Exposing the Myth of AI: Why the Hype Is Holding You Back

What’s fueling AI mania isn’t a solid business plan backed by glowing use cases but a near-mythic notion that the technology will solve all manner of manufacturing challenges.

The overarching purpose of any manufacturing company boils down to delivering quality products with the highest level of manufacturing efficiency possible. Fully realizing that ideal in today’s market requires three resources: integrated supply chains, factory optimization, and advanced technology and digitization.

Unfortunately, AI currently remains at odds with both integrated supply chain functionality and the process of digitizing manufacturing processes. AI simply can’t deliver the results you’re hoping for without the proper groundwork. Let’s discuss why.

To even begin to gain an advantage from AI in a factory or multi-factory setting, you first need to digitize your business and make your data clean and visible. AI relies on large quantities of data, structured or unstructured, but if your infrastructure is legacy, siloed, spreadsheet-based, or even manual, AI simply can’t function. AI also can’t address deeper, more underlying issues like bad infrastructure, inefficient processes, or an untrained workforce.

The reality is that AI is not a magic solution. It’s a powerful tool that works best on well-defined, discrete problems. But it requires clear goals, the right expertise, and a good infrastructure to make a positive difference. It’s not a question of just plugging it in and crossing your fingers. It requires time, effort, and long-term commitment to get the data, processes, and systems correct.

Short of that, AI will not solve your problems until you put the building blocks together. Without proper digitalization, data access, and system integration, AI will not work. Genuine, lasting benefits from AI are contingent on a realistic expectation of what it can do and the effort to unleash its full potential.

Despite the cold, hard facts, many continue to glorify AI technology as a cure-all, while the world holds its breath. Not only is this a harmful distraction, it’s also a mirage – a glimpse into an attractive future that’s not unattainable, while detracting from the practical work required to actually get there. Rather than cling to the fantasy, businesses desperately need to reassess their approach and start acting. Too many companies still send paper documents, rely on spreadsheets and outdated processes, and lack the tools to cultivate digital manufacturing solutions in their industry.

What’s Next for You?

Instead of waiting for AI to magically solve your woes, shift gears and take your first step toward digital transformation today. Start with an assessment of your existing systems, identifying where your data holes are, and taking a look at the less glistening but highly effective technologies that will give you tangible, real-time benefits. The real value of AI will only be apparent after you’ve laid the foundation, and there are plenty of innovative solutions available today to help you do just that.

In a way, the legend of AI has become as fantastical as the Wizard of Oz: the glistening, golden answer to all the world’s problems. Fortunately, it seems as though the winds are changing, and the myth is slowly deflating. More and more people are recognizing the fallible man behind the curtain, and that real progress today – the kind that’s backed by equally innovative (albeit less hyped) technology; the kind that leverages tools explicitly designed to tackle the nuanced challenges of the manufacturing industry – is already possible. So, what are you waiting for?