Scaling AI in Manufacturing Operations

If the first industrial revolution was set in motion by steam, then Industry 4.0 is being powered by artificial intelligence. And with its ability to automate, digitise, and optimise, AI is the perfect fit for manufacturing operations, from product development to quality control. A computer vision system, for example, allowed GM to detect 72 instances of component failure, preventing massive downtime (a single of minute of which can cost a company of that size up to $20,000) while a machine learning system significantly improved Danone's demand forecast accuracy (reducing forecast error by 20%, lost sales by 30%, product obsolescence by 30%, and demand planner's workload by 50%). The latest report from the Capgemini Research Institute – Scaling AI in manufacturing operations – shows that intelligent maintenance, together with product quality inspection and demand planning constitute a good starting point for manufacturers to focus their efforts in manufacturing operations. To tap into the manifold benefits AI can bring to manufacturing operations, organisations need to move beyond the pilot/proof-of-concept stage and deploy at scale.