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allow managers and their colleagues to identify opportunities for interventions and continuous improvement.
We’ ve seen manufacturers optimize the use of their resources by up to 30 percent using these tools, which provides significant room for maneuver when dealing with rising costs from tariffs and other sources.
Generative AI tools are making it possible to analyze large datasets and identify patterns humans might miss. This technology provides‘ big data’ capabilities to manufacturers without dedicated data teams, allowing anyone gathering data from their assets to optimize processes, predict maintenance needs and improve efficiency.
2. Supporting workers with technology
The shortage of skilled labor is a significant challenge for manufacturers. Many are struggling to find skilled workers because experienced employees are retiring, and younger people aren’ t filling those roles at the same rate.
So, manufacturers are investing in technologies that enable their existing workforce to do more. This is particularly true in the UK, where research suggests around 90 percent of manufacturers are already using some form of automation. The average value added by factory workers in the UK increased more than in any other major manufacturing economy between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturers are turning to automation, robots and cobots that can handle repetitive or physically demanding tasks, enabling workers to do much more or freeing them up entirely to focus on more complex and strategic activities.
They are also using smart devices to improve communication and collaboration
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