Artificial Intelligence Applications
Welcome to the Artificial Intelligence Software Portal. Here you will find many useful links to information and suppliers of AI Software. As the manufacturing industry becomes increasingly competitive, sophisticated technology has emerged to improve productivity. Artificial intelligence applications in manufacturing can be applied to a variety of systems. It can recognize patterns and perform time consuming and mentally challenging or impossible tasks. Artificial intelligence solutions can optimize a production schedule and production runs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) software for production scheduling is designed to optimize the schedule based on multiple requirements, or constraints. AI can also be applied to closed loop manufacturing, or process optimization. This closed loop production optimization compares goals to actual production runs. Algorhythms analyze which past runs come closest to meeting goals for a current production run and present the best process settings for the current job.
Artificial Intelligence software systems help manufacturers improve and stream line processes and production, ultimately improving their bottom line.
How does AI Software work?
New breakthroughs in constraint modeling, scheduling logic, and usability have opened up new opportunities for manufacturers to realize cost savings, inventory reduction and increased profit. An artificial intelligence Solution uses genetic algorhythms to translate your scheduling goals into ordered tasks based on their importance. These algorhythms can analyze which past runs come closest to meeting a manufacturer's goals for the current production run. The software then calculates the best process settings for the current job. In other words, AI software presents a machine setting "recipe" to staff which they can use to create the best results. This allows production staff to execute progressively more efficient runs by leveraging information collected from past production runs. Artificial intelligencesolutions are best when designed to integrate with ERP and MRP systems to enhance production planning and scheduling.Artificial Intelligence Solution Benefits
Artificial intelligence applications allow manufacturers to view their best production runs and the corresponding settings, allowing them to increase efficiency and quality by using optimal settings from past production. The software can optimize a production schedule beyond normal human capabilities. Productivity can be increased due to the elimination of downtime related to unpredictable changes in the schedule.Artificial Intelligence & Business Performance
What can AI do for businesses? People are able to process and decipher information quickly. Many tasks that people perform easily can not yet be duplicated by even the most advanced software. Sometimes AI is created to test a programmer’s skills, programmers try to make their AI mimic human responses and actions. Although these trials help us to gain scientific insight, the results can rarely be used in practical applications. The best AI’s emotional and visual capabilities are disappointing.
Most forms of human behavior are very difficult to simulate with Artificial Intelligence. But computers were designed to be advanced calculating systems, so mathematically software has advantages over human abilities. Thought patterns such as calculating thousands of chess moves in advance, cause and effect planning and disaster planning, computer with AI can often outperform the human mind. The computer can not “think” like a person, but if programmed correctly, it has the capability to calculate millions of consequences of it’s choices with tremendous speed. Human brains generally do not function this way.
The same skills allow AI Software to arrange optimal production schedules. Here AI contributes a practical application. Only a few companies offer software with AI for commercial purposes since very few software engineers are capable of creating effective AI. In addition, most software companies develop a few programs that they sell to hundreds of thousands of customers in the same form. Due to the fact that it is almost impossible to create one AI code that would function well for a variety of companies, most software companies do not invest in this technology. Also, writing AI code requires experienced, intelligent programmers. In most cases these factors mean that Software with AI is expensive. These are the reasons that software which incorporates effective Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business purposes is rare.
Using Key Performance Indicators to Compare Products, Divisions, Companies within the Corporation
Performance measurement software provides users with the ability to visualize and analyze KPIs (key performance indicators). It delivers the power of visualization based on actual metrics directly into the hands of decision makers.
By combining business, operational and production performance KPIs, even when the data is from disparate systems, users are provided with near real-time, actionable metrics and KPIs for optimal decision making in the manufacturing environment. Users can even be sent alerts via e-mail when KPIs which have been designated as their responsibility reach pre-defined alarm levels.
Most manufacturing organizations are already measuring KPIs, to some extent or another, and realize the importance of doing so. The question then becomes how can they leverage this new technology to further enable the organization to make timelier and better informed decisions? Defining the company strategy, identifying KPIs and assigning ownership of KPIs now become the most difficult parts of this endeavor.
