Rockwell, "90% Digital Transformation Essential in Life Sciences Manufacturing"

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Rockwell, "90% Digital Transformation Essential in Life Sciences Manufacturing"

Published2026.10.07 16:31

Expanding Investment Trends in AI and Cybersecurity

A survey has revealed that digital transformation in life sciences manufacturing is now established as a management imperative rather than an option. There is also an emerging trend where regulatory response approaches are transitioning from temporary preparation to continuous operational systems.

Rockwell Automation released on the 7th the report titled "A New Operating Model for Life Sciences Manufacturing: Transitioning from Regulatory Compliance to Continuous Readiness," based on a survey of manufacturing and industrial operations decision-makers in the life sciences sector.

This report is part of the "11th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report" conducted jointly with Sapio Research, and was prepared based on responses from 104 managers and executives from life sciences manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), systems integrators, and engineering procurement companies (EPCs) across 16 countries.

According to the survey, 90% of responding companies recognized digital transformation as a business-critical element, and 58% reported having implemented smart manufacturing technologies in major or partial operational divisions.

The key technologies identified as generating the greatest business outcomes were AI and machine learning (46%), process automation (44%), and cybersecurity (39%).

Investment priorities ranked as quality improvement (43%), operational digitalization (36%), and risk reduction (35%).

The report addresses how connected data, cybersecurity, and validated AI applications support improved visibility and enhanced quality processes, and also presents seven implementation strategies for building continuous readiness.

Key implementation strategies include evidence management, cyber resilience, industrial data operations, and AI governance.

Among manufacturing companies currently using AI, 64% plan to expand utilization within the next year, and 49% anticipate increasing related investments over the next five years.

However, only 32% of respondents reported that they are substantially utilizing more than half of collected data, revealing a gap between data utilization capability and investment commitment.

Target areas for AI and machine learning application within the next 12 months include quality management (50%), cybersecurity (45%), and process optimization (44%).

Cybersecurity threats have also emerged as a practical concern.

In the past year, 54% of life sciences companies experienced at least one cyberattack, with primary risk exposure areas identified as IT systems and corporate networks (41%), remote access and connected equipment (33%), and IT/OT convergence points (29%).

Matt Weaver, Vice President of Global Life Sciences at Rockwell Automation, stated, "In the past, manufacturing companies viewed regulatory readiness as a project that temporarily elevated preparedness levels when needed," adding "Now this must be internalized as a daily principle throughout facility operations."

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