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How to Build a World Class Supply Chain

Connected frontline operations platforms are helping manufacturers reduce downtime and provide a foundation for a holistic preventive maintenance strategy.

Your supply chain turns raw materials into finished products that meet customer expectations. It takes a whole network of people, from suppliers and manufacturers to distributors and partners, working together to produce the best quality products on the market. But how is it possible to build a “world class” supply chain?

According to Harvard Business Review, recent events such as the Covid-19 pandemic have exposed supply chain vulnerabilities and prompted a reevaluation of global approaches to improve resilience. Fortunately, the idea of a supply chain being world-class goes hand in hand with world class manufacturing, and there is a set of guiding principles to follow. Following them will help you successfully operate and manage a manufacturing firm that can remain competitive in the global marketplace.

world class supply chain

In this article, you’ll learn the five steps for building a world class supply chain and how Augmentir can help you transform the process:

  • 5 steps for making your supply chain world class
    • Step 1: Define clear objectives
    • Step 2: Gather necessary data
    • Step 3: Choose a supply chain management system
    • Step 4: Conduct supply chain network analysis
    • Step 5: Refine and improve
  • Elements of world class supply chain management and how Augmentir can help

5 steps for making your supply chain world class

Making your supply chain world class is about meeting or even exceeding customer expectations and delivering top-notch performance every time.

Step 1: Define clear objectives

Start by identifying overarching goals that will create consumer satisfaction. To help define those goals, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How much inventory needs to be stored, and where should it be?
  • Which modes of transportation would best balance out cost versus customer service objectives?
  • Which warehouses should administer which products to people?
  • How many warehouses are needed and what is the role of each?
  • What are the best routes to get products to customers the fastest?

Step 2: Gather necessary data

It’s important to gather the appropriate data to ensure that you’re meeting company-specific goals. For example, you may track data so you can keep an eye on product demand, transportation rates, lead times, and warehouse and inventory expenses.

Step 3: Embrace technology and digitalization

Leverage technology to automate manual tasks, improve visibility, and enhance decision-making. It’s crucial to pick software that addresses all of your production criteria and facilitates your unique business model. Adopt advanced supply chain management systems (SCM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, connected worker software, and warehouse management systems (WMS). Explore emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and robotics to further optimize operations.

Step 4: Conduct supply chain network analysis

Once you’ve picked the perfect supply chain software, it’s time to analyze how well your production processes are faring. Consider evaluating if there are any gaps in product development and how long it takes for goods to be delivered.

Step 5: Refine and continually improve

Carefully examining your supply chain network and processes is a great starting point for becoming world class. But if you don’t make steady strides toward improvement, you’re left at a standstill. Things are constantly evolving in the manufacturing industry, so it’s helpful to check some of the following: production capacity, price fluctuations in raw materials, and any new large customer orders (especially if they were added in a different location).

Encourage a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement within the organization. Promote employee engagement, provide training and development opportunities, and empower employees to contribute ideas for process optimization and supply chain innovation.

Continuous improvement is a must. So revisit your processes regularly, whether that’s monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Elements of world class supply chain management and how Augmentir can help

Implementing a world class supply chain management system can change the way manufacturers handle daily operations.

A world class supply chain usually is:

  • Customer focused: Consumers should be at the forefront of all production activities to ensure that goods are being made and sold in a timely, cost-effective manner.
  • Adaptable to changes: The manufacturing industry is changing fast, so manufacturers have to be responsive to changing customer demands, market factors, and more.
  • Collaborative: An effective supply chain fosters strong relationships among manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and customers.
  • Highly efficient: Incorporating streamlined production processes, smart tech, and other resources is crucial to stand out among competitors.
  • Innovative: Constantly improving procedures drives growth and innovation.
  • Sustainable: Implementing sustainable techniques for cutting waste and maximizing productivity can lead to significant savings over time.

 

This is where Augmentir can help. We offer the world’s first AI-powered connected worker solution that advances how manufacturing firms handle day-to-day supply chain and other operations.

manufacturing kpi first time right

Our software lets you provide digital standard operating procedures for how to complete routine tasks and get the most out of worker output and productivity. We’ve helped frontline workers reduce training and rework time by 76%, and increase productivity levels by 36%.

With our software, you can build a world class supply chain that empowers workers across departments to make and deliver products of the highest quality. Request a live demo to learn more on how we’re the right fit for you!

How Digital Standard Work Promotes Operational Excellence in Manufacturing

Learn how Digital Standard Work effectively transforms manufacturing production and enables operational excellence.

Manufacturing organizations are feeling the pressure of increased customer demands, skilled labor shortages, and intense shifts in their frontline workforces, however, they can effectively overcome these obstacles with digital standard work enabled by smart connected worker technology. Digital standard work promotes operational excellence in manufacturing through facilitated knowledge-sharing, enhanced process standardization, increased employee engagement, improved workforce agility, and overall optimization of workforce abilities.

digital standard work in manufacturing

Standardized work in manufacturing (centerlining, machine setup/maintenance, inspection checklists, workforce training, lubrication procedures, etc.) is effective for continuously improving the most efficient and safe methods for performing work to meet customer demand while minimizing waste. Digital Standard Work takes these processes one step further, enhancing them with digital technology to establish a true culture of continuous improvement where frontline workers and shop floor processes benefit from digital workflows, collaboration, AI-powered guidance, generative AI assistants, real-time access to centralized knowledge bases, and more.

