AI is everywhere. In the manufacturing world, organizations are turning to this technology for everything from monitoring complex machinery and identifying and reporting performance issues to improving customer satisfaction and energy efficiency.
The problem isn’t finding AI, it’s knowing which AI solutions will best support your needs. The bottom line matters, so which technologies should be prioritized for the greatest return on investment?
Crystal Ball preview: Top cybersecurity risks in 2025 and beyond
Here are my top six recommended ways to incorporate this technology into your manufacturing operations and accelerate your meaningful digital transformation.
Safeguarding Wi-Fi network reliability
Most AI-powered technologies depend upon a manufacturer’s Wi-Fi network. For this reason, any performance issues or network downtime can affect all connected devices. The ripple effect can be both significant and expensive. It is therefore critically important to safeguard Wi-Fi network performance and ensure it always works reliably, meeting all users’ needs.
An AI-powered network automation solution will proactively and automatically analyze the performance of the entire network ecosystem (including connected devices) and identify existing and potential issues in real-time. The alerts and insights provided by these solutions lead to faster response times, reduced network issues, and preserved business continuity.
Streamlining production processes with predictive maintenance
Predictive maintenance minimizes equipment downtime by identifying potential failures and resolving them before they interfere with productivity. This type of maintenance is made possible with AI-powered IoT sensors that use machine learning.
These sensors continuously monitor machine performance and learn to recognize what patterns or anomalies indicate equipment failure. If these anomalies are detected, the sensor alerts maintenance teams in real-time—often before the failure occurs.
With this advanced notice, teams can optimize their maintenance schedules, and both reduce operational costs and minimize production delays thanks to fewer equipment failures.
Enhancing quality control
Computer vision (CV) technology is a field of AI technology being used to enhance quality control and inspections. This technology enables computers to analyze digital images, videos, and other inputs, and then precisely identify any defects and inconsistencies. It can be used in real-time to ensure that all products, and individual components of products, meet strict specifications.
Podcast: AI, automation and computer-aided manufacturing
CV tech is especially useful in high-speed production environments. Cameras and sensors can be used to capture images of products as they move along production lines. These images are then analyzed by AI, at which time any imperfections or critical failures can be noticed, even those not easily detected by the human eye.
The in-depth attention to detail made possible by CV technology leads to improved product consistency and quality, reduced human error, faster inspection times, and improved customer satisfaction.
Optimizing supply chain management with AI analytics
AI technologies focused on supply chain management provide one or more of the following benefits:
- Better productivity: These are technologies that analyze all business processes with a focus on identifying ways in which processes can be streamlined and improved for better productivity and operational efficiency.
- Shorter time to market: AI-powered analytical devices can predict market fluctuations and disruptions. Some tools will also provide suggestions as to how best to respond. With these insights, manufacturers can stay ahead of demand and improve logistics to keep their time to market low.
- Inventory optimization: AI-powered tools and systems can process large volumes of data quickly, ensuring that manufacturers know what materials/products are in stock and which must be replaced. They can continuously monitor inventory levels and sales trends to support proactive, business-specific decision-making.
All in all, AI-solutions for supply chain management support reduced costs, better resource utilization, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Improving workforce productivity with AI-powered automation
AI-powered solutions aren’t only for machinery—they can also help support employees. These technologies can automate repetitive (and often mundane) tasks, enabling employees to focus on more complex, meaningful, and skilled responsibilities.
See also: New report reveals ‘grind’ of digital transformation, slow road to success
For example, collaborative robots can perform tasks such as cleaning, lifting, and transporting. Employees who were responsible for those tasks now have time for professional development and can be trained to grow in other areas.
When adopting AI that works in this way, be sure to speak to all employees ahead of time. You don’t want your workforce to be afraid they’re going to lose their jobs or that you in any way see them as replaceable. Highlight the new opportunities available for employees and show them that there is still very much a place for them in the company.
Energy efficiency and sustainability with AI
Finally, we come to energy efficiency and sustainability. There are several ways manufacturers can use AI systems to optimize energy consumption, lower operating costs, reduce their environmental footprint, and align with other sustainability goals.
- Building management: AI tools can recognize when rooms are empty and automatically turn off lights. They can also learn to predict building occupancy and energy needs based on weather, season, and time of day, and automatically adjust heating and cooling.
- Energy consumption: AI-analytics solutions can identify inefficiencies in manufacturing processes and suggest improvements that will reduce energy consumption.
- Reduced waste: With AI tools improving demand forecasting and inventory management, manufacturers can optimize resources and reduce waste.
AI technologies offer manufacturers many benefits. From safeguarding Wi-Fi network reliability to optimizing supply chain management, AI is there to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and bolster operational efficiency.
Webinar rewind: 'Next Year’s AI' and more 2025 industrial technology insights
Incorporating these technologies into your organization’s day-to-day operations provides a competitive advantage and ensures a digital transformation that will support your business long-term.
