Rockwell Automation has introduced Elastic MES, a cloud-native, modular Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed to unify operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) in manufacturing environments. Announced on December 9, 2025, Elastic MES delivers scalability, resilience, and embedded artificial intelligence (AI) within a hybrid architecture combining cloud and edge deployment options. The platform is intended to eliminate silos between OT and IT and facilitate the move toward autonomous manufacturing. The launch event occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with applicability across global markets.
Background
Manufacturers have faced challenges with fragmented MES deployments that separate shop-floor execution from enterprise IT, restricting visibility and agility. The Rockwell "State of Smart Manufacturing 2025" report notes that 21% of manufacturing executives cite integration challenges between OT and IT as their primary internal barrier. Elastic MES addresses this by providing a unified platform that covers the manufacturing lifecycle-from material handling to production and tooling-with embedded analytics and AI-driven insights. The platform extends Rockwell's existing Plex cloud-native SaaS solution, acquired in 2021, and integrates with traditional on-premises MES products such as FactoryTalk MES via connectors like EIHub.
Details
Rockwell describes Elastic MES as a resilient foundation for modern manufacturing, connecting software, hardware, and services into an integrated OT/IT environment. The platform supports industries including discrete, hybrid, and regulated sectors, ensuring compliance, traceability, and security. It operates in a multi-tenant SaaS environment with AI features intended to support autonomous operations. Deployment options range from pure cloud to hybrid edge-to-cloud, allowing continuous operations during network disruptions. Anthony Murphy, Vice President of Product Management at Rockwell, states the solution reduces cost, risk, and complexity by replacing custom and disparate systems. Wonton Food Inc. representatives reported that Elastic MES streamlined compliance and shortened implementation timelines in the food and beverage industry.
During Automation Fair 2025, Rockwell highlighted the platform's technical attributes, including resilience, edge-to-cloud design, and customer success stories. Mars digitized a shop floor and achieved go-live in under six months, while Lamb Weston and KTH Parts Industries cited operational improvements and productivity gains.
Outlook
Manufacturers considering digital transformation may now view Elastic MES as a scalable option for OT/IT integration and cloud-first operations. Adoption will depend on the platform's interoperability with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP), quality, and asset management systems. Industry uptake will likely hinge on demonstrated resilience, robust security, and AI-driven optimization in deployed environments.
