The world around us changed at a speed no one could have predicted. Now we’re all focused on counteracting these headwinds. From operational cost increases to lowered productivity due to capacity limits on factory floors—industrial transformation feels complex when paired with these major challenges. With so many factors, how do you prioritize what needs to happen today, and choose what can wait until the future? How do you prevent playing “catch-up” with your competitors? It starts with laying the correct foundation with modern manufacturing technology to bridge the IT/OT divide. Then, when your core is solid, you can achieve all the advantages Industry 4.0 brings.
In addition to our core information technology offerings, Connection is invested in bringing further value through our Manufacturing Technology Practice. Our goal is to lead the market with vertical thought leadership, provide a continuously evolving portfolio aimed at manufacturing industries, and partner closely with organizations to provide advice and relevant solutions to support your business objectives in information technology, operational technology, and other critical functions.
We listen closely to the needs of all our manufacturing clients and bring value-added solutions to reduce operating costs, increase quality, improve productivity, as well as other functional initiatives, such as maintenance management or workplace safety, health, and environment.
Each client is unique. Connection understands the evolving business climate and technology landscape specific to your industry, and we strive to understand your business goals, assist you in the pursuit of operational excellence, and aid in the offsetting industry-specific headwinds.
In addition to our core information technology offerings, Connection is invested in bringing further value through our Manufacturing Technology Practice. Our goal is to lead the market with vertical thought leadership, provide a continuously evolving portfolio aimed at manufacturing industries, and partner closely with organizations to provide advice and relevant solutions to support your business objectives in information technology, operational technology, and other critical functions.
We listen closely to the needs of all our manufacturing clients and bring value-added solutions to reduce operating costs, increase quality, improve productivity, as well as other functional initiatives, such as maintenance management or workplace safety, health, and environment.
Each client is unique. Connection understands the evolving business climate and technology landscape specific to your industry, and we strive to understand your business goals, assist you in the pursuit of operational excellence, and aid in the offsetting industry-specific headwinds.
Manufacturing IT and OT Security
Hear from our Manufacturing Strategy Director as he covers a number of security-related topics impacting the Manufacturing industry, including the latest trends and risks you need to be aware of, the role Operational Technology plays in securing your environment, the top threat vectors contributing to successful breaches, and more.
5 Top Trends in Modern Manufacturing
Manufacturers are increasingly embracing innovations that enhance efficiency and redefine the very nature of production. Central to this shift is the concept of Industry 4.0, which represents the fourth industrial revolution—a fusion of digital technologies, automation, and data-driven insights.
As part of this digital transformation, smart technologies and advancements in industrial infrastructure—as well as the impact of data, AI, and cloud technologies—are shaping the future of industrial manufacturing. These trends are influencing how products are made, as well as the infrastructure and security measures within the industry.
This digital transformation is setting the stage for a new era in manufacturing, one where connectivity, intelligence, and agility are key. Understanding and adapting to these trends will be crucial for manufacturers looking to stay competitive and thrive in an increasingly complex global market.
Among the key technologies reshaping the industry are IoT and IIoT, which connect machinery and systems for seamless communication across the production floor. Smart sensors monitor equipment health, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
To stay competitive, manufacturers must embrace these smart technologies and integrate them into their operations. This involves investing in the necessary infrastructure, such as robust data management systems, and upskilling the workforce to effectively collaborate with advanced technologies. The urgency of this transition is highlighted by the fact that 86% of manufacturing executives believe smart factory solutions will be the primary drivers of competitiveness in the next five years.
5G and edge computing are essential for supporting lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0. These technologies allow for real-time data exchange and decision-making, which helps minimize waste, optimize resources, and maintain just-in-time production. Additionally, 5G is expected to drive new processes and business opportunities, with 88% of manufacturers believing it will lead to the creation of new processes and 86% anticipating new business ventures.
Upgrading industrial infrastructure to incorporate these technologies presents challenges, such as the need for significant investment and workforce upskilling. However, the long-term benefits, including enhanced productivity, innovation, and competitiveness, make these upgrades essential. Manufacturers that strategically integrate 5G and edge computing will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital and connected world.
