New Research Shows Top OEMs Cut Downtime Recovery by 40%

Rockwell Automation research highlights how leading machine builders are strengthening performance, resilience and customer trust amid complex operating conditions.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Rockwell Automation released new global research that shows how leading machine builders, or OEMs, are adapting their operations to perform more consistently despite workforce instability, supply chain volatility, cost pressure and rising customer expectations. The research found that top OEMs are focusing on faster recovery, operational consistency and data-driven decision-making to protect revenue and customer confidence, rather than relying solely on machine performance.

Why it matters

As OEMs continue to navigate challenging operating conditions, the research indicates that the next era of OEM leadership will be defined by who can build a business that delivers consistent performance despite disruptions, rather than just who builds the most advanced machines. This shift towards resilience-first strategies is crucial for OEMs to strengthen profitability and maintain customer trust.

The details

The research, titled the "OEM Advantage Playbook", is based on insights from 500 OEM leaders across 17 countries. Key findings include: 1) Leading OEMs enable customers to recover from outages in 24 hours or less, compared to an average of 40 hours, by designing machines to detect issues early and restore performance quickly. 2) With workforce turnover reaching 47% in some regions, top OEMs are embedding expertise into machines and workflows to reduce dependence on individual experience. 3) High-performing OEMs are prioritizing profitability and customer outcome metrics alongside traditional production measures. 4) Top OEMs are strategically applying technologies like digital twins, AMRs and cobots to improve deployment consistency and inform future designs. 5) Leading OEMs are integrating cybersecurity into product design from the outset to support market access, reduce delays and build customer trust.

  • The research was released on February 24, 2026.

The players

Rockwell Automation

A global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Evan Kaiser

Vice president, global OEM and emerging industries at Rockwell Automation.

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What they’re saying

“The next era of OEM leadership won't be defined by who builds the most advanced machine. It will be defined by who builds a business that delivers consistent performance despite workforce turnover, supply disruptions and relentless market pressure.”

— Evan Kaiser, Vice president, global OEM and emerging industries (Rockwell Automation)

The takeaway

This research highlights how leading OEMs are shifting their focus from just building advanced machines to creating resilient businesses that can maintain consistent performance and customer trust despite challenging operating conditions. By prioritizing rapid recovery, workforce stability, data-driven decision-making, and integrated cybersecurity, these OEMs are positioning themselves for long-term success in an increasingly complex industrial landscape.