News 08 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk August/September 2026 Automation Fair 2026 Opens Registration Rockwell Automation, Inc. the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, announces that registration is now open for Automation Fair 2026, taking place November 16-19 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Centre in Boston. Centred on the theme Future in Focus, Automation Fair 2026 will bring together more than 14,000 manufacturing, technology and industrial operations professionals from around the world for four days of learning, innovation and collaboration. Attendees will explore emerging technologies, gain practical insights and connect with people shaping the future of industrial operations. Recognised as one of the industry’s premier events, Automation Fair offers attendees direct access to industry professionals, technology innovators, hands-on training, interactive exhibits and valuable networking opportunities designed to help manufacturers move forward with confidence. “Automation Fair is where the future of industrial operations comes into focus,” said Brian Hovey, vice president, global marketing and chief marketing officer at Rockwell Automation. “This event brings together the people, technologies and ideas that are transforming manufacturing. Whether organisations are advancing digital transformation initiatives, scaling AI, strengthening resilience or improving productivity, attendees will leave with actionable strategies and meaningful connections that help turn vision into results.” Registration and event information are available at: www.rockwellautomation.com/automationfair Cyber resilience is business resilience The cyber risk in manufacturing is akin to an iceberg below the surface, largely unseen to it hits you with the results potentially existential. Industry can plan and mitigate the risks they see, but in reality the biggest threats can cause the most damage. It’s the vulnerabilities below the surface, in the systems, machinery and supply chains, that can catch businesses out. And that’s because manufacturing is distinctly at risk as digital systems are directly connected to physical production. Meaning that the risk doesn’t stay in the digital world for too long. What starts as an IT issue very quickly becomes a production problem, a customer problem and a financial problem very quickly. It may come as a surprise but manufacturing is the sector of the economy which suffers the most cyber attacks which highlights the scale of the challenge facing manufacturers today. A recent Make UK survey1 showed that almost a third of manufacturers experienced a cyber incident in the past 12 months, either directly or through their supply chain. Where cyber incidents had a direct impact, production downtime and increased operational costs were the most common consequences. In addition almost a third of manufacturers affected by supplier cyber attacks reported delays to customer deliveries, while a third reported reduced production capacity. Across the economy, Government research has estimated the cost t business from cyber attacks as almost £15 billion annually. Make UK’s survey also showed that while two thirds of manufacturers have cyber insurance, almost a fifth don’t and a similar number are unsure whether they are covered. However, taking out insurance is only akin to closing the door once the horse has bolted. What really matters is treating cyber security with the same strategic priority companies would give to any other aspect of operational performance such as productivity or health & safety. In practice this means understanding where the vulnerabilities lie, taking sensible steps to reduce them, and ensuring that when incidents do happen, they do not become business threatening events. In short, cyber attacks are no longer abstract technical events for manufacturers. They are showing up on the factory floor through downtime, higher costs, delayed orders and pressure on supply chains. In a connected industrial economy, a digital weakness can quickly become a production problem. As a result, the message for manufacturers is clear: cyber resilience is business resilience. Firms do not need to do everything at once, but they do need clear leadership, basic controls, tested recovery plans and stronger assurance across their supply chains. The businesses that get this right will be better placed to keep production moving, protect customers and invest in digital technologies with confidence. 1Cyber Security in Manufacturing | Make UK By MAKE UK chief executive, Stephen Phipson MAKE uk - the manufacturers’ organisation monthly news comment
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