By redefining standard work for the digital age, manufacturers can achieve operational excellence through increased efficiency, quality, flexibility, and innovation across their frontline workforces. Read more on Digital Standard Work and how it effectively transforms manufacturing production and enables success:

Digitizing Standard Work in Manufacturing

According to Forbes and McKinsey, through digital tools manufacturers can reduce machine downtime by 30% to 50% and quality-related costs can be reduced by 10% to 20%. Effectively digitizing manufacturing standard work through smart, AI-driven connected worker technology involves:

  • Interactive Digital Work Instructions
    Replace paper-based standard operating procedures (SOPs) with interactive digital work instructions that include multimedia elements like videos, images, and animations. These can be accessed by workers on tablets, wearables, and other mobile devices right on the shop floor.
  • Data Capture and Integration
    Leverage smart tools and sensors to automatically capture data from the manufacturing process, such as torque values, cycle times, and quality checks. This data can be integrated into the digital work instructions to provide real-time feedback and ensure adherence to standards.
  • Workflow Automation
    Automate non-value-added tasks like data entry, approvals, and documentation through connected worker platforms. This streamlines workflows, reduces errors, and frees workers to focus on value-adding activities aligned with standard work.
  • Knowledge Management
    Digitize and centralize tribal knowledge, best practices, and process documentation in a connected worker platform. This ensures standardized methods are easily accessible and updatable for consistent knowledge sharing across the workforce.

Using smart, connected worker platforms to digitize and optimize standard work in manufacturing drives improved productivity, ensures better and more consistent product quality, and fosters a safer work environment for enhanced operational success. Connected worker platforms that digitize standard work can also be used to support a company’s broader IWS  (integrated work systems) strategy, which helps improve operational excellence in manufacturing.

Pro Tip

Using a low-code no-code workflow builder simplifies the creation of complex digital workflows for frontline work processes. Furthermore, integrating remote collaboration tools facilitates real-time guidance, knowledge sharing, and the ability to update standard work procedures based on captured tribal knowledge.

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Engaging Frontline Workers with Digital Standard Work

As manufacturing workforces shift due to retirement and tribal knowledge loss, effective workforce training has become critical for continued success. Interactive digital interfaces, augmented and enhanced capabilities, and wearable technologies make standard work practices like workforce training more engaging and accessible, improving workforce adoption and adherence.

Digital tools facilitate information visibility and knowledge sharing among frontline workers, enabling them to learn from each other, share best practices, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. By tracking and analyzing performance data from digital systems, manufacturers can identify top performers, provide personalized feedback, and recognize achievements, fostering a sense of engagement and motivation among frontline workers.

Digital Standard Work empowers frontline workers by involving them in process improvements, recognizing their contributions, and providing opportunities for learning and growth, leading to increased job satisfaction and commitment. By leveraging digital technologies and interactive interfaces, manufacturers can transform Standard Work procedures into engaging and empowering experiences for their frontline workforce, driving productivity, quality, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Most importantly it gives manufacturing frontline and factory staff the tools they need to be successful and thus create a more satisfied environment where employees come to work and feel good about what they are doing and how they are doing it.

Driving More Effective Collaboration

Digital standard work also facilitates better collaboration across your frontline teams. Effective communication starts with digital tools, and by implementing digital standard work with connected worker technology, manufacturers can connect frontline team members across shifts, departments, locations, and languages, improving visibility into workforce planning, training, skills tracking, daily management, troubleshooting, and more.

industrial collaboration with augmentir

From frontline workers to executives, a digital standard work strategy that leverages connected worker technology allows employees to collaborate seamlessly and easily access information. Connected worker solutions that include industrial collaboration tools allow workers to virtually connect to subject matter experts for remote guidance and assistance. These software tools are becoming commonplace in manufacturing and other industrial settings, where companies are faced with an increasingly distributed and remote workforce, yet still require team collaboration to help troubleshoot and resolve issues. In a nutshell, workers can get more done with greater accuracy in less time.

Interested in learning more?

If you’d like to learn more about how Augmentir and our AI-powered connected worker solution digitizes standard work, streamlines operations, improves communication, and empowers frontline workers with the tools and information they need, schedule a demo with one of our product experts.

 

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How to reduce downtime and increase productivity in manufacturing

Connected frontline operations platforms are helping manufacturers reduce downtime and provide a foundation for a holistic preventive maintenance strategy.

Downtime in manufacturing refers to a period of time when a production line or machine is not in operation due to maintenance, repairs, or other issues. This can result in a loss of productivity, increased costs, and missed production targets, and it is estimated that in the US alone it costs manufacturers around $1 trillion dollars per year. Not surprisingly, the biggest factors that contribute to unplanned downtime are human error and improper maintenance.

