It is too easy to forget how much A.I (Artificial Intelligence) technology plays a role in our everyday lives. However, manufacturing companies are coming to realize just how important this tool can be to create a more efficient supply chain. Recent advancements in A.I and data analytics have allowed manufacturers to eliminate potential bottlenecks and improve quality management in their manufacturing cycle. Industrial lubrication manufacturers can specifically benefit from this technology in many ways: procurement pattern breakdown, production scheduling, calculation of material requirements, increased efficiency of regularly scheduled maintenance, and increasing forecast accuracy are just a couple of areas that this technology can make a positive impact.
The enhanced integration of A.I technology is allowing lubricant manufacturers to take advantage of technology features that eliminate non-essential steps in inventory, manufacturing, and delivery processes. One feature that A.I has helped with is real time feedback from manufacturing equipment. By obtaining real time data during the manufacturing process companies can increase effectiveness at scheduling regular maintenance that requires equipment shutdown and minimize downtime. Another advantage to using integrated A.I is the ability to decrease inventory storage costs by creating more comprehensive systems to plan and schedule purchasing that are in line with material usage.
Despite advances in A.I, cloud computing and IoT, or Internet of Things, are still not yet assimilated into many manufacturing plants. There are cost barriers that prevent many manufacturers from taking the necessary steps to implement these cost saving initiatives. Another factor is a reluctance towards change that many companies must overcome in applying new technology. These changes include the time and training associated with new software, distribution processes, and removal of the manual allocation of tasks.
This transition is especially difficult because of the cost-cutting climate that surrounds this industry. For decades, lubricant manufacturers have been pressured by customers and competing firms to lower costs at every step of the manufacturing process. These cost saving A.I technology initiatives are certain to provide value to a firm and its customers, however the start-up costs associated with this technology may make this step unattainable for smaller facilities.
These advancements in A.I show that there is a bright future for domestic and international manufacturers of industrial lubricants. As access to A.I technology in the manufacturing process increases, it appears that in the lubrication industry, grease is no longer the only thing that keeps the process running smoothly.