In an increasingly connected industrial landscape, manufacturers are adopting industrial networking solutions to enhance efficiency, security, and innovation. Insights from the Cisco 2024 State of Industrial Networking Report for Manufacturing highlight how operational technology (OT) systems are becoming more digitized, increasing the demand for robust industrial networking infrastructure. Cyber threats, IT/OT collaboration challenges, and AI-driven automation are transforming how manufacturers secure and optimize their networks.
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Security Drives Infrastructure Investment
Manufacturing is the most targeted sector for cyber threats, with firms investing heavily in cybersecurity in manufacturing to protect infrastructure. With 86% of firms maintaining or increasing OT budgets, compliance and risk mitigation are top priorities. Ransomware and malware attacks specifically targeting industrial systems reinforce the need for integrated security strategies that bridge IT and OT networks. Cybersecurity is now the number one investment priority for manufacturers in the next two years, reflecting its critical role in ensuring operational resilience.
Growing Urgency for IT/OT Collaboration
More than 35% of manufacturers are increasing IT/OT collaboration to address infrastructure challenges. Integrated teams enhance security, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency. Companies recognize that the #1 benefit of IT/OT collaboration is better cybersecurity. However, only 19% of firms have collaborative IT/OT teams making industrial infrastructure decisions with only 38% of manufacturing firms’ IT and OT teams work collaboratively on cybersecurity. Strengthening these partnerships is crucial for ensuring effective industrial networking solutions that mitigate cybersecurity risks.
Firms Invest in an AI-Ready Foundation
Manufacturers are leveraging AI-driven solutions to improve network resilience and efficiency. Over 51% of firms expect AI to enhance network management across IT and OT. AI-enabled automation is being used to optimize production, reduce costs, and improve quality control. Adoption of AI is the #2 strategy (after upskilling employees) for mitigating internal obstacles to growth. Investing in AI-powered industrial networking technologies ensures that manufacturers can remain competitive in an evolving digital landscape.
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Key Takeaways for Industrial Networking
- Prioritize cybersecurity in manufacturing: Strengthening defenses is essential for safeguarding industrial operations and ensuring long-term resilience.
- Encourage IT/OT collaboration: Integrated teams improve cybersecurity, streamline processes, and enhance network management.
- Harness AI for efficiency: AI-driven automation enhances operational efficiency, improves network performance, and optimizes industrial workflows.
As Cisco partners, we’re here to help manufacturers leverage these technologies to enhance security, efficiency, and innovation. If you’d like to explore how Cloud Managed Networks can support your industrial networking needs, feel free to contact us.
