Generative AI, or genAI, has gained considerable popularity over the past few years. The term “genAI” describes any AI-powered tool that is capable of ingesting information via input such as user prompts and in response, the tool generates a unique output, such as written content or an image.
While the best-known AI applications such as ChatGPT and DALL-E create simple text and image content, these are mere parlor tricks in comparison to what genAI technology offers businesses in the manufacturing industry.
In most cases, generative AI for manufacturing industries operates by connecting large language models (LLMs) with company databases, with the technology reading, interpreting and generating analyses and/or responses to these inputs. This presents a number of valuable benefits for manufacturing plants and factories, such as increasing operating efficiency, improving quality control and decreasing response time to machine malfunctions, amongst others.
In this article, we’ll explore genAI’s use cases in manufacturing and the best strategy for leveraging this new technology in a way that maximizes its value and optimizes integrations with complex manufacturing software and hardware systems.
Applications of Generative AI for Manufacturing Industries
The manufacturing industry is heavily data-reliant, which provides several potential use cases for genAI tools. Every data point creates a new opportunity for AI to derive insights, send automated alerts or make criteria-driven decisions and interventions. To clarify how generative AI might be applied within your specific operation, we’ve broken down various genAI outputs according to the data sources they reference in the table below.
Potential Applications for GenAI in Manufacturing
Data Source
Output
Machine Telematics
- Automated warnings for machine malfunctions / faults.
- Auto-generated equipment performance reports.
- Automated alerts for routine maintenance or early intervention for machine parts approaching premature wear.
Medtech / Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
- Automated alerts are generated when temperature or humidity falls outside of the recommended operating ranges.
- Automated HVAC system controls adapt to changes in ambient temperature and humidity.
Production Schedules
- Generation of historical production reports for better human analysis.
- Automated analysis of historical production paired with machine telematics data to surface insights on optimization opportunities.
- Automated production forecasting based on current assets, with the ability to create forecasts based on prospective asset purchases.
Production Quality Control Data
- Report generation and reminders for QC inspections.
- Automated dashboards to track the progress of QC results over time.
- Automated warnings after a sudden jump in QC inspection failures with data and analysis to predict possible interventions.
Warehouse and Supply Chain Data
- Automatically-generated dashboards for current inventory levels, delivery dates / times and pricing.
- Automated alerts to order depleted inventory stock and warnings when inventory is depleted more rapidly than usual or perishable inventory begins to expire.
AI in Manufacturing Case Study: Pepsi
Examples of genAI’s use in applications that are relevant to manufacturing operations offer helpful demonstrations of its many advantages. They also illustrate the more specific benefits of partnering with an experienced custom software developer that has worked with clients that produce, store and ship products in mass quantities. 7T has created an innovative AI application for Pepsi that assists with inventory and asset management in their warehouse operations.
Pepsi is the third-largest beverage company worldwide, with thousands of assets that require tracking on a daily basis. 7T built a robust tablet application to help the Pepsi team analyze the routes of their assets and inventory, submit digital forms, create tasks for warehouse employees and draft new warehouse orders. Teams can use the app to rapidly scan products and assets, a process that makes entering information fast and simple – no more clipboards or cumbersome hardware.
Pepsi App Capabilities
Details
Barcode Scanning
Pepsi’s enterprise app includes barcode scanning capabilities to manage inventory and assets as they come and go from the warehouse.
Improved Tracking
The days of paper are over. Pepsi can now track its inventory and assets in real time with its new enterprise mobile app interface.
Timely Shipping
With more effective inventory tracking, Pepsi can ensure that products are shipped out precisely when and where they’re needed.
7T takes a unique approach to software development. With Pepsi, we worked to understand precisely how their warehouse functioned within overall business operations to determine what specific elements were crucial for creating a successful application. We also made note of inefficiencies, pain points and challenges that would need to be addressed in their new platform.
After our analysis, 7T collaborated with the Pepsi team to produce a business requirements document (BRD) for the app. We concluded that their new warehouse app must have the following features:
-
-
- User-Friendly Interface;
- In-App Barcode Scanning;
- Streamlined Digital Forms;
- Task System for Warehouse Employees; and
- Instant Asset & Inventory Tracking.
-
Results
Pepsi’s enterprise solution, developed by the Digital Transformation experts at 7T, is designed to organize the company’s warehouse operations and leverage generative AI functionality to draft documents necessary for their supply chain and warehouse management. The intuitive, easy-to-use interface has led to better productivity and efficiency, with more streamlines operations.
Deployment Strategy for GenAI in Manufacturing
The best way to implement a generative AI tool is to adopt a custom platform that meets your organization’s specific needs, complies with all relevant regulations and has the ability to scale with your operations. Ideally, this would come from a cutting-edge custom software development partner like 7T, which specializes in AI and has experience with clients in the manufacturing industry.
A quality development partner will examine your operations, identify your pain points and determine your goals for your software platform, application or web portal. Then, they will start creating bespoke, purpose-built tools specifically for your business to ensure that every aspect of your generative AI program is optimized for your use case.
Leverage Generative AI for Manufacturing with 7T
At 7T, we use a problem → solution approach to creating genAI solutions for our manufacturing clients. Through our custom-built platforms, machine learning and AI technology can provide a significant operational advantage with a robust ROI. Our team will identify your organization’s challenges and pain points. Then, we’ll architect a value-generating solution to transform your vital business processes and meet your goals.
Leverage Generative AI for Manufacturing with 7T
At 7T, we use a problem → solution approach to creating genAI solutions for our manufacturing clients. Through our custom-built platforms, machine learning and AI technology can provide a significant operational advantage with a robust ROI. Our team will identify your organization’s challenges and pain points. Then, we’ll architect a value-generating solution to transform your vital business processes and meet your goals.
7T is based in Dallas, with additional locations in Houston, and Charlotte, NC. But our clientele spans the globe. If you’re ready to learn more about generative AI in manufacturing and how this technology can benefit your organization within the healthcare field and beyond, contact 7T today.
