News & Insights

Many manufacturers are exploring AI and automation, but turning that interest into measurable operational results remains a challenge. In a conversation with Plant Engineering, Wade Claggett and John Glenski explore how manufacturers can move beyond experimentation and make AI and automation investments deliver measurable value.

As labor challenges, changing production demands, and pressure to improve productivity reshape manufacturing, automation is taking on a different role. Rather than simply replacing labor, manufacturers are using automation to extend the capabilities of their workforce, preserve institutional knowledge, and create more flexibility on the plant floor. At the same time, AI is evolving from a technology manufacturers are evaluating to a tool that helps teams make faster, more informed decisions.

“When you move past experimentation and start treating AI initiatives like any other operational investment, AI becomes more than just a buzzword and becomes an enabling technology,” shared John. “The goal remains the same: how can you use that tech to better drive a manufacturing performance.”

Making that shift requires more than selecting the right technology. Manufacturers also need the data, infrastructure, and cross-functional trust to put AI and automation to work. Transparency is especially important as teams learn how new technologies will affect their work. “What goes a long way is transparency and humility,” stated Wade. “The way we do that is we all understand that this is the expected outcome, and we walk people through what they’re doing and what they should expect to see.”

Listen to the interview as Wade and John discuss:

• How automation is shifting from labor replacement to workforce enablement (1:53)
• Moving AI from theory to measurable improvements (4:37)
• The common misconceptions or pitfalls in deploying AI (7:25)
• Building the physical, data, and organizational foundation for AI (11:02)
• Identifying AI opportunities based on pain points, data, actionability and scalability (14:32)
• Fostering cross-functional trust through transparency, collaboration, and early involvement (18:48)
• Turning facility data into actionable, role-specific insights (24:40)
• How to balance in-house expertise with outside partners to bridge capabilities (28:22)
• Business cases for operations and leadership based on measurable value and ROI (32:00)

Check out the full conversation with Plant Engineering.