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Use of AI in Machine Manufacturing: Key Barriers to Implementation

Written by MARKT-PILOT | Dec 18, 2024 7:15:00 AM

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly change the landscape of machine manufacturing. It offers opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance quality, and explore new business areas. However, using AI in machine manufacturing companies is not an easy task. There are many hurdles that make it harder to adopt this technology. In this blog post, we highlight the most common challenges and provide practical solutions to pave the way for the successful use of AI in manufacturing. 

Table of Content:

Technological Immaturity of AI solutions

A common challenge when introducing AI in machine manufacturing is that many technologies still lack maturity. AI systems are often in an early stage of development, making their integration into existing production environments difficult. Companies face the challenge of identifying technologies that are not only promising in theory but also robust and reliable in practice. 

Practical Solutions: 

  • Stick to Proven Technologies: Companies should focus on AI solutions that have already been successfully tested in the industry. 
  • Pilot Projects: Start with small pilot projects to see how well AI technology works and what benefits it brings in your environment. 
  • Keep Up with Innovations: Stay informed about the latest advancements in AI use in manufacturing to benefit from new developments early on. 

Lack of Specialized Knowledge in the Workforce 

Introducing AI solutions calls for specialized skills, which are often lacking in many machine manufacturing companies. It requires a deep understanding of data analysis, machine learning, and software development to implement and manage AI systems. As a result, the shortage of skilled professionals poses a considerable challenge. 

Practical Solutions: 

  • Investing in Employee Training: Businesses should focus on investing in their employees’ training to gain the skills needed to work with AI. 
  • Partnering with Educational Institutions: Collaborating with universities and colleges can help overcome the skills shortage while simultaneously promoting research and development. 
  • Leveraging External Expertise: At the beginning, companies can bring in external consultants and service providers to help with AI implementation and slowly develop in-house capabilities. 

Uncertainty about Return on Investment (ROI) of AI solutions

One of the biggest challenges in adopting artificial intelligence in machine manufacturing is the uncertainty about whether the investment will pay off. Companies question whether the high costs of technology and implementation will be offset by long-term benefits. This uncertainty can delay or even halt AI projects, making the use of AI in manufacturing seem risky. 

Practical Solutions: 

  • Define Clear Goals: Set specific, measurable KPIs and targets for AI implementation, making it easier to measure success. 
  • Implement in Stages: Start with smaller projects to achieve early wins and build trust in the technology. 
  • Regular Performance Checks: Keep an eye on the performance of your AI solutions by tracking the KPIs you set earlier to prove the ROI. 

 

Insufficient Data Maturity 

Data is the foundation of every AI application. However, in machine manufacturing, companies often face the challenge that their data is not available in the necessary quantity and quality. Incomplete, unstructured, or outdated data can greatly hinder the performance of AI systems, affecting the use of AI in manufacturing. 

Practical Solutions: 

  • Optimize Data Management: Implement a robust data management system to ensure that data is up to date, complete, and accessible. 
  • Data Cleansing: Use data cleansing tools to structure and refine existing data. 
  • Data Integration: Integrate data from various sources to build a solid data foundation that enhances your AI models. 

Lack of Transparency and Trust 

Introducing AI into machine manufacturing may face skepticism, especially when AI decision-making processes are unclear. Employees and executives may have concerns about the reliability and fairness of AI decisions—circumstances that can directly or indirectly hinder the adoption of the technology. 

Practical Solutions: 

  • Use of Explainable AI: Implement AI models that clearly explain how they make decisions. 
  • Open Communication: Encourage open communication about how AI works and its impact on work processes. 
  • Training and Awareness: Offer training sessions to help people understand AI better and build trust in the technology. 

Resistance from Works Councils and Trade Unions 

In many machine manufacturing companies, works councils and trade unions are critical of the use of AI in manufacturing, fearing negative impacts on jobs. These concerns can significantly slow down the introduction of AI solutions and lead to conflicts. 

Practical Solutions: 

  • Early Involvement: Integrate works councils and trade unions into the planning process from the outset to address their concerns and develop joint solutions. 
  • Open Communication: Be transparent about the goals and benefits of implementing AI, especially regarding job security and opportunities for new skills. 
  • Training Programs: Provide retraining programs to help employees qualify for new tasks created by AI. 

Regulatory Challenges in Key Markets 

Manufacturers that want to introduce AI often face complex regulatory requirements, which usually slow down the implementation of AI solutions and lead to additional costs. For instance, any company using AI-based systems that process personal data must ensure that these systems comply with the requirements of different data privacy laws across the U.S. This requires measures to secure and manage the data. 

Practical Solutions: 

  • Analysis of the Regulatory Landscape: Before implementing AI solutions, companies should conduct a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory requirements in the relevant markets. This includes regulations on data security, data protection, and compliance. 
  • Adapting the AI Strategy: Companies need to align their AI strategy with the specific regulatory requirements of the markets they operate in, which may involve implementing data security measures or meeting transparency requirements. 
  • Collaboration with Compliance Experts: Engaging compliance specialists can help minimize regulatory risks and ensure that AI applications meet the necessary regulations. 

Conclusion 

Using AI in machine manufacturing comes with a variety of challenges, from technological and staffing issues to regulatory obstacles. But with thorough planning, involving all key stakeholders and accounting for specific market needs, these challenges can be addressed. Companies that manage to surmount these obstacles can benefit from the significant advantages that AI offers in terms of efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. 

Curious to learn more about how AI solutions can contribute to the digitalization of your parts business in machine manufacturing? Request your personalized demo with one of our experts and learn how to leverage the potential of market-based pricing strategies for your company.