Despite this, many organizations have not fully addressed these risks, with only 53% reporting that they have implemented key OT mitigation activities, such as automated security functions, outside assessments, or backup plans.
As part of this digital transformation, smart technologies and advancements in industrial infrastructure—as well as the impact of data, AI, and cloud technologies—are shaping the future of industrial manufacturing. These trends are influencing how products are made, as well as the infrastructure and security measures within the industry.
This digital transformation is setting the stage for a new era in manufacturing, one where connectivity, intelligence, and agility are key. Understanding and adapting to these trends will be crucial for manufacturers looking to stay competitive and thrive in an increasingly complex global market.
1: Integration of Connected Smart Technologies
By leveraging connected devices like Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial IoT (IIoT), and smart sensors, manufacturers can automate processes, optimize production, and make data-driven decisions in real time. These technologies are enhancing productivity and enabling innovations that were once out of reach. In fact, 95% manufacturers are using or evaluating smart manufacturing technology.Among the key technologies reshaping the industry are IoT and IIoT, which connect machinery and systems for seamless communication across the production floor. Smart sensors monitor equipment health, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
To stay competitive, manufacturers must embrace these smart technologies and integrate them into their operations. This involves investing in the necessary infrastructure, such as robust data management systems, and upskilling the workforce to effectively collaborate with advanced technologies. The urgency of this transition is highlighted by the fact that 86% of manufacturing executives believe smart factory solutions will be the primary drivers of competitiveness in the next five years.
2: Advancements in Industrial Infrastructure
The manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving towards more advanced and automated facilities, with 5G and edge computing playing a crucial role in this transformation. Nearly all manufacturers (91%) recognize the importance of 5G for their business’s future, with more than half already testing or using it within their facilities. The deployment of 5G is expected to significantly enhance global competitiveness, as it enables real-time data processing, remote troubleshooting, and improved visibility—key factors in modern manufacturing.5G and edge computing are essential for supporting lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0. These technologies allow for real-time data exchange and decision-making, which helps minimize waste, optimize resources, and maintain just-in-time production. Additionally, 5G is expected to drive new processes and business opportunities, with 88% of manufacturers believing it will lead to the creation of new processes and 86% anticipating new business ventures.
Upgrading industrial infrastructure to incorporate these technologies presents challenges, such as the need for significant investment and workforce upskilling. However, the long-term benefits, including enhanced productivity, innovation, and competitiveness, make these upgrades essential. Manufacturers that strategically integrate 5G and edge computing will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital and connected world.
3: Importance of Robust Industrial Security
As the manufacturing sector becomes more digitized and interconnected, including the integration of IoT, smart sensors, and automated systems, the potential for cybersecurity risks and data breaches has increased. As a result, the manufacturing sector is the most attacked industry. The cybersecurity risks posed by operational technology (OT) systems are considered moderate to severe by 77% of manufacturing executives.Despite this, many organizations have not fully addressed these risks, with only 53% reporting that they have implemented key OT mitigation activities, such as automated security functions, outside assessments, or backup plans.
To address these growing threats, manufacturers must adopt emerging cybersecurity technologies. AI-driven security solutions can detect and respond to threats in real time, while blockchain technology enhances data security and transparency across the supply chain. These technologies are becoming essential components of modern industrial security strategies.
Best practices for securing industrial systems include conducting regular risk assessments, implementing multi-layered security protocols, and continuously monitoring and updating security measures. In addition, a Managed Services solution can help organizations take a proactive approach with conducting regular risk mitigation activities. Pen testing, Dark Web scans, and threat workshops prioritize investments and may even be a requirement for cybersecurity insurance.
However, despite the potential, 95% of manufacturers struggle with effective data management, and only 28% are confident in their DataOps strategy—compared to 57% in other industries. This gap highlights a significant challenge: manufacturers must improve their data management capabilities to unlock the full potential of big data and AI.