One of the biggest advantages of a KPI software system is the ability it gives corporate entities to compare the performance of various products, plants, divisions and even companies within the corporation. The software makes it possible for team members to see where the money makers are as well as the marginal or no profit items. Disparate products or facilities can be standardized within the software to allow for comparison.
All about Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence takes many forms. People are capable of processing information in a way that has yet to be duplicated by computers. Some programmers develop AI as a challenge, attempting to mimic human behavior or responses. These trials have produced interesting results, but not practical ones. A computer’s ability to interact with people on a personal level or to decipher visual cues is still rudimentary at best.
Although some human behavior is very difficult to simulate, software has advantages over human capabilities when it comes to thought patterns such as cause/effect planning. Computers programmed to play strategic games such as chess have been quite successful. It’s not that the computer is “smarter” than it’s human opponent, it just has the ability to foresee millions of consequences of it’s choices within minutes. Only a handful of people possess this skill.
A similar skill is needed to arrange optimal production schedules. This is one area in which Artificial Intelligence offers a practical application. But very few companies offer software with AI for commercial purposes. The reason for this is that very few software engineers are capable of programming the genetic algorithms that are integral to software intelligence. Also, it is almost impossible to create one AI routine that will be relevant for different types of companies. Due to it’s nature, AI needs to be written for a specific purpose, not as a generic functionality. This prevents software companies from selling one piece of software thousands of times as they usually do. As a result, only a few companies offer Artificial Intelligence for business purposes.
AI, Business, and Manufacturing
Leading the way to new business practices through the use of high-end technology, advanced systems are utilizing Artificial Intelligence to optimize planning. Benefiting from innovation requires nimble software systems that can capitalize on business opportunities. Software capable of transforming to fit what the company needs is essential in our increasingly competitive global market.
Custom software is very expensive and can take several months (or years) to develop. Plus only a few vendors offer systems that include AI. Tailored software offers an alternative to inflexible, out-of-the-box software and costly custom software. A model-driven architecture ensures that the configured screens, reports and structural elements will not need to be rebuilt when system upgrades are required.
AI is a powerful tool in a software system. Many applications can be improved by genetic algorithms designed to optimize the software’s functionality. But be wary of a software that claims to provide AI that has not been tailored for your situation. Usually generic AI is ineffective at best, at worst it’s suggestions cause detrimental results. To avoid these problems, choose a software provider who tailors the functions to your needs and has experience implementing advanced systems.
Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Planning Systems
Effective Advanced Planning Software provides an organization with high level tools that optimize work flow based on specific goals. Most production planning systems are overly complicated since they are designed to be used by different companies with a variety of structures. Since generic software has to include a plethora of options the complexity often results in usability issues. Also, most systems do not offer the ability to modify the structure, terminology or visual layout to enhance the software’s capabilities.
Many businesses that purchase pre-packaged software regret their decision. But custom systems are generally costly and require lengthy development periods. Custom software is also impossible to upgrade, requiring a full system rebuild every 5 – 10 years. A configured system offers flexibility without the problems associated with custom software.
Cutting edge tailored software can include Artificial Intelligence giving the system the capability to programmatically arrange your jobs based on your goals and constraints. This type of software can include capacity planning, labor load leveling, change-over optimization, forecasting, material requirements planning, and more. Genetic Algorithms cycle through your schedule millions of times to recognize opportunities which might not be apparent to a person. When written specifically for your situation, AI can provide massive cost benefit.
Benefits of Closed Loop Process Control
Closed Loop systems are an innovative form of process control. Developed for process-based manufacturing, these systems collect as much data as possible from production runs then use the settings from the most productive runs as suggested starting points for future runs. The following are some of the benefits of a Closed-Loop system:
- Increased production efficiency
- Higher quality of products
- Less time spent adjusting equipment
- Overview of which products run the best
- Real-time data, so you can respond to incidents faster
- Improves consistency of products
- View actual settings that yielded the best results
- Charts, graphs and other tools allow others to view the data in a uniform/comparable format
Very few companies offer Closed-Loop software. This is due to the fact that such software requires comprehensive shop floor systems. To get the most out of a Closed-Loop system, you need to collect relevant data and process the data from an intelligent system. Pre-fabricated software often fails to allow you to collect your production information in a way that makes sense in your situation.
