From Hype to Hands-On: A Practical AI Playbook for Small & Medium Manufacturers

Many small and medium-sized manufacturers feel overwhelmed by the hype around artificial intelligence, yet struggle to see where to begin without significant disruption or cost. This talk will present a practical, proven framework that helps owners, operators, and engineering managers adopt AI in a step-by-step approach. Real case studies will be shared, including a demand planning implementation that reduced costs and enhanced decision-making without requiring significant capital investments. Attendees will gain a clear roadmap to identify high-impact opportunities, pilot small projects, and scale AI solutions that deliver measurable ROI and strengthen long-term competitiveness. This session provides actionable strategies and dispels common myths, demonstrating that digital transformation does not have to be complex or out of reach for smaller manufacturers ready to take the first step.