SimoTech was proud to be represented by Stephen Barry, Engineering Services Director, at the recent ISA Ireland panel discussion, where industry leaders gathered to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of automation, digitalisation, and workforce transformation across the life sciences sector. The conversation offered a timely and forward looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of industrial innovation.
Industry Insights: Key Themes Shaping the Future of Automation and Digitalisation
Across the life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors, the pace of technological change continues to accelerate. During the panel discussion, SimoTech’s Engineering Services Director, Stephen Barry, shared his perspective on the evolving needs of clients, the impact of emerging technologies, and the future skills required to sustain growth. The conversation highlighted several important trends that are reshaping how organisations plan, operate, and innovate.
Evolving Client Needs: A Shift Toward Integrated Digital Solutions
Stephen began by reflecting on how client expectations have transformed over the past two years. While traditional automation upgrades and system expansions remain essential, organisations are increasingly seeking more holistic, digitally driven solutions. Clients now want strategic guidance on digital transformation roadmaps, support with data contextualisation and historian strategy, and expertise in OT cybersecurity, network segmentation, and compliance.
There is also growing demand for advice on virtualisation, cloud ready architectures, and hybrid system design, as well as integration strategies that bridge both legacy and modern platforms. This shift signals a broader industry movement: companies are no longer questioning whether to modernise, they are focused on how to do it quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption. As Stephen noted, organisations want partners who can bridge the gap between operations, IT, and digital strategy, and the appetite for integrated solutions has never been stronger.
Looking Ahead: Predictions for the Next Three Years
When asked to look forward, Stephen outlined several technology trends and challenges he expects to accelerate across the sector. First, industrial AI will move from concept to deployment, with predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and advanced process optimisation becoming mainstream as confidence in AI enabled decision support grows.
Second, OT cybersecurity will rise to the top of the strategic agenda. With increasing regulatory pressure and heightened threat activity, organisations will invest heavily in securing their automation environments. Third, the ongoing skills shortage will continue to shape how companies operate. As demand for automation and digital talent outpaces supply, organisations will adopt more remote support models, automated testing frameworks, and digital twins to enhance efficiency.
Finally, Stephen highlighted the emergence of hybrid architectures, a blend of on prem, edge, and cloud technologies which will require new governance models and cross disciplinary expertise. Companies that invest early in digital foundations and workforce capability will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.
The Impact of AI’s “Democratisation” on Client Conversations
The release of ChatGPT in 2022 marked a turning point in how organisations perceive artificial intelligence. Stephen noted that this shift has been clearly reflected in SimoTech’s client interactions. Clients are now more open and curious about AI’s potential in industrial environments, and conversations have become more practical, focusing on real operational challenges rather than abstract possibilities.
There is also a growing interest in industrial grade AI solutions that integrate with validated systems, historians, MES platforms, and control systems. While enthusiasm is high, Stephen emphasised that organisations still need guidance on data readiness, governance, and safe deployment.
Strengthening the Sector: The Role of ISA Ireland
Stephen also shared his perspective on how ISA Ireland can further support the automation community within secondary schools, highlighting the importance of early exposure to engineering pathways and stronger engagement between industry and educators. He emphasised the value of practical learning opportunities, career awareness initiatives, and collaboration that helps students better understand the role of automation in modern manufacturing. His insights reinforced the opportunity for ISA Ireland to play an active role in shaping future talent pipelines.
Hybrid Work: Balancing Flexibility and Development
The panel also explored the ongoing impact of hybrid work models. Stephen shared SimoTech’s experience, noting both the benefits and challenges. On the positive side, hybrid work has enabled access to a wider talent pool, improved work life balance, and increased productivity for focused tasks, while reducing travel time and cost.
However, challenges remain particularly around onboarding and mentoring graduates and junior engineers, maintaining team cohesion, and ensuring engineers gain sufficient on site exposure. Balancing flexibility with client and project needs is an ongoing consideration. Stephen emphasised that hybrid work has its benefits, but it requires intentional structures such as mentorship programmes, on site rotations, and strong communication rhythms to ensure engineers at all levels continue to grow.
What Employers Look for in Graduates
The discussion also touched on the skills and traits most sought after in new graduates entering the automation and digitalisation fields. Stephen highlighted the importance of strong fundamentals in automation, controls, and data systems, combined with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a problem solving mindset. Clear communication skills, adaptability, teamwork, and humility were also identified as essential attributes. While technical skills matter, Stephen emphasised that mindset and attitude often determine long term success.
Lifelong Learning: A Continuous Priority
The panel concluded with a discussion on personal development. Stephen shared that his current focus areas include deepening expertise in industrial AI and analytics, strengthening knowledge of OT cybersecurity frameworks, staying current with standards and regulatory evolution, and developing leadership and mentoring skills to support the next generation of engineers. Continuous learning, he noted, is essential in an industry defined by rapid technological change.
Panel Discussion Summary:
The ISA Ireland panel discussion underscored a sector in transformation technologically, organisationally, and culturally. Stephen’s contributions reflected SimoTech’s commitment to guiding clients through this evolution with deep technical expertise, forward thinking leadership, and a strong focus on developing people and capability.
As the life sciences and manufacturing sectors continue to accelerate their digital journeys, SimoTech remains dedicated to helping organisations navigate complexity, adopt emerging technologies, and build the skilled teams needed for the future. Our role is not only to support today’s operational challenges but to help shape the next generation of digital manufacturing.
SimoTech was proud to sponsor this year’s ISA Ireland event, and we are committed to continuing that support in the years ahead. Engaging with industry leaders, sharing insights, and contributing to the advancement of automation and digitalisation aligns directly with our mission empowering clients with the expertise, innovation, and partnership required to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
We look forward to supporting ISA Ireland again and continuing to champion the growth and excellence of the automation community across Ireland and beyond.
