Driving the Future of Smart Manufacturing Through AI, Industrial Networking & Digital Transformation

As manufacturers worldwide accelerate their digital transformation journeys, the convergence of AI, industrial networking, and cybersecurity has never been more critical. In this exclusive conversation with UNI Network Magazine, Pete Kneski, Solutions Consultant Practice Leader at Belden Inc., shares his perspective on bridging IT and OT, modernizing legacy equipment, and building secure, AI-ready industrial networks.

Q1. Pete, you've been with Belden for over a decade. How has your journey shaped your perspective on industrial transformation?

Ans. I've had the opportunity to witness Belden's evolution firsthand. While the company has built a 120-year legacy as a trusted leader in industrial connectivity, today's Belden is much more than a wire and cable manufacturer. We've transformed into an end-to-end industrial networking and digital infrastructure partner.

My career has taken me from working directly with manufacturers on the plant floor to leading strategic solution consulting for manufacturing and warehouse automation. That experience has reinforced one belief: successful digital transformation isn't driven by technology alone - it's driven by understanding operational challenges and delivering solutions that create measurable business value.

Q2. Digital transformation is a priority for manufacturers worldwide. What do you see as the biggest obstacle organizations face today?

Ans. The biggest challenge isn't technology - it's alignment.Manufacturing has traditionally operated in two separate worlds: Operational Technology (OT), which focuses on production and uptime, and Information Technology (IT), which prioritizes security, enterprise systems, and business continuity.Digital transformation requires these worlds to work together.

Organizations often struggle because both teams have different priorities, different expertise, and different definitions of success. The companies making the greatest progress are those creating collaboration between IT and OT from the very beginning rather than treating digital transformation as solely an IT initiative.

Q3. Can you share a practical example of how Belden helps customers modernize existing manufacturing operations?

Ans. One of the most common misconceptions is that digital transformation requires replacing existing equipment. In reality, many manufacturers operate legacy machines that continue to perform exceptionally well but were never designed for today's connected environment.Our approach is to modernize without disruption.

We assess the existing infrastructure, identify opportunities to extract operational data, and integrate those machines into modern digital ecosystems using industrial networking, protocol conversion, edge technologies, and intelligent sensing.This enables customers to gain valuable production insights, improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and connect legacy assets to modern Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) - all without interrupting production or making costly capital investments.

Q4. Artificial Intelligence is transforming every industry. How is industrial networking evolving to support AI-driven manufacturing?

Ans. AI is only as effective as the quality of data it receives.That makes industrial networking more important than ever.Manufacturing environments demand real-time, deterministic communication where data is delivered accurately and consistently.

Technologies such as Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), which Belden helped advance through industry standards, enable exactly that.Whether AI is improving workplace safety, optimizing production, or enabling predictive maintenance, reliable industrial networks provide the trusted data foundation that intelligent systems require to make better decisions.

Q5. Cybersecurity has become a boardroom priority. What should manufacturers focus on as factories become increasingly connected?

Ans. Cybersecurity should never be viewed as a single product - it's a strategy.Many organizations still rely heavily on perimeter protection, but modern manufacturing requires a layered, defense-in-depth approach.What's often overlooked is that many security incidents are not sophisticated cyberattacks - they're caused by human error or configuration mistakes.Manufacturers should prioritize network segmentation, secure architectures, continuous risk assessments, and adherence to recognized standards such as IEC 62443. Security should be built into the network from the start rather than added later.

Q6. Technology evolves rapidly. How does Belden help customers and employees stay ahead of the curve?

Ans. Continuous learning is essential. Internally, we invest in industry experts - professionals who have led digital transformation projects inside manufacturing organizations themselves. We combine that real-world experience with comprehensive technical certification programs.

For customers, we extend the same philosophy through certification training, customized workshops, and on-site education. Our objective isn't simply to deploy technology; it's to ensure organizations have the knowledge and confidence to maximize its value over the long term.

Q7. Beyond Artificial Intelligence, which emerging technologies do you believe will have the greatest impact on manufacturing over the next few years?

Ans. AI will undoubtedly continue transforming manufacturing by turning operational data into actionable intelligence. However, I believe wireless technologies deserve equal attention.

Advancements in Wi-Fi 7, expanded spectrum availability, and private 5G networks will dramatically improve mobility, scalability, and connectivity across industrial environments. These technologies will enable manufacturers to connect more assets with greater reliability while supporting increasingly sophisticated automation strategies. Together, AI and next-generation wireless networking will reshape how factories operate.

Q8. Many organizations are just beginning their digital transformation journey. What advice would you offer them?

Ans. Start with strategy - not technology. I recommend a simple three-step framework.First, Assess your existing infrastructure to understand whether it's ready to support long-term digital initiatives.

Second, Standardize your networking architecture, technologies, and operational practices so solutions can scale across facilities.Finally, Empower your operational teams through training and intuitive technologies that enable them to confidently manage connected industrial environments.Digital transformation isn't about implementing the latest technology. It's about building a resilient foundation that supports innovation for years to come.

Q9. What message would you like to leave with the readers of UNI Network Group Magazine?

Ans. Manufacturing is entering one of the most exciting periods in its history. Organizations no longer need to choose between protecting existing investments and embracing innovation - they can achieve both.

My advice is simple: don't wait for the perfect moment to begin. Start by understanding where you are today, build a clear roadmap, and work with partners who understand both operational technology and enterprise networking. At Belden, we're committed to helping manufacturers create secure, connected, and intelligent operations that are ready for the future.

"Pete Kneski's insights reinforce a critical message for manufacturers worldwide: successful digital transformation is not about replacing everything - it's about connecting what already exists, building a strong digital foundation, and empowering people to leverage technology effectively. As AI, industrial networking, and cybersecurity continue to converge, organizations that prioritize strategy, collaboration, and scalable infrastructure will be best positioned to lead the next generation of smart manufacturing."