To minimize downtime, manufacturers are turning to digital technology to transform their frontline operations and provide a foundation for a holistic preventive maintenance strategy.

reduce downtime in manufacturing

Reducing downtime with a Connected Frontline Operations Platform

Manufacturers often implement Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) as part of a more comprehensive preventive maintenance approach. TPM is a strategy commonly used in manufacturing and production operations to improve the effectiveness and reliability of equipment, which in turn can increase productivity and reduce downtime.

Total productive maintenance strives to reduce workplace losses by placing the responsibility of basic maintenance upkeep on the primary equipment user: the machine operator. This preventive practice consists of “8 pillars” to help improve equipment reliability and elevate worker productivity:

Autonomous Maintenance as pillar of TPM

At the front of this framework is Autonomous Maintenance. Autonomous maintenance is a technique used in TPM that involves giving operators and other frontline employees the responsibility and authority to take care of their own equipment and work areas (e.g cleaning, safety checks, etc.). This can improve employee engagement by giving them a sense of ownership over their work and equipment, as well as a greater understanding of how their actions can impact productivity and quality. Additionally, involving employees in the maintenance process can lead to improved communication and teamwork, which can further enhance engagement.

This is where frontline operations platforms come into play.

Connected frontline operations platforms are digital software tools that can help standardize and improve the way operators perform maintenance tasks. They are used to improve communication, training, collaboration, guidance, and support for the operators.

Reduce machine downtime with Augmentir’s Connected Worker Solution

See how Augmentir can help you implement an effective autonomous maintenance program and optimize your frontline operations.

Get a Demo

downtime dashboard

Your connected workforce – a key to reducing downtime

Factory workers can have a significant impact on downtime in manufacturing. Whether it’s due to mistakes made by operators, non-optimal scheduling, or lack of communication, your workforce is at the center of your frontline operations. Factory workers can impact downtime in a variety of ways:

  1. Improper operation or maintenance: If factory workers are not properly trained on how to operate and maintain equipment, they may inadvertently cause downtime by making mistakes or not following proper procedures. Modern connected worker tools, like Augmentir’s connected worker solution, are increasingly being used to streamline training and digitize skills tracking to help ensure that the right people with the right skills are on the job.
  2. Safety incidents: Workers who do not follow proper safety procedures can cause accidents that lead to downtime while equipment is repaired or replaced. By digitizing safety procedures, manufacturers can ensure that workers perform the proper steps, and follow the proper protocols before performing a maintenance routine.
  3. Human error: Workers may make mistakes that lead to downtime, such as not properly setting up equipment or not noticing when a machine needs maintenance. Properly training employees on how to maintain and operate equipment can help to minimize downtime due to human error
  4. Quality issues: Workers may produce products that do not meet quality standards, which can lead to downtime while the products are reworked or scrapped.
  5. Lack of proper communication: Having clear and effective communication channels can help to quickly identify and address any issues that arise. Frontline communication tools like Augmentir can help improve communication and digitally record issues to better understand root causes. By identifying the underlying causes of downtime, manufacturers can take steps to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
  6. High turnover rate: High turnover rate can lead to a lack of experienced workers and can cause downtime while new employees are trained. While it’s difficult to completely prevent a high turnover rate, you can take measures to both expedite training for new hires, as well as create a more engaged, more empowered workforce. For example, Augmentir’s connected worker solution helps to accelerate new hire training and onboarding, and provides a skills management framework that helps to ensure that workers are excelling at their jobs.

It is important to note that factory workers are a crucial part of the manufacturing process and their role is vital for the success of the business. However, by providing workers with proper training, safety procedures, and communication channels, downtime in manufacturing due to human error can be reduced. Additionally, involving workers in the decision-making process and continuous improvement initiatives, can help to increase their ownership and responsibility towards the equipment, processes, and the whole factory’s performance.

Interested in learning more?

Augmentir is a connected worker solution that allows industrial companies to digitize and optimize all frontline processes that are part of their TPM strategy. The complete suite of tools are built on top of Augmentir’s patented Smart AI foundation, which helps identify patterns and areas for continuous improvement.

manufacturing kpi first time right

 

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Solving the Single Largest Pain in Digitizing Frontline Work

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In conversations with our customers, a recurring theme emerges when discussing their transition to digital processes: the largest cost and burden often lies in the time and effort required to digitize existing paper-based materials.

In conversations we have with manufacturing companies, a recurring theme emerges when discussing their transition to a paperless operation: the largest cost and burden often lies in the time and effort required to digitize existing paper-based materials.

digitizing frontline work with the augie gen ai suite

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and checklists are typically built over years, representing a significant repository of organizational knowledge. Converting these into digital formats while maintaining accuracy and accessibility can be daunting.

Customers frequently express concerns about the resource-intensive nature of this transformation. It’s not just about scanning documents; it’s about rethinking and structuring them for digital workflows. Many find themselves needing to allocate substantial time to review, update, and adapt content to ensure it aligns with current operational realities and integrates seamlessly into new platforms.

 

This challenge is real for any industrial company undergoing a digital transformation. It also represents an opportunity … and this is exactly why we created Augie.

