NTT Data asserted generative AI (genAI) was already having a positive impact for manufacturers’ bottom lines in a report into the technology’s adoption, though the study also revealed ongoing challenges related to workforces, infrastructure and ethical governance.
Its Feet on the Floor, Eyes on AI study compiled the opinions of 500 decision makers in the manufacturing segment across 34 countries.
NTT’s top-line results include 95 per cent stating genAI was already improving efficiency and profit, and 94 per cent expecting integration of IoT data with models to “significantly improve the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated outputs”.
The vast majority of respondents backed the combination of the hyped technology and digital twins to improve physical asset performance and supply chain resilience.
Use cases frequently cited by those polled included supply chain and inventory management, quality control, R&D and process automation.
Although pointing to positive early results and a generally optimistic outlook on the technology, NTT highlighted a number of outstanding challenges to wider success for deployments.
These include existing infrastructure compatibility, with 92 per cent believing old technologies hindered related “vital initiatives”. However, NTT noted most were yet to conduct full assessments on how prepared their infrastructure is.
Other issues raised include a lack of confidence among some experts in their ability to successfully integrate IoT with genAI; the readiness of their workforces; concerns about frameworks to balance “risk and value creation”; and a lack of appropriate data storage and processing capability.
On the employee element, 66 per cent of manufacturers reported their staff lack the necessary skills to use the technology effectively.