How AI and Unified Communications solutions help manufacturers efficiently scale operations

Complexity in manufacturing is a given, but the proper application of AI and advanced unified communication solutions give us the tools to manage a shifting reality with a disciplined approach.

Planning for growth in manufacturing in the United States is now, and will remain to be, complex. It has always been, but in recent years external factors have added layers of complexity that we never had to deal with in the past. We exist in a US manufacturing environment shaped by tariffs, geopolitical conflict, energy price swings, labor shortages, and supply chains that shift with little notice. 

Supply chains, first exposed during the pandemic, are subject to any number of external pressures. What localized, or regional, conflicts will impact key resources for US manufacturers, ranging from rare earth minerals and semiconductors to energy input? These need to be considered when planning production runs.

In this environment, unified communications paired with AI have progressed from exciting innovations to almost required infrastructure for growth. With the proper solutions in place, delivering and dispersing crucial intelligence can help a manufacturer scale their operations efficiently and effectively.

AI drives efficiencies for manufacturers

According to Rockwell Automation, 95% of manufacturers have made or plan to make investments in Al. Global Trade explains that “AI technologies, from machine learning algorithms to predictive analytics and robotic process automation, are revolutionizing supply chains by enabling faster, smarter, and more precise decision-making.

The National Association of Manufacturers has advised its members that, “Factories should embed AI to grow or maintain business in the next five years.”  Inside the factory, AI delivers efficiency derived through predictive maintenance recommendations. Predictive maintenance uses AI to determine potential failure windows before breakdowns occur It replaces fixed maintenance schedules and reactive repairs with data driven decisions based on actual equipment behavior.

AI can analyze vibration, temperature, and cycle data from equipment to predict failure windows. Computer vision systems now inspect parts in real time and flag defects before assemblies move downstream. When equipment goes down and work stops, the hourly cost to manufacturers ranges from $36,000 in fast-moving consumer goods to $2.3 million in the automotive sector. Unplanned down time can be reduced through predictive maintenance, thereby mitigating one roadblock for growth.

Outside the factory, AI can also reshape supply chain management. Machine learning can score individual suppliers’ risk based on delivery history, labor exposure, regional conflicts, natural disasters, and financial health. Manufacturers can then shift the volume of orders from supplies preemptively, rather than reactively after a disruption.

Changing trade agreements, unforeseen weather events, and many other factors can impact sourcing costs in both the short and long term. AI can model threat exposure at the specific resource level, and update cost projections daily. When AI flags a cost spike tied to a specific or projected change in supply chain circumstances, teams can collaborate immediately on a response. 

AI requires proper infrastructure for maximum effect

Implementation of AI has proven to require an enormous demand for data storage, data transfer, and compute power. This has significant implications for bandwidth requirements as well. Connectivity needs for AI usage focus on high bandwidth, low latency, reliable connections, and robust network infrastructure to manage the data generated and processed.

Fiber networks are well-suited for AI applications due to high bandwidth and low latency. To capitalize on the promise of AI, organizations need fast and reliable access to the internet, cloud services, and applications with a secure dedicated internet connection. There are options to insure network resiliency in the face of unplanned outages. Organizations should seek solutions with a wide range of speeds to choose from, SLAs guaranteeing 100% availability and support from a team of local technicians.

Unified Communications gets the word out fast

Unified Communications (UC) unites all the tools established or growing manufacturing companies need for communication into one cloud-based environment. The proper solution delivers one platform for text, voice, and video communications, accessible anywhere via any device.

With a superior UC, or Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), solution, leadership can keep their teams connected and communicate new directives immediately. With a single platform that integrates desktops, phones, or mobile devices for a consistent experience regardless of user location, the word that needs to get out is communicated clearly and securely.

This can enable manufacturing tech leaders to eliminate redundant apps and outdated solutions, thereby increasing efficiency and controlling costs in the home office and factory floors. A UCaaS solution can make some costs predictable with no upfront capital expense and simple subscription pricing. Further, with UCaaS, new capabilities are updated and maintained automatically.

Unified communications can route supply chain insights gained through AI to category managers before contract renewal cycles begin. In cases of preventative maintenance, Unified communications alerts quality, engineering, and line supervisors at once. Automated alerts, workflows, and API integrations managed by AI become valuable collaboration tools. Teams can address the root causes of maintenance during the same shift. If that doesn’t work, unified communications can schedule service with maintenance crews and suppliers before breakdowns occur.

Your goals are our priority. Let’s talk.

We collaborate with your team to achieve your goals with a customizable, scalable, and secure network infrastructure. Find out why Spectrum Business has partnered to provide technology solutions to over 90% of Fortune 500 manufacturing companies.