Despite the industry’s data struggles, AI and machine learning are rapidly transforming manufacturing by enabling predictive maintenance, automating quality control, and optimizing supply chains. Currently, 57% of manufacturers are experimenting with small-scale AI pilot projects across various areas of their business. These projects often focus on plant floor IoT analysis and preventative maintenance, where AI can predict equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. As AI continues to evolve, its applications are expected to expand, offering even more opportunities to streamline operations and improve product quality.
Manufacturers are using cloud technologies to enhance various aspects of their operations, from production management to supply chain optimization. For example, cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems allow manufacturers to integrate and automate critical processes, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.
Additionally, cloud platforms enable real-time monitoring and analytics, which are essential for maintaining quality control and meeting regulatory compliance. As manufacturing becomes more data-driven, the ability to access and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time through the cloud is becoming a critical competitive advantage.
Best practices for securing industrial systems include conducting regular risk assessments, implementing multi-layered security protocols, and continuously monitoring and updating security measures. In addition, a Managed Services solution can help organizations take a proactive approach with conducting regular risk mitigation activities. Pen testing, Dark Web scans, and threat workshops prioritize investments and may even be a requirement for cybersecurity insurance.
4: Impact of Data and AI
The potential for AI in manufacturing is immense, and this is reflected in the industry’s growing investment in the technology. By 2030, 96% of manufacturing companies are expected to increase their AI investments, driven by the promise of improved decision-making and significant cost savings across the enterprise.However, despite the potential, 95% of manufacturers struggle with effective data management, and only 28% are confident in their DataOps strategy—compared to 57% in other industries. This gap highlights a significant challenge: manufacturers must improve their data management capabilities to unlock the full potential of big data and AI.
Despite the industry’s data struggles, AI and machine learning are rapidly transforming manufacturing by enabling predictive maintenance, automating quality control, and optimizing supply chains. Currently, 57% of manufacturers are experimenting with small-scale AI pilot projects across various areas of their business. These projects often focus on plant floor IoT analysis and preventative maintenance, where AI can predict equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. As AI continues to evolve, its applications are expected to expand, offering even more opportunities to streamline operations and improve product quality.
5: Growth of the Cloud
Cloud technology is increasingly viewed as a top driver of ROI for manufacturers—primarily because it enables them to manage and scale operations more effectively. The global cloud computing in manufacturing market is projected to reach $198.47 billion by 2030, reflecting the growing importance of cloud platforms in the sector.Manufacturers are using cloud technologies to enhance various aspects of their operations, from production management to supply chain optimization. For example, cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems allow manufacturers to integrate and automate critical processes, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.
Additionally, cloud platforms enable real-time monitoring and analytics, which are essential for maintaining quality control and meeting regulatory compliance. As manufacturing becomes more data-driven, the ability to access and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time through the cloud is becoming a critical competitive advantage.
The Future of Manufacturing
The future of industrial manufacturing is being shaped by the rapid adoption of data, AI, and cloud technologies. These innovations are driving unprecedented levels of efficiency, agility, and competitiveness across the industry. However, the successful integration of these technologies requires careful planning, investment, and a commitment to overcoming challenges such as data management, security, and workforce adaptation. Manufacturers that embrace these trends and strategically implement them will be well-equipped to lead in the next era of industrial innovation.Connected Smart Technologies
The Journey to Industry 4.0
Global manufacturing is at a pivotal point in history. Emerging technologies—like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and big data—are rapidly transforming the way manufacturers conduct their operations. Companies adopting these new technologies are seeing substantial business benefits, including reduced costs, better products, and increased throughput. However, many IT professionals have not gained the training or experience to select and deliver effective solutions in challenging manufacturing environments. Read this white paper to learn how to orient to Industry 4.0, secure your industrial space, address legacy systems the right way, and more.
Cisco Industrial Asset Vision
Employees are deploying new IoT sensors to collect data, drive automation, and improve business processes. This can happen in the factory, warehouse, office spaces, or outdoor yards. One of the largest obstacles to scaling such use cases is picking a solution that can address security risks and a diversity of use cases—and makes it easier to deploy to any facility across the organization. Cisco’s Industrial Asset Vision (IAV) makes it easy to deploy a wide range of sensor use cases across the IT infrastructure that cybersecurity teams can trust.
