The AI-Ready Manufacturer: Practical Steps to Get Started
WEST Session: AI is everywhere in the headlines, but most manufacturers are still asking the same question: where do we start? Between vendor hype and uncertain ROI, it’s hard to separate what’s possible from what’s practical. This talk will help cut through the noise and share a pragmatic roadmap for building AI capability in manufacturing. Attendees will learn three proven ways to apply AI today: automating documentation, accelerating compliance, and capturing engineering expertise, along with three common pitfalls to avoid when launching AI initiatives. Rather than a futuristic vision, this session provides concrete, usable steps that any manufacturer can take immediately, whether they’re a 50-person shop or a global enterprise. The key message: you don’t need a lab full of data scientists to get started. With the right workflows, AI can deliver measurable results now, and prepare your organization for the next decade of manufacturing innovation.