West Midlands manufacturers can greatly reduce costs, waste and energy use while boosting productivity by using automation and AI.
Robotics, automation and AI give our manufacturers the opportunity to overcome various challenges, including rising costs, and compete globally.
However, these things require investment. Serious investment. And that requires Government intervention to enable it.
Government must enable AI investment
The Government needs to look at ways to support manufacturers with making the needed investment while re-shoring capability and jobs.
At a perilous moment for British industry, with uncertainty swirling about the long-term impacts of Donald Trump’s tariffs, now is the time for the Government to turn talk into action and “back British business.”
And that must include helping manufacturing firms, of which there are many in the West Midlands region, including those represented by Technology Supply Chain, to incorporate AI and automation into their processes.
Be alive to the risks of AI
That being said, we must do this with eyes wide open to the risks that can accompany AI.
As Marie Gauntlett, account manager at Hubtel IT, the Birmingham-based IT systems provider, highlighted this issue when she spoke to Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, founder of Women With Metal, today on the Women in Industry podcast. (see below)
There has been a 4,000% rise in malicious phishing emails since 2022 linked to the rise in the use of AI tools like Chat GPT, Marie said.
“AI is a great tool but just be mindful and check with your IT provider to make sure they’re using the right tools to protect you and your business,” said Marie.
We must embrace AI
Wise words from Marie. Proceed carefully but proceed we must. AI is here – and we must embrace it, harness it and reap the rewards it promises to deliver.
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