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Aruba and Zebra Building High-fidelity IoT Systems Reduce Costs and Boost Customer Experience
Today’s factories and warehouses depend on a robust networking infrastructure and the ability to manage the smart devices employees rely upon. This complex network of access points, endpoints, and software applications makes it challenging to monitor and tune the environment to optimize operations. Through a partnership between Aruba and Zebra, new integrated toolsets are available to quickly troubleshoot issues with connectivity, signal strength, applications, and overall performance. Learn more about how Aruba and Zebra deliver an improved experience and increase performance for manufacturers.Industrial Infrastructure
Cisco Industrial Automation Network
Brief
Cisco helps manufacturers solve connectivity, security, and uptime pain points through best-in-class industrial networking solutions. Cisco provides a wide portfolio of industrial switches, routers, firewalls, and access points designed to work seamlessly with industrial control systems in the factory—all while integrating security alerts and logging with corporate monitoring. Cisco’s industrial networking solutions allow for industrial networks that satisfy operational and information technology teams, while creating a fully converged network to support future industrial automation and Industry 4.0 use cases. Learn how Cisco improves both corporate and industrial networking while mitigating OT cybersecurity risks.
Don’t Just Upgrade Your Data Center—Transform Manufacturing Operations with AMD EPYC
Blog
Operational excellence is everything in manufacturing, whether we’re talking about speeding research and development or producing next-generation products faster, cheaper, and at better quality. In addition to short product lifecycles and increased productivity, many manufacturers are also looking to reduce their energy footprint, become more sustainable, reduce high-priced software licensing costs, and rationalize data center infrastructure. Learn more about how AMD’s next-generation compute platform helps deliver productivity, sustainability, and rationalization to improve the bottom line.Telit IoT Factory Solution
62% of decision makers are forging ahead with smart manufacturing investments.2 Of those manufacturing organizations that are successful, the rewards are significant. They can include 5–20% higher revenue impacts associated with digitally integrated factories—while 86% achieve increases in product yield and 79% experience increases in operational efficiency measures.3
Manufacturers need to collect, integrate, and automate with the intent to optimize the whole value chain and organization. This includes a “no device left behind” strategy that connects and integrates real-time data from legacy and modern production equipment. It means taking a prescriptive action at the edge by integrating data in real-time with business systems and cloud solutions, automating tasks to streamline operations, improving signaling and awareness, and leveraging a platform that allows your organization to continuously evolve. Lastly, depending on the type of manufacturer you may be, this may also include creating smart products or hardware-as-a-service initiatives to open your company up to new levels of customer service, support, or revenue models.
Meraki Manufacturing Technology Solutions
Meraki makes sense of OT and IT technology in manufacturing. From tags and beacons to factory process optimization and Industry 4.0 adaptation—and beyond—Meraki offers the supportive architecture you need to realize new initiatives and create the factory of the future.
Put Workloads at the Edge
Expedient Edge is an end-to-end compute platform built to run your workloads at edge locations on redundant hardware with remote management and support provided by Expedient. From hardware deployment and maintenance to virtualization support, networking, and storage, Expedient Edge delivers a fully managed platform where you need it.
OnLogic’s NUC Computers
Industrial NUC systems from OnLogic feature their Hardshell™ fanless technology, enabling powerful, small form factor computing even in the most challenging environments. Ideal for space-constrained embedded or IoT applications, OnLogic delivers reliability, durability, and flexibility in a small package. Check out the OnLogic ML100, the next generation of small form factor industrial computing, packing Intel processing into their toughest-ever NUC enclosure.
Meraki MT Button and Power Sensors
Smart sensors are used to capture data about environments, employees, and processes to create a more integrated and insightful business. Meraki released the new MT30—a smart automation button that is configurable and triggers specific actions—from calling for material, engineering support, or a potential safety incident. The MT40, a smart power controller, allows OT and IT to monitor equipment on the factory floor, laboratories, IT closets and data centers, or as part of sustainability and utilization initiatives. Learn more about how these Meraki MT sensors can be deployed atop of your existing network and camera infrastructure quickly, securely, and at scale across your organization.
