Five Manufacturers that Overcame Industry 4.0 Security Challenges

Five manufacturers - O-I, Devro, Flügger, Hoyer Motors, and Vitesco Technologies - have successfully implemented Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to overcome Industry 4.0 security challenges. SASE is a cloud-based architecture that combines various security tools like SD-WAN, firewall-as-a-service, zero-trust network access, and more into a single service managed from one console. O-I improved collaboration capabilities and reduced communication costs by 20% across 200 sites. Devro upgraded aging firewall appliances and gained better visibility through a comprehensive dashboard. Flügger consolidated WAN and internet traffic while improving retail network management. Hoyer Motors achieved real-time firewall updates and better malware protection. Vitesco Technologies seamlessly migrated its infrastructure without downtime while addressing Chinese regulatory compliance. The implementations helped these manufacturers integrate security and connectivity into operations, adapt to remote work demands, and align security with network management - key factors for staying competitive in Industry 4.0.

Trends

The evolution of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technology is emerging as a transformative solution for manufacturing cybersecurity over the next 10-15 years, as evidenced by successful implementations at major manufacturers like O-I, Devro, Flügger, Hoyer Motors, and Vitesco Technologies. The trend shows a clear shift away from traditional MPLS networks toward cloud-based security architectures that combine multiple security tools like SD-WAN, firewalls, zero-trust access, and cloud security into a unified platform. This consolidation trend addresses key challenges including visibility across dispersed manufacturing sites, complex device patching requirements, and the need to protect both legacy and modern systems. The cases demonstrate that SASE adoption is enabling up to 20% cost reductions while improving critical capabilities like remote troubleshooting, global security policy enforcement, and regulatory compliance. Looking ahead, manufacturers will increasingly require this type of converged security approach to manage expanding digital footprints, support remote operations, and defend against evolving cyber threats. The technology's ability to provide centralized control while maintaining local performance appears particularly vital for global manufacturers dealing with region-specific requirements like China's data regulations. This signals that integrated, cloud-delivered security platforms will become the standard architecture for securing Industry 4.0 initiatives over the next decade.

Financial Hypothesis

The article discusses how five major manufacturing companies successfully implemented Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technology to improve their cybersecurity and network infrastructure, demonstrating significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. O-I, a global glass packaging leader, reduced communication costs by 20% through SASE implementation while improving collaboration capabilities across 200 sites. Devro achieved non-disruptive deployment of SASE, enhancing their security monitoring and management capabilities across remote manufacturing locations. Flügger consolidated their WAN and internet traffic in the cloud, resulting in improved performance and easier management of their retail network spanning over 400 stores. Hoyer Motors streamlined their security patch management process and enhanced connectivity to their China operations through SASE adoption. Vitesco Technologies successfully redesigned their global network infrastructure using SASE to connect and secure 70 locations and 20,000 remote users while ensuring compliance with Chinese regulations. The financial implications of these implementations suggest that SASE technology offers manufacturers a cost-effective solution for modernizing their cybersecurity infrastructure while supporting business expansion. The trend indicates a shift away from traditional MPLS networks toward cloud-based security architectures, potentially reducing long-term IT infrastructure costs. The success stories demonstrate that SASE investments can deliver both immediate cost savings and long-term operational benefits through improved network performance and security management. These case studies suggest that manufacturers who invest in SASE technology may gain competitive advantages through enhanced operational efficiency and reduced cybersecurity risks. The overall financial impact appears positive, with companies reporting improved connectivity, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced security capabilities that support their digital transformation initiatives.