Revolutionizing Manufacturing: How Generative AI is Shaping the Future of the Industry
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Hemanta Banerjee, Senior Director, Data Services, APJ, Rackspace Technology
What are the main challenges faced by the manufacturing industry today?
One of the main challenges Indian manufacturers face is managing a complex operating environment. Raw material shortages and supply chain disruptions make it harder for manufacturers to maintain smooth and efficient processes. Similarly, the lack of skilled talent available, as well as the loss of expertise from retiring workers, can delay the adoption of new technologies and limit their growth.
Additionally, today’s always-connected, fast-moving customers, coupled with the rapid evolution of e-commerce and q-commerce models, have pushed manufacturers to change their approaches. This includes driving simplification and hyper-personalization to boost speed and agility across the value chain.
In the age of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) help manufacturers overcome these challenges. AI- and ML-driven analysis combined with Rackspace Technology’s IIoT Smart Factory Accelerator can unify and process operational data in real-time for near-accurate predictions on, for example, equipment conditions. With this, technicians will be able to make the necessary repairs or replacements to maintain operational performance.
How can AI technologies, including Generative AI, benefit the manufacturing sector?
AI technologies can monitor equipment health as well as predict issues and problems that are about to occur. This minimizes production schedule disruption, which can cripple manufacturers’ abilities to meet customers’ demands.
AI can also help manufacturers produce faster with higher quality and a simpler resource allocation process. With this setup, production lines will experience much less downtime, and companies can offer a better service experience for their customers.
Furthermore, AI can maximize customer satisfaction by enabling real-time responsiveness to consumer demands and personalization. For example, a digital experience solution that connects with supply and channel partners can enable manufacturers to stay ahead of customers’ needs, adapt to the latest trends, and make relevant changes. This can boost customer satisfaction and create a positive impression that the organization is willing to serve their needs.
How can Generative AI assist in predictive maintenance for manufacturing equipment?
Generative AI-powered solutions can help businesses gain visibility across the factory through a centralized dashboard. Built-in adapters support data retrieval from a variety of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), historians, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, giving organizations a comprehensive view of their operational health.
Another benefit generative AI offers for manufacturers is the power of real-time responses and cloud storage. Depending on the vendor, some solutions can be customized to collect data from existing systems and combine it with asset metadata. This information can then be shared with employees to act on immediately or transferred to the cloud for future reference.
Finally, the technology can enable manufacturers to visualize trends as well as measure key performance indicators. From there, they will be able to make accurate decisions that can strengthen the business. These include improving parts of their value chain and identifying suitable channels for boosting customer loyalty.
Discuss the role of Generative AI in supply chain optimization within the manufacturing domain.
Generative AI can serve as an adviser for manufacturers by providing them with deep visibility into a range of key processes. This includes sales agreements, account-based forecasting, customer relationship management (CRM), collaboration, and analytics. Manufacturers can use these insights to transform their end-to-end logistics network to be more agile, improve on-time deliveries and lower inventory costs.
Meanwhile, standing on the shoulders of Generative AI positions manufacturers to run what-if scenarios and anticipate market shocks or other disruptive events – which will improve their ability to manage risk. At the same time, Generative AI can also make use of large volumes of historical sales data, market trends, and other variables to forecast future demand. This enables manufacturers to optimize inventory, schedule production processes, and create distribution plans that can meet customers’ needs. This, in turn, strengthens brand loyalty and enables manufacturers to gain a competitive edge over their peers.
Can you explain how Generative AI might be used for process optimization in a factory setting?
The scalability of cloud technologies offers opportunities to drive more efficient innovation. It can be used for process optimization in a factory setting by analyzing the current performance, identifying the bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and generating alternative solutions or recommendations.
For example, generative AI can help design optimal layouts, schedules, workflows, or quality control methods for a factory, and evaluate their impact on productivity, cost, or safety. Generative AI can also help automate or augment human tasks, such as inspection, maintenance, or troubleshooting, by generating relevant information or instructions.
What data-related challenges might arise when implementing Generative AI in manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?
Good data leads to useful insights. Generative AI depends on accurate and relevant information to provide the best insights. Factors such as sensor errors or manual input may lead to employees working with incorrect or incomplete data.
Another challenge is maintaining data privacy and security. Manufacturing data contains proprietary information on designs, processes, and products and is sensitive. Sharing such information with external parties exposes them to security risks. It is critical to encrypt data during storage and transfer and it’s recommended to use a systems-based approach to secure the entire IoT network.
We recommend applying security controls at multiple layers, such as the edge client, the gateway, and the cloud. Our customers have on-demand access to security experts to create a defense-in-depth approach that unifies security response across multi-cloud environments and complies with local and global security regulations.