Industrial Security
HPE Aruba ClearPass
Solution
In 2021, 61% of manufacturing attacks were on operational technology environments, heralding the need to properly protect all manufacturing infrastructure.1 These risks are influenced by old legacy equipment, third-party hardware access and support, and next-generation IoT and mobile devices. For these reasons, it’s more important than ever to gain visibility into who and what is connecting to a manufacturer’s network and how to control what can and cannot connect. Learn more about how Aruba ClearPass delivers protection and efficiency in managing the technology that connects to your network.
Security Managed Services: Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response
Datasheet
In 2021, manufacturing became the number one most attacked industry in the U.S. and world, meaning manufacturing is at a higher risk of cybersecurity threats than ever before.1 Whether your organization is looking to comply with ISO27001, NIST 800-171, or CMMC—or perhaps just looking to enhance your overall corporate security posture—consider how managed cybersecurity services can improve security and address detection and response. Sleep better at night knowing you have experts and state-of-the-art tools to help your teams protect your business. Learn how Arctic Wolf’s managed detection and response services can help.Abacode Cybersecurity and Compliance
Abacode unifies cybersecurity and compliance from their 24x7 Compliance and Security Operations Center—providing threat and compliance management in near real-time. The combination of software-driven security and compliance solutions and deep expertise enables Abacode’s Virtual Compliance SOC to extend industry-leading MDR capability, including full compliance reporting, detection, and response. Abacode eliminates uncertainty and complexity, enabling a dramatic improvement in threat detection and protection, and a new-found visibility into regulatory compliance.
Cisco Cyber Vision
With increased attacks on manufacturing operational technology, it’s time manufacturers invest in OT asset visibility, active risk assessments, and environmental change management to improve reliability, strengthen cybersecurity, and mitigate unique challenges with solutions designed specifically for production.Manufacturing OT Cybersecurity Assessment
With manufacturing becoming the #1 most attacked industry, it’s vital that manufacturers have complete asset visibility, real-time operational insight, and the ability to prioritize actions that will significantly mitigate risks and improve overall security posture. Our Manufacturing OT Cybersecurity Assessment lets our experts examine your operational environments to discern a complete asset inventory, vulnerabilities, and associated risk factors, to bring transparency and visibility to your greatest threat vectors.
Protecting OT Systems
Connection partnered with Foundry to survey 100 senior U.S. IT decision makers to learn how they are protecting their operational technology (OT) systems. Read the report to learn more about the risk mitigation efforts.
Industrial Workforce
Lenovo High-performance Workstations
Engineering talent is costly. When it comes to keeping designers and engineers productive, leverage Lenovo’s PX series of high-performance workstations to maximize the latest applications to design, engineer, and simulate, so your organization’s engineers can bring the best products to market faster.
Dell Edge Solutions
Smart manufacturing requires the ability to acquire, automate, and accelerate decision making at the edge. Dell’s EMC Edge Gateway series helps you turn data into actionable insights with secure connectivity and uninterrupted performance, so you can unlock the full power of edge analytics.
Microsoft Surface Laptops and Boards
In today’s factories, the workforce utilizes digital work instruction, traceability, and a wide range of applications to help keep the factory operational. Hand me downs and outdated devices no longer cut it. Leverage the Microsoft Surface portfolio to keep pace with modern workforces. Check out the complete line of Surface mobile devices, Surface Studio, and interactive Surface Hubs to keep your employees productive in the factory.
Zebra Intelligent Cabinets
With Zebra’s Intelligent Cabinet Portfolio, your factory or warehouse can now physically secure, check-in and check-out for digital tracking and accountability, and charge a diverse range of Zebra products in their new innovative cabinets, racks, and cradles with ease. Learn more about this innovative portfolio to keep your fleet of Zebra products ready for use.