The Power of GenAI in Digitizing Content

Generative AI (GenAI) has transformative potential for digitizing content by automating the conversion of paper-based materials into structured, digital formats. It can analyze and extract information from documents like SOPs, work instructions, or checklists, quickly translating them into editable, standardized templates. GenAI also enables content enhancement, such as rewriting for clarity, integrating visuals, language translation, or adapting content for specific workflows. By accelerating the digitization process and reducing manual effort, GenAI empowers organizations to transition to digital systems more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Augie, a suite of Industrial Generative AI tools from Augmentir, revolutionizes industrial digital transformation by combining advanced AI capabilities with practical, human-centric applications. Augie uses generative AI and the power of advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) to transform digital content creation, create adaptive workflows, provide real-time worker guidance, and analyze data to deliver actionable insights.

 

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Augie has been instrumental in helping us quickly transform our existing paper-based SOPs and training documents into interactive digital work instructions and learning tools. We’ve reduced our digitization effort from months down to days. This has streamlined our processes, reduced errors, and accelerated the upskilling of our workforce.

Digital Transformation Lead
Fortune 100 Food & Beverage Manufacturer

 

Augie for Procedure Creation

Augie is a powerful tool for accelerating the transition from paper-based to digital operations in manufacturing and industrial settings.

Quickly generate standard work procedures from Excel, Word, PDFs, images, or videos. The Augie Content Assistant takes your existing content and generates digital smart forms, checklists, and digital work instructions.

augie generative ai industrial copilot content conversion assistant

Augie for Training Content

Augie, Augmentir’s GenAI assistant, makes it easier to convert paper-based information into tailored training content and quizzes for today’s less experienced frontline workforce. Augie automatically analyzes SOPs, work instructions, and other documents to create clear, simplified training modules. It generates interactive quizzes to reinforce key concepts and adapts learning materials to individual skill levels, ensuring workers engage with relevant content.

augie industrial copilot generative ai assistant for training and quiz creation

By streamlining this process, Augie reduces the effort and time required to create effective, hands-on training tools for workforce development.

Augie for Content Localization

Language translation and localization are crucial for ensuring work instructions and training materials are effective and accessible for frontline workers in manufacturing and any industrial setting. Providing materials in a worker’s native language increases comprehension, reduces errors, and enhances safety.

With Augie, content localization is easy. Augie’s content localization tools make work instructions and training materials more relatable and actionable. This investment fosters better workforce performance, inclusivity, and compliance with global standards.

augie gen ai suite assistant for content localization

The Next Phase of AI in Manufacturing is Here

Augie redefines the next phase of AI in manufacturing by seamlessly integrating generative AI into frontline operations to accelerate digitization, as well as enhance productivity and worker empowerment. Augie includes a complete suite of AI-powered assistants and AI services that help bridge the skills gap, accelerate onboarding, and ensure frontline workers are equipped with the knowledge they need to succeed.

The Augie Industrial Gen AI Suite transforms every stage of the Connected Worker Journey.

 

augie transforms your connected worker journey

 

Augie transforms every stage of the connected worker journey by providing a complete suite of AI tools that evolves alongside an organization’s needs. It begins with the digitization of processes and the conversion of static, paper-based content into dynamic, interactive digital workflows, making operations more accessible and efficient for frontline workers. As operations become connected, Augie leverages real-time data to deliver actionable insights, enabling companies to identify inefficiencies, improve workflows, and drive continuous improvement.

Beyond operational enhancements, Augie fosters continuous innovation through its extensibility and seamless integrations with other enterprise systems, creating a unified, scalable ecosystem that adapts to new challenges and opportunities. By addressing every phase of the connected worker journey, Augie empowers organizations to not only modernize their operations but also build a foundation for long-term success and innovation.

 

Now is the time to embrace the future of manufacturing—don’t miss out on the opportunity to empower your workforce and elevate your operations with Augie. Take the first step toward a smarter, more efficient manufacturing environment today.

 

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Augie AI Suite – The Next Frontier in AI for Manufacturing

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Discover how Augmentir’s Gen AI Suite and Augie transforms how manufacturers support frontline activities and personnel.

If you haven’t heard about Augie yet, you’re missing out on one of the most important AI technologies in manufacturing.

augie industrial gen ai suite - the next frontier in ai for manufacturing

Augie, a suite of Industrial Generative AI tools from Augmentir, is revolutionizing the way manufacturing teams operate by combining advanced AI capabilities with practical, human-centric applications. Designed to empower frontline workers and optimize industrial processes, Augie uses generative AI and the power of advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) to create adaptive workflows, provide real-time guidance, transform digital content creation, and analyze data to deliver actionable insights. It bridges the skills gap by offering personalized support and training while improving productivity and reducing downtime. Whether it’s streamlining operations or fostering innovation, Augie is setting a new standard for how AI can drive efficiency and empower workers in the manufacturing industry.

Read below to learn more about the Augie GenAI Suite and what it means for the future of industrial work.

