Research reveals manufacturing employees leaders in use of AI

Employees in manufacturing are among the top users of artificial intelligence (AI), with almost all saying it has had a positive impact on their workplace, according to research from business management software specialist The Access Group.

The research found that 57% of people who work in manufacturing and who regularly handle information as part of their job, use AI today, and 93% of them say it is beneficial.  The survey covered employees in 12 industries and professions, finding that half of all employees use AI. 

Independent researchers GingerComms were commissioned to survey people across the UK who handle data as part of their job, asking them to share candidly what impact it has had on the quality of their work, their time and their well-being.

The research was conducted between 10 and 17 September 2024 and generated 1,134 responses from employees across 12 UK industry sectors. The report highlights some of the broader trends and Access Group says they hope it will spark questions and ideas about how to adopt AI.

While the manufacturing sector was behind the tech industry, where adoption is 74%, it was well ahead of not-for-profit, and health and social care sectors where it is 29% and 30% respectively.   

Employees in manufacturing cited reduced workloads and higher productivity as the top benefits of AI. The top 5 benefits off AI in manufacturing were found to be:

• Reduces workload (55%)
• Employees are more productive (50%)
• Gives employees time to focus on what matters most (38%)
• Helps people think outside the box (32%)
• Better team communication / better work-life balance (=25%)

Generative AI tool, ChatGPT is the most popular application, used by nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%), and 57% say it has reduced their stress levels. However, there were some concerns too, with around half pointing to data security, and 44% job replacement. 

Jarrod Adam, Head of Product for inventory software platform Unleashed, said: “Small and medium-sized manufacturers have made great strides in moving towards digital technologies in recent years – but the adoption of AI is set to transform the industry, enabling firms to be more innovative, competitive and profitable. 

“Many routine and repetitive tasks are now being automated using inventory management and ERP software. AI is the next natural step for these firms, allowing them to save valuable resources in an industry that has been plagued by skills shortages and rising costs for years. 

“AI can vastly improve operational efficiency by intelligently prioritising tasks for users and providing insights that result in better decisions. By removing a lot of the drudge work, firms also create modern working environments that are more attractive to current and existing employees.”

Marko Perisic, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at The Access Group, said that the adoption of AI in manufacturing was positive, but added that employees must be given the right tools and training. “AI has taken off in a way that few people could have imagined – but left unchecked it can lead to some employees using it irresponsibly.

“Manufacturing firms need a vendor who offers the highest data protection standards. Our new AI experience, Access Evo, encourages employees to innovate, while giving them peace of mind that all information is stored in a secure and private environment and not used in other open source AI systems. Approved AI tools like these, underpinned by clear and regularly-updated policies and training, can help everyone to deliver a better standard of service, and get ahead in their careers without compromising company data.” 

The full research can be found at: www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/evo/insights.