Thriving with AI: Artificial Intelligence Strategies for Manufacturers with Jeff Winter

Listen
Written By Jeff Winter

Artificial intelligence is THE hot topic at the moment – no matter what industry you’re in. For manufacturers, it could be a game-changer if you have a great strategy. But how do you get started with AI?

Well, you’re in luck with this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour with Jeff Winter, Sr. Director of Industry Strategy & Manufacturing.  

3 Quick Things from this Episode

  1. The biggest increase in investment, according to Rockwell Automation’s report, was in cloud technologies and applications at 44%. Process automation came in at a close second at 42%.  

  2. 86% of companies consider OEE to be the most important KPI for measuring smart factory success – topping workforce enablement and sustainability as the leading KPIs for measuring the success of their industry 4. 0 strategies. 

  3. To attract the next generation of talent, you need to prove that you’re a tech-forward, innovative company. People graduating in tech or manufacturing will be looking at those companies that prove they’re dedicated to innovation and growth.

Tweetable Quotes

  • “Seek hands-on experience. Theory and knowledge are essential, but practical experience is equally important. So seek opportunities to work on real–world projects […]This will enhance your problem-solving abilities and allow you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.” 

  • “Networking is valuable for career growth. You can do this by attending industry events, joining relevant online communities, and connecting with professionals in the field. Networking not only helps with job opportunities and collaborations, but it can also help with mentorships.” 

  • “Industry 4.0 is rapidly evolving and it’s crucial for engineers to stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends. So offer training opportunities, offer certifications, give an allowance of funds for people to attend relevant workshops and conferences and continually to learn.” 

Questions Jeff answers in this episode:

  1. What is the difference between Machine Learning, AI, and Generative AI as if we’re hanging out at a local bar?

  2. At a very basic level, what would you say is a healthy way for manufacturers to be thinking about Artificial Intelligence right now?

  3. You've talked about 3 main viewpoints of ChatGPT Version 1.0: Functional, Industry, and Employee-Level. Which viewpoint are you seeing leverage ChatGPT the most right now?

  4. You recently shared that Fishbowl conducted a study at the beginning of 2023 that 11,700 working professionals were surveyed and 43% of them said they'd used AI tools, but that 68% had not told their boss. What company policies around AI seem to be working so far?

  5. Can you give us a basic example or how a manufacturer is leveraging AI?

  6. How about a more advanced plant floor or enterprise example where AI is being utilized?

  7. Since you last appeared on Manufacturing Happy Hour over a year-and-a-half ago, what's one of the most significant changes or evolutions in your perspective of Industry 4.0?

  8. You were recently interviewed for an article in Control Engineering titled Is Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing Working for You? One of the questions was "What are best practices for controls and automation engineers in the era of Industry 4.0?" With this in mind, what advice do you have for people that are upskilling or entering the workforce as controls or automation engineers?

  9. What advice do you have for the manufacturing leaders that will be hiring and leading these Industry 4.0 engineers?

Link to Manufacturing Happy Hour’s original podcast page

Sources Referenced:

Jeff Winter
Previous

Fun Facts about U.S. Manufacturing
Next

Why It's Time to Formalize Innovation w/ Jeff Winter