Manufacturers Urged to Adopt AI to Boost Efficiency and Growth

MISSISSAUGA, ON — Manufacturers need to embrace artificial intelligence to make their operations more efficient, a consultant said.

“I think you should be thinking big but you should start small,” Humera Malik, founder and CEO of Canvass Analytics (Toronto), said at the Wednesday keynote of SME’s CMTS show.

“It’s not going to solve all your problems,” Malik added. “It can help you increase operational efficiencies.”

Canvass Analytics works with industrial companies on how to better use data in decision making, according to its website.

The consultant said artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming a necessity as manufacturing adopts the Internet of Things (IoT).

With IoT, production machines communicate with each other and more data is generated. Operators can make adjustments using smartphones and tablet computers. It’s part of a broader trend of “smart” factories with more automation, cloud computing and data exchange.

‘Rabbit Challenge’

Malik referred to the surge of such data via IoT as the “rabbit challenge” because data multiplies.

“It’s high frequency you’re dealing with,” she said. “AI-based models help you consolidate all that.”

AI also assists in developing “predictive maintenance,” where machines are serviced to avoid breakdowns, and improve quality control, Malik said.

“My other advice to start now,” the consultant said.