The Next Phase of AI in Manufacturing is Here

Augie from Augmentir is redefining the next phase of AI in manufacturing by seamlessly integrating generative AI into frontline operations to enhance productivity, agility, and worker empowerment. Augie includes a complete suite of AI-powered assistants and agent functionality that help bridge the skills gap, accelerate onboarding, and ensure frontline workers are equipped with the knowledge they need to succeed.

The Augie Industrial Gen AI Suite transforms every stage of the Connected Worker Journey.

 

augie transforms your connected worker journey

 

Augie is transforming every stage of the connected worker journey by providing a complete suite of AI tools that evolves alongside an organization’s needs. It begins with the digitization of processes and the conversion of static, paper-based content into dynamic, interactive digital workflows, making operations more accessible and efficient for frontline workers. As operations become connected, Augie leverages real-time data to deliver actionable insights, enabling companies to identify inefficiencies, improve workflows, and drive continuous improvement.

Beyond operational enhancements, Augie fosters continuous innovation through its extensibility and seamless integrations with other enterprise systems, creating a unified, scalable ecosystem that adapts to new challenges and opportunities. By addressing every phase of the connected worker journey, Augie empowers organizations to not only modernize their operations but also build a foundation for long-term success and innovation.

 

Accelerate Your Transition to Digital

Augie is a powerful tool for accelerating the transition from paper-based to digital operations in manufacturing and industrial settings.

Quickly generate standard work procedures from Excel, Word, PDFs, images, or videos. Augie takes your existing content and generates digital smart forms, checklists, and digital work instructions.

 

“This is a significant game-changer for our digitization efforts. Migrating our existing paper-based SOPs and work instructions to a modern, digital format used to be a major roadblock for us. The Augie Content Assistant reduces this effort by 75%, which is helping us accelerate our digital transformation efforts.”

VP Global Engineering Services
Fortune 500 Consumer Goods Manufacturer

 

Deliver Context-aware AI for Frontline Workers

Augie leverages context-aware AI to deliver highly personalized and situationally relevant support to frontline workers, revolutionizing how they interact with technology and perform their tasks. By analyzing real-time data from equipment, workflows, and worker inputs, Augie can understand the specific context of a worker’s environment—such as their current task, skill level, or the operational status of machinery—and provide tailored guidance and recommendations.

augie gen ai suite

For example, if a worker encounters an equipment issue, Augie can instantly offer troubleshooting steps or alert maintenance teams, ensuring minimal downtime. This context-awareness not only enhances productivity but also improves safety by proactively identifying risks and suggesting corrective actions. By aligning AI assistance with the unique needs of each worker and situation, Augie empowers frontline employees to work more effectively, confidently, and efficiently.

Uncover New Opportunities for Continuous Improvement

With Augie, companies can identify opportunities for continuous improvement, get access to a clear view into at-risk KPIs, measure training effectiveness, and surface AI-based insights into where your operations are succeeding or failing.

augie data assistant continuous improvement

 

 

Augie is undoubtedly the next frontier in AI for manufacturing, offering a transformative solution that redefines how companies approach productivity, workforce empowerment, and operational efficiency. By seamlessly integrating generative and context-aware AI, Augie provides frontline workers with real-time, personalized support, bridging the skills gap and driving innovation at every level of the organization. Its ability to digitize processes, optimize workflows, and enable smarter decision-making sets a new standard for what’s possible in the age of Industry 4.0.

Now is the time to embrace the future of manufacturing—don’t miss out on the opportunity to empower your workforce and elevate your operations with Augie. Take the first step toward a smarter, more efficient manufacturing environment today.

 

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Ushering in a New Era for Connected Industrial Work with the Augie™ GenAI Suite

Discover how Augmentir’s Gen AI Suite and Augie transforms how manufacturers support frontline activities and personnel.

We recently unveiled a watershed moment in connected worker technology history with updates and expansions to Augie, our generative AI assistant for industrial work. This expansion drastically improves the breadth and reach of Augie’s capabilities, enhancing the already powerful tool even more and creating a generative AI suite of tools and assistants for frontline industrial work. This first-of-its-kind Augie GenAI Suite, redefines the future of manufacturing, empowering frontline workers everywhere with unmatched AI-driven tools.

But what does this mean for manufacturers and industrial organizations looking to improve their operations and how can Augie help you?

augie industrial generative ai assistant manufacturing

Basically, this suite of generative AI assistants includes dedicated capabilities for companies to enhance their Troubleshooting, Operations, Data Insights, and Content Creation; and even introduces a GenAI-as-a-Service option. This expands on Augie’s existing capabilities for advanced troubleshooting and real-time digital assistance to frontline workers and adds further abilities for advanced safety/risk mitigation, worker compliance, workforce development, knowledge management and training, quality management, and more.

Read below to learn more about the new Augie GenAI Suite, what it can do, what it means for the future of manufacturing work, and how it can help you.

Augie’s Expanded Suite of GenAI Assistants

The Augie suite transforms frontline manufacturing like never before – giving teams instant access to expert knowledge, next-level data insights, and seamless operational support. From troubleshooting to operations and content creation, the possibilities are endless.

