AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a practical tool that can supercharge your operations.
There is a lot of information out there about AI. It seems to be the buzzword of 2024, but let me tell you that AI is not going away anytime soon and will rapidly evolve into a must-have component in your business.
You may be saying to yourself that AI is out there and know you need to embrace it but not sure where to begin.
Let me start out with a few suggestions of "background work" that will move you closer to using AI in your organization.
Identify Your Bottlenecks:
Begin by pinpointing areas causing the most headaches. Is it frequent equipment breakdowns? Supply chain disruptions? Or maybe quality control issues? These pain points are your golden opportunities for
I once had a customer who let tainted product leave their facility. They hadn't implemented lot/batch tracking and AI wasn't around then so they had to use production dates to do a recall. Let me tell you if they had been using AI and lot/batch tracking they wouldn't have lost a whole day's worth of product.
Build a Strong Data Foundation:
AI thrives on data. Ensure you're collecting information on everything from production output to machine performance. Tools like IoT sensors and cloud-based data platforms can help you gather and store data efficiently.
AI is great for establishing normal production routines and can identify anomalies in those normal routines that help identify when there is a problem. The result? Being able to identify and rectify the issue quickly.
Start Small, Dream Big:
Don't try to overhaul your entire production management overnight. Begin with a pilot project.
For instance, AI can be used to predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance proactively. Tools like DataRobot can help you build predictive models without extensive data science expertise.
Upskill Your Team:
Your workforce is your greatest asset. Invest in AI training to equip them with the skills to harness this technology. This is a SUPER important step as I see AI not replacing human teams but augmenting and enhancing these teams.
Partner Up:
Consider teaming up with an AI solutions provider. Companies like IBM offer industry-specific AI solutions that can accelerate your journey.
Remember, AI is a marathon, not a sprint. Start with these foundational steps, and you'll be well on your way to unlocking AI's potential in your manufacturing process.
Thinking of embracing AI in the near future? I would love to hear from you! Shoot me a message at admin@ifs-jobs.com and let me know.
Want to build a wonderful IFS team that will help you grow? As always become an IFS-Jobs member and start browsing:
Comments