Teguar Panel Mount PCs
Some industries and environments demand more of computers and displays—from extreme temperatures, dust and particulates, liquids, chemicals, and regulatory compliance requirements. These devices can even be powered safely using DC 9-36V power inputs. Learn more about how Teguar delivers industrial panel-mounted computers designed to withstand unique manufacturing requirements.Cloud Technology
Connection Cloud Team
GlobalGig Case Study
GlobalGig helps clients assess, design, and execute on the complex infrastructure necessary for today’s rapidly transforming manufacturing organizations. When shifting from legacy to modern cloud-based ERP solutions, GlobalGig can deliver secure SD-WAN solutions alongside key stakeholders, implement resilient and redundant networks, improve end-user application experience, and help ensure your organization’s new critical application rollout is a success.
Aryaka Case Study
Aryaka helps global organizations dealing with mergers and acquisitions, global facilities, and disparate technologies deliver true global connectivity. Reduce disconnects of critical applications used by engineers and high-value employees, stabilize network performance to ensure stable connectivity to critical business applications, and provide 24/7 managed services and the insights necessary for global IT infrastructure leaders to deliver on business productivity goals.
Sakon Case Study
Sakon solutions help manufacturers manage their goals around mobility management—from corporate-owned assets to corporate-liable assets (such as employee-owned devices). Their solution simplifies mobile management, provides bring your own device (BYOD) stipend management, integrates expense and sourcing management, and delivers the insights business leaders need to optimize their mixed mobile fleet of devices while controlling costs.Moving to the Cloud?
With an experienced cloud services partner on your side, you'll maximize the benefits of cloud technology and mitigate the risks.
Data and AI
Meraki MV Solutions
Datasheet
Today’s manufacturers are looking for more than just security cameras. They are looking to evolve security, productivity, workplace safety, and quality. This means choosing a camera solution that just doesn’t record and store video, but a platform that is easy to deploy and use, integrates AI and MV at the edge of the camera, solves a complex range of use cases with simple out-of-the-box solutions, and offers expansion into complex use cases via third-party software partnerships.
Plainsight Vision AI
Solution
Today’s cameras provide on-board AI compute and the ability to stream video to an edge device, making them a great investment for solving issues in security, workplace safety, and production. Using third-party software atop these camera investments, manufacturers can deploy any number of use cases to drive productivity, compliance, quality, and safety. Learn more about how Plainsight’s unique artificial intelligence and machine vision platform allows teams to develop new vision models, easily manage the machine vision lifecycle, and solve modern manufacturing challenges.
AI in Manufacturing
White Paper
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming global manufacturing. It promises substantial business benefits for manufacturers: increased throughput, reduced costs, and improved product quality. While AI represents maturity in what Industry 4.0 seeks to achieve, your organization’s first steps into implementing AI don’t need to feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to solve everything at once, you can—and should—use AI incrementally to solve the right problems at the right time for your business. Read this white paper for a better understanding of manufacturing best practices for AI.Machine Vision Is Easier Than You Think
Video
Just look at how fast the Connection Manufacturing Team was able to quickly build a bottling line—complete with cameras, high-performance compute, networking, enclosures, sensors, PLCs, digital signage—and train an artificial intelligence machine vision model (in days) to detect a range of quality defects in real-time at the edge.AI/Camera Vision is not a dream, it’s a reality. You too can leverage it to take unstructured data from cameras and convert it to valuable insight to address workforce shortages, skills gaps, safety, quality, and productivity or to create market differentiation that sets you apart.
Top Customer Challenges
Manufacturing IT Trends for 2024: Embracing Innovation, Data-driven Insights, and Workforce Augmentation
At Connection, we understand that manufacturers are at different points in their smart manufacturing journey. Our Manufacturing Practice regularly works with manufacturing organizations to help them grow and improve their business through the application of domain experience and enabling technologies. As technology continues to evolve and market demands shift, manufacturers that embrace innovation, harness the power of data, and empower their workforce will continue to evolve on the smart manufacturing journey, become more competitive, and create market differentiation in their subindustries.
Read our blog post to discover how five key trends are going to transform the future of manufacturing in 2024.
- IBM, 2022, X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2022
- Deloitte, 2020, Accelerating Smart Manufacturing
- Microsoft, 2020, IoT Signals Report
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