Why Connectivity Has Become the Cornerstone of Modern Industrial Automation

Industrial automation is in the middle of a profound shift, as manufacturers push beyond basic control toward fully connected, data-driven operations that bridge the plant floor and the enterprise. What began years ago as early experiments in digital transformation—simply getting PLC data into IT systems—has now accelerated into a critical business imperative fueled by analytics, AI, and real-time decision-making. The challenge is no longer whether data exists, but whether it can move freely across fragmented environments that include legacy field devices, modern control systems, and diverse vendor ecosystems. As automation suppliers, system integrators, and end users adapt, connectivity has emerged as the unsung hero, quietly enabling everything from predictive maintenance to smarter asset management.

Connectivity has emerged as the unsung hero, quietly enabling everything from predictive maintenance to smarter asset management.

When established tools disappear or platforms evolve, the industry depends on partners willing to step in, preserve continuity, and ensure technicians in the field can still do their jobs effectively. At its core, this evolution is deeply human—listening to real operational pain points, translating them into technical solutions, and scaling those solutions to meet growing demand. To explore how connectivity sits at the heart of this transformation, we're joined by Deane Horn, Director of Product Management at Softing Inc.