Partner Talks: Leveraging AI, Analytics, and AM for Smarter Supply Chains
In this edition of Partner Talks, Phil Davies from the University of Bristol sits down with Dennis Eichkorn of SAS and Pieter Ruijssenaars, our CEO, to dive into the world of AI, data analytics, and additive manufacturing. They explore how these technologies are reshaping manufacturing and supply chains, offering insights into smarter, more sustainable operations. Ready to see the future of manufacturing? Let’s dive in!
The Convergence of AI and Additive Manufacturing
Phil: “Welcome, gentlemen. Today, we’ll be discussing the transformative potential of AI, analytics, and additive manufacturing in revolutionizing the manufacturing landscape and global supply chains. Dennis, perhaps we could start with you. How is SAS, as a leader in data and AI, approaching this convergence?”
Dennis: “Thank you, Phil. At SAS, we recognize the incredible opportunity presented by the convergence of these technologies. The manufacturing sector generates petabytes of data annually, and our focus is on enabling businesses to harness this data through AI-powered analytics, resulting in more informed decision-making across their operations.”
Overcoming Data Challenges
Phil: “Data availability and accuracy are often cited as significant roadblocks. How can organizations overcome these challenges to unlock the full potential of AI?”
Dennis: “You’ve hit a crucial point, Phil. Poor data quality can hinder even the most advanced AI initiatives. This is where synthetic data plays a vital role. By generating artificial data that mirrors real-world scenarios, companies can address issues like sparsity or bias in their datasets. This enables more robust analytics, forecasting, and planning, ensuring that organizations can avoid the common “garbage in, garbage out” scenario.”
AI’s Role in Predictive Maintenance and Manufacturing
Phil: “Pieter, Dimanex is a software company at the forefront of AI-based analytics and fulfillment, driving the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies like additive manufacturing into supply chains. Could you elaborate on the role of AI and analytics in this process?”
Pieter: “Absolutely, Phil. Our analytics platform leverages AI to identify opportunities for digitization and additive manufacturing that enhance supply chain performance. By analyzing data, we can pinpoint the ideal parts for on-demand additive manufacturing, linking predictive maintenance seamlessly with predictive manufacturing.
This proactive approach minimizes downtime, reduces costs, and optimizes resource utilization, while also contributing to greener supply chains with measurable ESG metrics.”
The SAS and Dimanex Partnership
Phil: “Dennis, how does SAS Viya complement Dimanex’s existing analytics and AI capabilities in this ecosystem? And why is cooperation with Dimanex interesting for SAS?”
Dennis: “Our partnership with Dimanex highlights the power of collaboration in driving innovation. By integrating SAS Viya’s AI and analytics suite with Dimanex’s analytics, we offer companies unparalleled insight into their manufacturing and supply chain operations. This collaboration empowers faster, more accurate decision-making, leading to significant time and cost savings while boosting sustainability.
In today's dynamic environment, supply chains face various pressures, and innovations like digitization and additive manufacturing are crucial in alleviating these challenges. Our combined expertise provides a competitive edge for businesses, helping them turn data into actionable insights.”
Building Greener Supply Chains
Phil: “Sustainability is a growing concern across industries. Pieter, how does this AI-powered approach contribute to building greener supply chains?”
Pieter: “Additive manufacturing is inherently more sustainable, as it supports on-demand production, reducing the need for large inventories and minimizing waste. When combined with AI-driven insights into engineering for additive manufacturing, material usage, and demand forecasting, we can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing and supply chain operations. Companies can produce only what is needed, when and where it is needed, minimizing material usage, transport, CO2 emissions, and waste.”
The Future of AI, Analytics, and Additive Manufacturing
Phil: “As we look towards the future, what excites you most about the continued evolution of AI, analytics, and additive manufacturing in the industrial space?”
Dennis: “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. The future holds immense potential for greater automation, efficiency, and sustainability in manufacturing. I believe we are on the cusp of a new industrial revolution, driven by AI and analytics. Partnerships will play a crucial role in accelerating adoption and creating synergies.”
Pieter: “I completely agree. The future is about building more resilient, responsive, and sustainable supply chains. The fusion of AI, analytics, and additive manufacturing will be the driving force behind this transformation.”
Phil: “Dennis, Pieter, thank you both for sharing your insights today. It’s an exciting time for the manufacturing industry, and we look forward to seeing how these technologies continue to reshape the supply chain landscape.”
