Neil parton
AI & Automation: Finding the Right Balance
There’s no doubt that AI and automation are changing the landscape of industry, but with all the hype surrounding these technologies, it’s important to ask the right questions. Rather than simply adopting AI for the sake of it, we need to focus on where it delivers real, measurable benefits—and where human expertise remains irreplaceable. At elumatec, we’ve seen automation transform the fenestration industry over the years. CNC machining revolutionised production, boosting precision and efficiency. AI now presents another leap forward, but it’s not just about machines. This time, it’s about decision-making, process optimisation, and how manufacturers interact with data. The challenge isn’t whether AI has a role to play—it’s ensuring we use it in a way that genuinely enhances productivity, rather than overcomplicating tried- and-tested methods. AI in manufacturing: Cutting through the noise AI has the potential to make manufacturing smarter. Predictive maintenance can reduce costly downtime by identifying issues before they occur. AI-powered quality control can catch defects faster than human inspection, reducing waste. And with IoT integration, AI can monitor and adjust energy usage in real time, cutting costs and improving sustainability.
These are real, practical benefits—but they don’t apply universally. Manufacturers must be selective about where AI is implemented. For example, AI- driven scheduling can optimise production flow based on historical data, but it can’t anticipate last- minute order changes or unexpected supply chain disruptions in the same way a skilled production manager can. AI can assist with customer interactions, but when dealing with high-value projects, people want to speak to an expert, not a chatbot. In short, AI should complement human expertise, not replace it. The most effective businesses will be those that find the right balance between automation and hands-on experience. Where automation adds value in fenestration Rather than treating AI as a one-size-fits-all solution, manufacturers should focus on areas where automation drives genuine efficiency. Some of the most impactful applications include: • Smart machinery – CNC technology is already highly automated, but AI-driven enhancements could improve precision and reduce material waste even further. • Predictive maintenance – AI can analyse machine performance in real time, flagging
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