MACHINERY REGULATION n JLR attack caused major problems not just for JLR, but for the entire automotive sector, and the wider economy beyond it. The regulation also places greater emphasis on traceability and lifecycle management. Machine-builders must keep clear records of interventions, configuration changes, and any modifications that can potentially affect the integrity of safety systems. For smaller OEMs, or even larger ones that are not yet fully prepared for the new regulation, this may also be a challenge to implement. What might seem like a small administrative task can evolve quickly into an ongoing compliance challenge. What the regulation does and does not say However, it’s also important not to conflate “considering cybersecurity in machine design” with “mitigating every possible threat”. Manufacturers need to be able to provide clear, traceable records showing that cybersecurity risks have been reviewed, and how that risk assessment has informed decision-making. Sometimes the right course of action is to do nothing, if the risk has already been addressed or is extremely minor. This is recognised within the regulation, which aims to promote more well-reasoned design choices and ongoing consideration of risks, rather than simply ticking a box. The regulation also brings a modern update to paperwork itself. Fully digital documentation will be permitted, meaning there is no regulatory need for printed manuals and paper certificates. Preparation is key. Manufacturers that integrate cybersecurity into their design and operating processes early on will find the transition relatively painless. For others, now is the time to start building a strategy. It’s important to remember that the spirit of the regulation is not to force complete redesigns of every product, but to put cybersecurity at the heart of product development – which it arguably should be already. Help is at hand While there’s no explicit requirement within the regulation to use third parties to assess product cybersecurity, component manufacturers are in many ways doing the hard yards now to make life easier for OEMs. For instance, new drives from ABB are secure by design and by default, and include features such as automatic history logging built in. While the overall cybersecurity risk of a whole machine still needs to be considered, using devices and components that will support compliance with both the Machinery Regulation, and the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act (December 2027) can help OEMs to maintain compliance without losing momentum. The general direction of travel is to create an ecosystem in which systems are secure from the outset. As machines become more connected, generate more data, and rely more on remote access and cloud-based platforms, more and more risks are introduced. This regulation aims to close these gaps before they have a chance to appear. If you’re not already preparing for the new requirements of the Machinery Regulation, then it may take you by surprise when it comes into force. Machines that have for years been suitable for the European market may no longer qualify for CE marking unless efforts are made now to ensure compliance by January 2027. n For more information about how ABB motors and drives can support compliance with the Machinery Regulation, and improve the cybersecurity of industrial processes, visit: www.abb.com/global/en/areas/motion/drives/ expertise-technology/cyber-security Subscribe now for your FREE monthly digital subscription www.drivesncontrols.com AUTOMATION FOR MANUFACTURING Drives&Controls Drives rAnn Cont &s y Supplement rols Anniversar ontrols.com GUST 2026 AUTOMA Dr ATION FOR MA rives ANUFACTURINCo www.drivesnco JULY/AUG NGontr E MA ROBOTICS & AUTO ATED MA ANUFACTURING: ONTROLS 2026/202 DRIVES & C ATURING: INSIDE FEA ROBOTICS & AUTO ATED MANUFACTURING: obot saf d defines new era f Standar for industrial r fety TRANSPORT: ’ cliff lif Drives upgrade keeps Scarborough’s ft running SENSORS AND ENCODERS: Smart profile sensor solves space problem AL BUYER’S G 27 ANNU GUIDE
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