Elastic MES Platform for Scalable, Connected Manufacturing

Rockwell Automation has expanded its Manufacturing Execution System (MES) portfolio with new capabilities aimed at improving flexibility, scalability, and operational resiliency. The elastic MES platform is designed to unify operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) environments through a cloud-native, interoperable architecture. By enabling manufacturers to scale MES functions as needed, the platform supports evolving production demands and contributes to long-term goals such as autonomous operations.

Traditional MES deployments often operate as isolated systems, limiting cross-functional visibility and complicating modernization efforts. Rockwell’s 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report notes that 21% of manufacturing leaders identify OT/IT integration challenges as a primary barrier to digital progress. The elastic MES approach is engineered to address these constraints by offering a unified environment that connects materials, inventory, production, and tooling data across the lifecycle.

Embedded analytics, AI-driven insights and connected worker tools support higher responsiveness and real-time decision-making, particularly in environments with variable product mix or regulatory requirements.

Evolving Toward Adaptive, Scalable MES Architectures
Analysts note that legacy MES platforms, though operationally important, often lack the flexibility needed for modern manufacturing. According to Lorenzo Veronesi, associate research director at IDC, future MES architectures must support rapid process reconfiguration, digital thread integration, and scalable deployment options to keep pace with changing production models.

Rockwell’s strategy reflects this shift by focusing on modular MES capabilities delivered through a cloud-native architecture. The platform is designed to reduce the complexity associated with standalone or DIY systems and provide a more consistent operational model across global sites.

Elastic MES Portfolio: Architecture and Technical Capabilities
Rockwell’s MES portfolio is positioned as a digital backbone connecting hardware, software and services across both OT and IT layers. The elastic qualities of the platform include:

Customer examples illustrate the platform’s role in modernizing operations. Wonton Food Inc. reports using Plex MES to scale its digital infrastructure incrementally, with particular benefits for compliance tasks in food and beverage manufacturing. The company notes reduced customization requirements and secure connectivity as drivers of operational improvement.

Operational Outcomes Reported Across Industries
Manufacturers using Rockwell’s MES solutions report improvements in production visibility, workflow management and operational agility:

Across applications, the elastic MES portfolio is designed to provide guidance, predictive insights and consistent performance to support the transition toward more adaptive and autonomous production environments.