Manufacturing field service productivity: Could AI and AR be the solution? - Smart Futures

The manufacturing industry is facing a plethora of external challenges: supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and vast globalisation are amongst those at the top of many lists. Against the backdrop of vast international competition, these external factors have undoubtedly created heightened pressures for manufacturers to outperform their counterparts. Could AI and AR be the solution? Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) are fundamentally redesigning the manufacturing landscape by equipping manufacturers to reassess their current processes and build long-term competitive advantages that enables them to adapt to current and future challenges. When considering potential areas for operational improvement and productive efficiency gains, manufacturers shouldn't underestimate the impact of their machinery and internal equipment – particularly with regards to maintenance and malfunctions. Not only does infrequent routine maintenance and the inability to put operations back online cause an immediate and frustrating end to productivity, but it also creates time-consuming and costly delays that create the potential for competitors to bypass the manufacturer in question.