Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just for large manufacturers with massive budgets. Today’s AI tools are more accessible and practical than ever—yet many small and mid-sized manufacturers are still unsure where to start.
FuzeHub’s recent webinar, “Unlock the Real Value of AI for Your Manufacturing Operation,” focused on cutting through the hype to show how AI can deliver real, measurable value. Moderated by Steve Melito of FuzeHub, the webinar featured insights from Amanda Jackson (AMT), Roland Ryan (Samscreen Inc.), and Rick Lloyd (FuzeHub). The panel emphasized that AI should be viewed as a business tool—not a buzzword—designed to support existing processes and improve decision-making.
Panelists highlighted practical use cases already delivering results across manufacturing operations, including quality improvement, predictive maintenance, production scheduling, and quoting. By analyzing data more efficiently, AI helps manufacturers reduce scrap, minimize downtime, and improve throughput without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Rather than recommending large-scale deployments, the experts encouraged manufacturers to start small. Successful AI adoption begins with identifying a clear problem, leveraging existing data, and launching focused pilot projects with defined goals and metrics.
The discussion also addressed common pitfalls, such as unrealistic expectations, poor data quality, and trying to do too much at once. Aligning AI initiatives with business priorities—and involving the right internal teams early—was identified as critical to long-term success.
The key takeaway: AI delivers value when it solves real problems. With the right approach and support, manufacturers can confidently take their first steps toward using AI to improve quality, efficiency, and competitiveness.