FEATURE Smart factories & software
The goal is not automation for automation’s sake, but to create factories that can continuously learn, adapt, and improve. Achieving the future goes beyond the UNS. It requires architectures that combine shared operational understanding with the reliable flow of real-time events across the enterprise
enterprise applications, and AI agents. This is where an event mesh provides value, securely and reliably distributing operational events wherever they are needed. A real-time event mesh allows manufacturers to move beyond traditional automation and begin operating with intelligence, foresight, and resilience. The
result? Every part of the organisation can respond based on what is happening now, not what happened hours ago. This is the difference between a connected factory and an adaptive one. A connected factory makes information available. An adaptive factory understands what that information means and knows what to do next, enabling independent systems to respond to operational changes and contribute according to their role. It’s this real-time foundation that can support the next wave of smarter operations, as agentic AI enters manufacturing plants. In fact, Deloitte expects agentic AI agent adoption to quadruple between 2025-2027 among manufacturing organisations. AI systems and autonomous agents are only as effective as the information they can access. This is why UNS, complemented by an event-driven foundation, is becoming increasingly important. The addition of agentic AI allows signals to inform decisions, actions, and continuous optimisation. AI agents can identify patterns across
production data, anticipate issues before they occur such as bottlenecks on the production line, recommend process improvements, and help inform operational responses across systems. For instance, with real-time event data, AI agents can detect early risks (material shortages, delayed shipments, or unexpected demand spikes) and recommend alternate sourcing options, adjust production schedules, or trigger replenishment without waiting for human planners. In each scenario, humans remain central, with teams now focusing on higher-value decisions supported by accurate, real-time intelligence. The convergence of real-time data movement and agentic AI marks a decisive turning point in how factories are designed, operated, and optimised. The future of manufacturing will not be defined by isolated automation projects or disconnected digital initiatives. It will be defined by the ability to create a continuously aware, responsive, and adaptive operation.
Solace
www.solace.com
automationmagazine.co.uk
Automation | October 2026
19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
