials and inventory management to production and tooling. Additionally, it implements an agile and optimized production environment through embedded analytics, AI-based insights, and connected worker technology.

Rockwell Automation provides MES solutions to various industries, including household goods, food, and pharmaceuticals.

A stationery, lighter, and razor manufacturing company adopted cloud-based Plex MES to gain real-time production visibility.

A baking mix manufacturer improved financial and operational performance by automating work-in-progress (WIP) management.

Pharmaceutical companies build digital manufacturing cores and improve operational efficiency with FactoryTalk® PharmaSuite®.

“Plex gives us the flexibility to scale our digital infrastructure at our own pace,” said David Rudowski, CFO of Wonton Food Inc., a U.S. food company. “Its industry-specific design streamlines certification regulations and reduces implementation time.”

“DIY and disconnected systems drive up costs and risks,” said Anthony Murphy, vice president of product management at Rockwell Automation. “Our MES integrates core OT/IT applications with a resilient, cloud-native architecture that scales with our customers’ growth.”