Introducing a first-of-its-kind GenAI Suite for industrial work:

Augie Industrial Assistant 2.0

Enhancements include support for dozens of new content types, the addition of patented-pending prompt enrichment, and superior prioritization, resulting in increased accuracy and actionability.

Augie Content Assistant

Automatically convert existing digital content (Word Excel, PDF, etc.) into native Augmentir Work instructions, SOPs, OPLs, CILs, Checklists, etc., accelerating deployment. Generate Training, Checklists, and Quizzes from a wide range of source types including images, manuals, free-form tests, etc., to streamline worker training and onboarding.

Augie Data Assistant

Augie provides insights from any source of operational data, including standard data sets such as Skills, Standard Work, Safety, and Work Execution, as well as customer-specific datasets generated through Augmentir’s report configurator. Augie eliminates/reduces the need for “report writing” and, through its conversational interface, answers questions, performs math, and generates graphical reports, increasing responsiveness.

Augie Extensibility Assistant

The Extensibility Assistant increases the productivity of developers building new and supporting existing user-defined functions in Augmentir’s extensibility framework. Augmentir’s unique Platform-as-a-Service capabilities enable customers and partners to create unique capabilities to solve important business problems, a capability not available elsewhere in the market

Augie Industrial GenAI-as-a-Service

As an industry first, Augie exposes its GenAI capabilities as APIs in Augmentir’s extensibility framework, enabling companies and partners to utilize Industrial genAI within innovative, company or vertical-specific use cases. Commonly used APIs include translateText enabling on-the-fly translation of dynamic content, and imageQA, enabling direct comparison or summarization of images, supporting critical applications in Quality, Safety, and Operations.

This is a true game-changer for frontline manufacturing personnel, equipping them with expert knowledge, advanced tools, and intuitive support like nothing has before. But more than that, these are not just simple upgrades, this is the future of manufacturing, right at the fingertips of those who matter most – frontline personnel.

Advantages of Generative AI Assistants in Manufacturing

Generative AI assistants in manufacturing streamline production by automating repetitive tasks, reducing human error, and optimizing workflows. They enhance decision-making through real-time data analysis, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings. Augie is unique among other smart manufacturing assistants in that it leverages proprietary fit-for-purpose, pre-trained LLMs and generative AI, coupled with robust security and permissions, to help factory managers, operators, and engineers improve efficiency, resolve issues faster, and prevent downtime.

Through Augie, manufacturers can instantly:

  • Close skills and experience gaps with personalized support
  • Gain insights into Leader Standard Work
  • Gain new insights into skills inventories
  • Convert Tribal Knowledge into Digital Corporate Assets
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement
  • Forecast potential operational issues

The expansion of the Augie tool kit further enhances these capabilities, allowing for more advanced and adaptable functions such as those described above. With the Augie GenAI suite by your side, the potential for improved frontline support, optimized manufacturing operations, and the empowerment of frontline industrial workforces is limitless.

Supporting Frontline Workers with GenAI Assistants

Augmentir introduced Augie in early 2023, becoming the first software provider in the manufacturing sector to offer a generative AI solution focused on the industrial frontline workforce.

Since its launch, Augie has seen massive support from leading manufacturing organizations. It has been applied by these global leaders across all manufacturing and production types, helping prevent safety and quality issues at the point of work, driving operational efficiency, and giving frontline workers the tools, guidance, and support they need to do their best work.

Augie’s generative AI capabilities are built into the core of the Augmentir platform, so users can quickly and securely leverage the latest AI advances within the framework of digital collaboration, skills management, and work execution. This allows frontline users and other manufacturing personnel to leverage existing data, documents, applications, and their existing tribal knowledge, increasing their ROI.

Interested in learning more?

To learn more about Augie and how it has the potential to transform and augment your frontline workers and activities with patented AI-driven insights and to learn why Augmentir is trusted by leading manufacturers as a reliable digital transformation partner – schedule a demo with one of our product experts.

 

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How to Digitize Layered Process Audits with Connected Worker Technology

Learn how connected worker technology can help you standardize and digitize layered process audits for improved accuracy and better quality results.

Digitized Layered Process Audits (LPAs) are important in manufacturing for establishing and enhancing process standardization, quality management, multi-level workforce engagement, risk mitigation, and quality standards compliance. The primary function of a Layered Process Audit is to focus on observing and validating how products are made to ensure process and product quality. This effectively protects manufacturers and frontline manufacturing personnel from defects and process issues before they can do any damage.

digital layered process audits

Many crucial manufacturing processes are still carried out using outdated pen-and-paper methods; and as the industry continues to evolve, digitization is essential to remain competitive and maintain proper quality and safety standards. Layered Process Audits are no exception, with digitized layered process audits now a necessity, rather than a luxury, for organizations looking to keep pace, elevate their audit processes, and meet the demands of the evolving industry.

Learn more about how to streamline LPAs with connected worker technology, implement digital LPAs, and the benefits of AI-powered analytics for digitized LPAs and overall quality management excellence in manufacturing below.

