AI is a useful tool for manufacturers seeking to integrate sustainability into their processes, operations, and business models. Leveraging AI technologies helps manufacturers lower costs while simultaneously reducing environmental impact and fostering opportunities for continued commercial success.
Through proactive steps, collaboration with third-party vendors, and a commitment to innovation, manufacturers can use AI to create a more sustainable future. AI drives sustainability in manufacturing processes and operations, creating business value.
Double-digit percentage reductions in energy, materails and waste disposal costs are pushing AI integration up the infrastructure agendas of manufacturers. So, too, consumer demand for eco-friendly products. With corresponding rises in productivity are reflected in improved rates of OEE (operational equipment efficiency) among manufacturers that run their MES with AI.
Identifying AI Applications for Manufacturing Sustainability
Manufacturing processes and operations are ideal centers for realizing benefits of AI sustainability. From supplier selection and shipping, to efficiency and employee engagement, manufacturers who implement AI can make processes and products that respond faster to customer demand and market regulation.
The process of AI selection and onboarding begins with comprehensive assessments of processes and operations. Consumption audits and process mapping are central to identifying where AI can be applied to improve sustainability.
Gathering machine and process data, and analyzing them in relation to unit costs produces outcomes that can guide manufacturers taking steps on their own to implement AI for sustainability, and with vendor platforms. Areas to examine include:
Energy Management and Optimization
Areas of Application: Equipment Operation, Facilities Lighting, HVAC
Action Steps: Implement AI-driven energy management systems to monitor energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and optimize consumption in real-time.
Third-Party Solutions: Engage with vendors offering AI-powered energy monitoring platforms and smart building solutions.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Areas of Application: Material Handling, Production, Packaging
Action Steps: Deploy AI-enabled predictive analytics to optimize material usage, minimize waste generation, and facilitate recycling initiatives.
Third-Party Solutions: Utilize AI-driven waste management software and sorting systems provided by specialized vendors.
Supply Chain Optimization
Areas of Application: Logistics, Inventory Management, Supplier Selection
Action Steps: Utilize AI algorithms to optimize supply chain operations, reduce transportation emissions, and mitigate environmental impact.
Third-Party Solutions: Partner with vendors offering AI-powered supply chain optimization platforms and sustainability assessment tools.
Planning and Partners
Manufacturers seeking to implement AI for sustainability can smooth onboarding speed implementation by preparing their processes and operations to deliver the data necessary for ML (machine learning) algorithms to predict where economies can be realized. This extends to the workforce, where education and training can spur innovation with AI insights.
Some manufacturers will find third-party vendors and platforms useful for scaling AI initiatives for sustainability in operations that span networks and geographies. Consults, too, can play a role in assisting manufacturers with incorporating AI sustainability in ERP (enterprise resource planning) tofurther extend benefits and business value.
Data Collection and Analysis
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current energy usage, waste generation, and supply chain processes to identify areas for improvement. Invest in IoT sensors, smart meters, and data analytics tools to gather and analyze real-time data for informed decision-making.
Employee Training and Engagement
Educate employees on the importance of sustainability and the role of AI in driving eco-friendly practices. Foster a culture of sustainability by incentivizing and rewarding employees for innovative ideas and initiatives.
Products and Platforms
MES vendors offering AI-driven sustainability can create business value out of the box, thanks to comprehensive solutions for energy management, waste reduction, and supply chain optimization. More likely is engaging with partner-providers to customize those AI applications will be necessary, which can drive up costs.
Sustainability consultants, too, can help with planning, strategy and implementation. Not to be overlooked are the providers of the modular ERP and MES, which have grasped the sustainability mantle and are integrating those initiatives in their products, platforms and services.