An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical shell having an outer surface and an internal lumen; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the shell outer surface, wherein the shell and cover have a plurality of through holes that provide fluid communication between the lumen and the atmosphere; and a sensing system. The sensing system includes: a plurality of sensors embedded in the cover, the sensors configured to sense an operating parameter of the roll and provide signals related to the operating parameter; at least one signal-carrying member connected with at least one of the sensors, wherein the signal-carrying member includes openings that align at least partially with some of the through holes of the shell and cover; and a processor operatively associated with the sensors that processes signals provided by the sensors.