MESA Knows Smart Manufacturing

A good maturity model doesn’t tell you how advanced you are—it tells you what risks you’re carrying and what you should do next. There maybe some skepticism out there on the value of maturity models and assessments; however, this is not just consultant-speak. A maturity model is a structured way to answer one of the hardest questions in digital transformation:What are we ready for—and what are we not ready foryet?

As manufacturers accelerate their use of artificial intelligence to optimize production, improve quality, and predict maintenance, the cybersecurity stakes have never been higher. This episode explores how AI is reshaping the industrial control system (ICS) landscape — creating both powerful new defense tools and complex new vulnerabilities.Our panel of experts dives into how standards like ISA/IEC 62443, NIST CSF 2.0, and MESA’s Smart Manufacturing Model are evolving to address AI-driven risk. We’ll discuss practical steps for securing connected plants, protecting data integrity, and maintaining trust in AI-assisted automation.Listeners will learn:How AI is expanding the ICS attack surface — and how it can also strengthen defensesThe role of governance, standards, and data integrity in an AI-enabled OT environmentReal-world insights on zero trust, digital twins for cybersecurity, and the convergence of IT/OT securityJoin MESA’s host and subject-matter experts as they examine what it takes to build secure, intelligent, and resilient manufacturing systems in the age of AI.

As we gear up for the upcoming Smart Manufacturing Now 2025 event, I have had the privilege of moderating a special podcast with MESA members who have been at the forefront of applying AI in manufacturing.This isn’t just about the hype — it’s about real stories from the plant floor:Successes that show AI’s true impact on productivity and qualityChallenges that reveal what it really takes to deploy AI in operationsSurprising lessons about workforce adoption and cultureA look ahead at where the next breakthroughs may come fromThis podcast is your sneak peek into the kinds of insights, stories, and forward-looking discussions you can expect at Smart Manufacturing Now.Give us a listen and don’t miss the event — join the conversation shaping the future of manufacturing.#SmartManufacturingNow #MESA #SmartManufacturing #AI

A special MESA Knows podcast episode previewing what’s coming at Smart Manufacturing Now! Our third year conducting this important virtual event, Hear what to expect from the event, who’s speaking, and why this is the gathering for manufacturing leaders driving digital transformation. Don’t miss the insights, energy, and opportunities coming your way. https://mesa.org/smart-manufacturing-now/

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of data integrity by design in enabling the future of smart manufacturing in the life sciences industry. As Pharma 4.0 initiatives gain traction, leading organizations are shifting from reactive compliance to proactive data governance strategies that embed quality, traceability, and trust directly into their digital systems.Our expert guests will explore how companies are operationalizing ALCOA+ principles—ensuring data is Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, and more—and aligning with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to future-proof their digital infrastructure. We'll discuss real-world strategiesfor building data integrity into system design, enabling seamless regulatory readiness and supporting the ethical, effective deployment of AI in regulated environments.Whether you're a digital transformation leader, a quality professional, or an AI innovator in life sciences, this episode will offer insights into how your organization can design for trust—right from the start.