How AI And Machine Learning Helps Operations During Labor Shortages BY MATT MILLER Labor shortages are a major challenge for many industries in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cor-
Role Of AI And Machine Learning It is a major misconception that AI and Machine Learn- ing is code for replacing human jobs with robots. In the corrugated space, there is a major role for human over- sight and direction, as well as the maintenance and up- keep of the machines. But the AI and Machine Learning role fits into increased efficiency of the operation by op- timizing output, minimizing downtime, and intelligently monitoring the need for routine maintenance. A tailored AI tool for corrugated, is able to monitor the box making process process. While running thousands of kicks worth of throughput daily, each machine generates tens of thousands of data points. In the midst of all of these data points, certain idiosyncrasies, or anomalies, take place. These anomalies can be anything from a strange sound to a jam or a pause. Some of them may mean little to nothing, but others may be early stage indications of an issue in the making. With the help of humans reviewing each of these anom- alies and indicating whether or not they are significant, the AI tool can, over time, begin to predict when a machine is in need of maintenance or at risk of larger-scale failure. This results in effectively stopping problems before they occur. The monitoring tool also provides up-to-date in- sights about performance and the health of the machines in a given operation, which can be accessed and moni- tored remotely and in real-time.
rugated manufacturing industry is no exception. Numerous operations have reported instances of high turnover and challenges of finding qualified techni- cians or individuals ready to be trained on the specialized tasks associated with corrugated machine operations
Matt Miller
and maintenance. This is putting additional and unnec- essary pressure and reliance on the existing workforce, whose individuals were already beginning to phase them- selves out even before the pandemic through the retire- ment trend known as the “silver tsunami.” Although Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are not a magic bullet that can instantly solve staffing chal- lenges, when they are deployed properly, they can help keep operations running smoothly, by improving efficien- cy of operations and decreasing reliance on highly spe- cialized staff that are increasingly spread thin and hard to replace. This means more funding and budget to hire the necessary individuals and to retain those central to the success of the operation.
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November 22, 2021
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