Benefits of a Digitized Layered Process Audit

Connected worker platforms allow manufacturers to replace paper-based audit forms (like a layered process audit) with digital checklists that can be accessed and completed on mobile devices, allowing for:

  • Standardized audit formats and best practices across audit layers
  • Real-time data collection and improved audit tracking
  • Mobile access to information and knowledge including relevant documents, procedures, and historical data
  • Automated audit scheduling and notifications for consistent audit frequency across layers and reduced administrative burden
  • Real-time issue reporting and escalation for faster response and issue resolution
  • Improved data analytics and reporting to generate and apply insights as well as identify recurring issues and root causes
  • Overall system integrations with things like ERP, MES, and CMMS

These abilities offer a significant boost to manufacturers in terms of operational efficiency, risk mitigation, workforce development, and cost reduction.

Implementing Digital Layered Process Audits

Manufacturers can digitize LPAs and streamline their quality management processes through AI-powered connected worker technologies, improving data quality and driving faster, more effective quality improvements across the organization.

layered process audit framework

Implementing digital Layered Process Audits (LPAs) involves several steps, from selecting the right platform to engaging the team and ensuring proper integration with existing systems. Below is a step-by-step guide to implementing digital LPAs effectively:

1. Choose the right Digital LPA Platform

Research and select a digital LPA platform that meets your organization’s needs. Consider factors like:

  • Ease of use (especially for mobile devices)
  • Customizability (to fit your audit checklist and process requirements)
  • Integration with existing systems (e.g., ERP, quality management systems)
  • Reporting and analytics capabilities
  • Scalability for future needs

2. Develop and Digitize Audit Checklists

  • Standardize Audit Checklists: Create or review the audit checklists for each layer of the audit process. Ensure they are aligned with your goals, operational requirements, and industry standards (e.g., ISO, IATF).
  • Digitize the Checklists: Input these checklists into the digital platform. Ensure that they are tailored to different levels of the audit process, from shop floor employees to higher-level management.
  • Customize Alerts and Criteria: Set up criteria for success/failure and alerts for non-conformance. This can include conditional triggers where a failed audit automatically prompts corrective actions.

digitized layered process audit LPA with augmentir quality control checklist

3. Integrate with Other Systems

  • Link to Quality Management Systems (QMS): Integrate the LPA platform with your existing QMS, ERP, or other relevant systems to streamline data sharing and analysis.
  • Automate Corrective Action Processes: Ensure that non-conformance findings in the audit automatically trigger corrective action workflows, and link them to task management or follow-up procedures.

4. Monitor, Analyze, and Improve

  • Track Real-time Results: Use the platform’s dashboards and analytics features to monitor performance metrics, such as audit completion rates, non-conformance trends, and the time taken to close corrective actions.
  • Conduct Regular Reviews: Hold periodic review meetings with the audit team and management to discuss audit findings and trends. Use this information to drive continuous improvement in processes.
  • Make Adjustments: Based on the insights from the audits, adjust the audit checklists, procedures, and corrective action plans as needed.

5. Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement

  • Encourage Engagement: Foster a culture where employees see the value in LPAs and actively participate in the process. Offer incentives or recognition for high levels of engagement or process improvements resulting from audits.
  • Regularly Update the System: Keep the digital platform and audit processes updated to reflect changes in standards, regulations, or internal processes.
  • Leverage Advanced Analytics: Over time, use advanced analytics and machine learning (if available) to predict potential non-conformance areas and further streamline corrective actions.

By following these steps, you can effectively implement a digital Layered Process Audit system that enhances visibility, accountability, and process control across your organization.

Driving Continuous Quality Improvement with Digitized LPAs

Excellence in quality management drives success in manufacturing. Digitizing and updating old processes with AI, connected worker platforms, and even simple digital layered process audit software allows manufacturing organizations to better identify and prevent defects at their source and protect against rework, customer complaints, costly product recalls, and reputational damage.

Recent innovations in AI technology and applications caused an explosion of growth all across the world and in various industries. Manufacturing is uniquely situated to adopt these technologies for massive growth. One valuable use case is the use of AI to optimize quality management, specifically to optimize audit processes like LPAs for drastically improved results and insights that simply weren’t possible previously.

AI analytics combined with connected worker technologies digitize and streamline layered process audits allowing manufacturers to capitalize on data capture for:

  • Trend analysis across different audit layers, departments, and locations
  • Automated population of audit forms with relevant data
  • Seamless creation of digital work instructions from audit findings
  • Application of cobots, generative AI assistants, or AI copilot technologies to support auditors and workers alike.

But this does not stop there, according to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies that prioritize quality management achieve higher levels of employee engagement. Engaged employees are more likely to be committed to producing high-quality products, resulting in increased productivity and customer satisfaction. The addition of AI to capitalize on connected worker data and feedback to generate insights, support enhanced decision-making, and create better processes offers manufacturers a path forward into the future with a better-equipped and supported frontline workforce.

Interested in learning more?

If you’d like to learn more about how Augmentir streamlines and optimizes quality management processes like digital layered process audits and more, schedule a demo with one of our produce experts.

