NTT DATA, which specialises in digital business and IT services, unveils a new study showing that manufacturing organisations worldwide are increasingly deploying GenAI. They are doing this to create smart factories, drive innovation, improve productivity, strengthen resilience and gain competitive advantage.
The survey was conducted among more than 500 manufacturing leaders and decision-makers in 34 countries. The results of the survey, presented in the report: 'Feet on the Floor, Eyes on AI: Do you have a plan or a problem?' show that 95% of respondents believe that GenAI already directly improves efficiency and performance below the line. At the same time, 94% expect the integration of Internet of Things (IoT/edge) data into GenAI models to significantly improve the accuracy and relevance of AI output.
Digital twin and GenAI
According to 91% of respondents, the combination of digital twins and GenAI improves physical asset performance and supply chain resilience. They mainly use AI for supply chain and inventory management; knowledge management; quality control; research and development; and process automation.
New opportunities
"AI streamlines processes and opens up new opportunities across the manufacturing supply chain, from supply chain forecasting to quality control." So says Prasoon Saxena, Co-Lead, Products Industries at NTT DATA, Inc. "With GenAI, organisations can better adapt to rapidly changing markets and uncertain pricing policies."
AI streamlines processes and opens up new opportunities across the manufacturing supply chain, from supply chain forecasting to quality controlPrasoon Saxena, Co-Lead, Products Industries at NTT DATA
Challenges to successful deployment
Satisfaction with AI initiatives has risen dramatically over the past year. Nevertheless, manufacturers still face significant challenges. For example, 92 per cent of
manufacturers state that legacy technologies are hindering vital initiatives. Fewer than half have fully assessed the readiness of their infrastructure. The survey reveals that 94 per cent expect the integration of IoT and edge data into GenAI models to significantly improve the accuracy and relevance of AI results, but not everyone is confident that this can be successfully implemented.
Ethical AI and competencies
Ethical AI is getting attention, but only 47% of manufacturing leaders see a solid balance between risk and value creation. There are also bumps around staff competences. Two-thirds of manufacturers report a lack of skills among employees to use GenAI effectively. This brings functional and operational disadvantages and risks.
Data management
Another challenge is related to data management. Only 41% of manufacturers feel they have sufficient storage and processing capacity to support their GenAI needs. This limits their success.
Integration into core processes
"The most successful manufacturing organisations have already integrated GenAI into their core processes," says Saxena. "Companies that do not strategically plan, implement and govern GenAI are not only at risk, they may even be heading for failure."
The most successful manufacturing organisations have already integrated GenAI into their core processesrasoon Saxena, Co-Lead, Products Industries at NTT DATA
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is an innovator in IT and business services. The company helps customers innovate, optimise and transform for long-term success. The company employs various experts in more than 50 countries. Services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solution development, application implementation and management, infrastructure and connectivity. NTT DATA is also digital and AI infrastructure providers.
Opening photo: by Tung Nguyen via Pixabay
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