Posted to News on 5th Jan 2026, 09:00
2026 predictions for industrial operations
Industrial operations are entering a pivotal phase, with tightening sustainability targets, volatile markets, and growing regulatory pressures all reshaping priorities. David Lincoln, Global Digital Lead at ABB Measurement & Analytics, explores what's ahead for 2026.
(See ABB at Machine Building North, 13 May 2026, on stand 71)
The challenge is no longer about keeping production running; it's about achieving greater precision and control. There's also a prioritisation on managing risk and resource efficiency across the board.
Digitalisation is proving to be the key enabler. Advanced measurement and analytical technologies are helping operators see and understand more, as well as to act faster. In the chemicals sector, connected instrumentation and data-driven insights are optimising processes and improving safety performance. Similarly, in water and wastewater operations, intelligent remote monitoring and analysis are strengthening compliance and system resilience. In the metals industry, integrating advanced flatness control systems is improving metal strip quality, reducing processing time and lowering the risk of strip breaks, driving consistency, minimising waste, and improving asset performance.
This data-driven evolution will only accelerate. In 2026, the industrial landscape is expected to become even more connected and autonomous. With measurement and analytics forming the foundation of predictive and adaptive operations, real-time edge and cloud analytics, along with autonomous analytical tools, are likely to become increasingly adopted across industrial sectors. We see this helping with skill-set shortages, reducing latency and enabling instant decision-making in manufacturing and process industries. Those who invest now, building secure, insight-led systems, will be best positioned to lead in efficiency, sustainability, and operational safety in the years ahead."