 

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How to Combat the Manufacturing Skills Gap with an Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF)

Learn how manufacturers combat the manufacturing skilled labor shortage and close skills gaps with an Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF).

An Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF) offers manufacturing and other industrial organizations a powerful solution to combat the ever-worsening skilled labor shortage and skills gap. According to a report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, an estimated 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030 and the cost of those missing jobs could potentially total $1 trillion in 2030 alone.

augmented connected workforce acwf manufacturing

By integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), connected worker platforms, and other emerging solutions manufacturers can enhance the capabilities of their existing workforce and bridge skill gaps. Connected worker tools offer real-time monitoring of your frontline workforce, ensuring seamless operations. Moreover, connectivity enables remote collaboration, allowing experts to assist frontline workers from anywhere in the world. This interconnected ecosystem empowers workers with the tools they need to succeed and attracts new talent by showcasing a commitment to innovation and technology-driven growth.

Through an ACWF, manufacturers can effectively combat the manufacturing skilled labor shortage and close the skills gap while driving productivity, innovation, and remaining competitive. Read more about ACWF in manufacturing below:

Implementing an ACWF in Manufacturing

A critical element of transitioning from a traditional workforce to an Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF) is implementing and adopting new technologies and processes. Here are a few steps that can help with the adoption of ACWF technologies and smooth transitions in industrial settings:

  • Step 1: Assess Current Processes – Organizations must understand existing workflows and identify areas where AI, connected worker platforms, and other ACWF technology can replace paper-based and manual processes to enhance efficiency and productivity.
  • Step 2: Invest in Technology – Procure  AI-driven analytics platforms, mobile technology, and wearable technology to enable real-time data collection and remote collaboration.
  • Step 3: Training and Onboarding – Provide comprehensive training programs to familiarize workers with new technologies and workflows. Emphasize the importance of safety protocols and data privacy.
  • Step 4: Pilot Programs – Start with small-scale pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the implemented technologies in real-world manufacturing environments. Target high-value use cases that can benefit from a transition from paper to digital.
  • Step 5: Continuous Improvement – Gather feedback from workers and supervisors during pilot programs and adapt implementation initiatives based on their input. Continuously optimize processes and technologies for maximum effectiveness.

By following these steps, manufacturers can smooth the transition from a traditional manufacturing workforce to an ACWF, empowering their frontline workers with improved capabilities, skills, and overall operational excellence.

Supporting Learning in the Flow of Work

Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF) technologies allow for increased frontline support and for new processes around learning and training to strategically upskill and reskill, reduce time to competency for new workers, and to combat the skilled labor shortage in manufacturing and more. Connected worker tools, such as wearable devices and IoT sensors, enable real-time monitoring of worker performance and environmental conditions, ensuring safety and efficiency on the factory floor.

pyramid of learning

An ACWF also allows for improved workflow learning capabilities giving frontline workers access to expert guidance, remote assistance and collaboration, microlearning, and other learning in the flow of work options regardless of the worker’s location.

ACWF tools further enhance frontline activities through:

  • Digital work instructions and guidance: Smart, connected worker platforms provide digital work instructions, procedures, and visual guidance easily accessible to workers on mobile devices.
  • Digital mentors and training: Some ACWFs incorporate “digital mentors” – GenAI-powered industrial assistants that can provide step-by-step guidance to workers, especially new hires.
  • Knowledge capture and sharing: Connected frontline worker applications capture data and insights from frontline workers, which can then be analyzed by AI software and used to improve processes, update work instructions, and share knowledge across the organization
  • Performance monitoring and feedback: ACWF solutions provide visibility into worker performance, allowing managers to identify areas where additional training or support is needed.

augmented connected workforce in manufacturing

In summary, ACWF initiatives empower frontline workers with the digital tools, knowledge, and support they need to learn and improve their skills directly within their daily workflows, rather than relying solely on formal training programs. This helps close skills gaps and drive continuous improvement.

Future-proofing Manufacturing Operations with an ACWF

Adopting an Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF) approach centered around augmenting frontline workers with mobile technology, immersive training, collaborative decision-making, and continuous improvement, allows manufacturers to future-proof their operations and gain a sustainable competitive advantage. This concept empowers employees with powerful tools that augment and enhance their capabilities, productivity, and overall business processes by accessing critical information and fostering collaboration

AI-powered software can analyze vast amounts of data to optimize production processes and predict workforce development needs. At the same time, connected frontline worker solutions enable the integration of mobile and wearable technologies and provide real-time data insights, aiding in optimizing factory operations and adapting to evolving industry trends.

For an Augmented Connected Workforce, integrating AI and connected worker technologies serves as a vital strategy for manufacturers navigating the skilled labor crisis. Augmentir encourages organizations to embrace ACWF transformations and expedites adoption through a comprehensive connected worker platform leveraging the combined benefits of connected worker and AI technologies.

With Augmentir, frontline workers can access critical information, real-time data and insights, and expert advice and guidance all in the flow of work preventing lost time and improving both efficiency and productivity. Schedule a live demo to learn more about how an Augmented Connected Workforce future-proofs manufacturing operations and enhances frontline activities.

 

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