A system built around your goals is the basis for Closed-Loop software. A tailored system offers the most functionality for the price. Look for a system with a model-driven architecture, this will allow for quick configuration while keeping your system perpetually new even as technology changes.
Benefits of Quality Control Software
An important aspect of manufacturing is Quality Control. Whether specific limits are required by your clients or simply an internal measure, meeting quality goals assures customer loyalty. Without a system to track the inspection of your products, it is difficult to know whether standards are being met consistently.
Here are some benefits that a Quality Control system provides:
- Capability to compare quality at different locations, departments, machines, employees, etc.
- Ability to generate certification for your clients
- Data-push (e-mails, telephony, paging, etc.) to alert key employees of real-time quality issues
- Histograms, Pareto Charts, and other visual tools for an at-a-glance view of your data
- High-end software allows for use on hand-held devices
Generic software can provide a simple Quality system, but the best Quality systems are tailored to fit your needs. Pre-packaged software provides limited functionality since the system becomes confusing when more capabilities are offered. A system tailored to meet your goals is the best choice to avoid user-interface issues, while offering the most functionality.
Advantages of Computer Based Training in the Work Place
A good training program is an essential part of any successful oganization and computer based training software applications can be a very helpful tool in managing the effort. CBT, or computer based training programs can be used by management to track employees who have received or are in need of specific training. Some applications can even generate an automatic browser based report allowing employees to view and even sign up for available training sessions.
CBT systems are used to provide job training, safety training, ISO training and OSHA training as well as many other types of computer based training. The best CBT systems have screens and reports which are completely customizable, so that interfaces which are user friendly and sensitive to differing corporate and business cultures can be configured. The advent of browser based software along with easy internet connectivity is really a perfect fit for the implementation of on-line training applications.
Computer Based Training Benefits
- Improves communication
- Improves operational performance
- Increases productivity
- Reduces repeat mistakes
New ERP Applications
There is a new kind of ERP application becoming more readily available. It offers easy configuration, faster implementation, smooth integration and a more affordable price tag.
The new ERP applications are founded on a browser-based or browser native configuration. They are more easily modified due to configuration tools built just for this type of software.
Smart enterprises are beginning to realize the benefits and cost savings of using these new ERP applications. The advantages of the new ERP over the cumbersome, expensive older ERP systems allow for faster return on investment as well as a smaller investment. The new systems are light years ahead of the old legacy software systems when it comes to configurability, integration and scalability.
These new ERP applications are available from a select few vendors. Visit Tuppas Software for more information on browser-based ERP.
Be sure to check out Model Driven Architecture in ERP. They have a good site that offers ERP reviews and information on ERP providers and technology.
Advanced Planning Software
Advanced planning software can be a real advantage in manufacturing. APS systems are available for finite scheduling operations at the plant level as well as corporate level planning operations. A good APS provider will tailor the APS to the goals of the customer. Some of the more common goals include optimizing the production plan so that production performance is maximized. Jobs run on equipment that will produce the highest quality product while maximizing ROI.
Another goal that is often incorporated into advanced planning software is changeover efficiency. The planning system organizes production schedules so that there is a reduction in changeover cost. This is usually possible because an APS is capable of shuffling the schedule to a much greater degree than a human ever would.
While running jobs on the right equipment and maximizing changeover efficiency are great goals themselves, advanced planning software can be used to improve a host of other problems in manufacturing as well. Energy reductions can be achieved in many plants by running high demand schedules together. Logistical improvements can be made through the planning systems and the supply chain can be factored into planning decisions as well.
 Manufacturing ERP |
ShopFloorReporting.com |
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Thin Client ERP |
Wireless ERP |
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Plant Schedule |
IBM |
| ERP | Industrial Control |
| Industrial | Lean Manufacturing |
| Manufacturing | MES |
| Mfg. Artificial Intelligence |