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Paperless Manufacturing: Your Guide to Transitioning to a Paperless Factory

Learn how to digitize your operations and build a paperless factory in this paperless manufacturing guide from Augmentir.

Manually managing and tracking production in manufacturing has become a thing of the past. That’s because manufacturers are adopting a new digital approach: paperless manufacturing.

Paperless manufacturing uses software to manage shop floor execution, digitize work instructions, execute workflows, automate record-keeping and scheduling, and communicate with shop floor employees. More recently, this approach also digitizes skills tracking and performance assessments for shop floor workers to help optimize workforce onboarding, training, and ongoing management. This technology is made up of cloud-based software, mobile and wearable technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and advanced analytics.

More recently, your journey to paperless manufacturing is being accelerated through the availability of generative AI assistants and supporting import tools that can streamline the conversion of existing content into interactive, mobile-ready content for your frontline teams.

paperless manufacturing and digital factory

Paperless manufacturing software uses interactive screens, dashboards, data collection, sensors, and reporting filters to show real-time insights into your factory operations. If you want to learn more about paperless manufacturing processes, explore this guide to learn about the following:

What is a paperless factory?

A paperless factory uses AI-powered software to manage production, keep track of records, and optimize jobs being executed on the shop floor. Paperless manufacturing is intended to replace written record-keeping as well as paper-based work instructions, checklists, and SOPs, and keep track of records digitally.

For example, in most manufacturing operations, everything from quality inspections to operator rounds and planned and autonomous maintenance is done on a regular basis to make sure factory equipment is operating properly and quality and safety standards are met. In most manufacturing plants, these activities are done manually with paper-based instructions, checklists, or forms.

Operators and shop floor workers in paperless factories use software to execute work procedures and see production tasks in ordered sequences, which enables them to implement tasks accordingly. Workers are able to view operating procedures, or digital work instructions, using mobile devices (wearables, tablets, etc.) in real-time.

benefits of digital work instructions

Furthermore, paperless manufacturing incorporates the digitization of shop floor training, skills tracking, certifications, and assessments.  This digital approach uses skills management software helps optimize HR-based processes that were previously managed via paper or spreadsheets, and includes the ability to:

  • Create, track, and manage employee skills
  • Instantly visualize the skills gaps in your team
  • Schedule or assign jobs based on worker skill level and proficiency
  • Close skill gaps with continuous learning
  • Make data-driven drive operational decisions

digital skills management in a paperless factory

What are the benefits of going paperless in manufacturing?

There are a number of reasons for factories to go paperless, from cost-effectiveness to increased productivity and sustainability. A paperless system can revolutionize production processes, workforce management, and business operations.

Here are the top benefits of going paperless:

  1. Accelerate employee onboarding: By digitizing onboarding and moving training into the flow of work, manufacturers can reduce new hire onboarding time by 82%.
  2. Increase productivity: Digitizing manufacturing operations means no more manual, paper-based data collection or record-keeping. Workers have more time to run their equipment, execute shop floor tasks, and find solutions to problems.
  3. Boost data accuracy: People are prone to making mistakes, but digital data capture and validation can help offset human error and improve accuracy.
  4. Improved workforce management: Digital skills tracking and AI-based workforce analytics can help optimize production operations and maximize worker output.
  5. Manage real-time operations: Human-machine interface systems eliminate the need for paper, files, and job tickets. This means that workers can analyze inventory and other data in real-time.
  6. Save money: Although going paperless means that the cost of paper is eliminated, the savings extend beyond that. With greater productivity, operations in real-time, and improved production optimization, costs can be reduced in many areas.

How do you go paperless in manufacturing?

Going paperless starts with digitizing activities across the factory floor to increase productivity, and extending that value through a digital connection between the shop floor and enterprise manufacturing systems. We lay out below the four basic steps for how to go paperless in manufacturing:

Step 1: Digitize your existing content with Gen AI and Connected Worker technology.

Paperless manufacturing starts with the use of modern, digital tools that can quickly and easily digitize and convert your existing paper-based content. Tools like Augmentir’s Augie™, a generative AI suite of technologies, helps you import and convert existing content regardless of format. Once converted, Connected Worker solutions that incorporate enhanced mobile capabilities and combine training and skills tracking with connected worker technology and on-the-job digital guidance can deliver significant additional value. A key requirement to start is to identify high-value use cases that can benefit from digitization, such as quality control or inspection procedures, lockout tagout procedures, safety reporting, layered process audits, or autonomous maintenance procedures.

Pro Tip

You can now import existing PDF, Word, or Excel documents (just like the PDF above) directly into Augmentir to create digital, interactive work procedures and checklists using Augie™, a Generative AI content creation tool from Augmentir. Learn more about Augie – your industrial Generative AI Assistant.

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Step 2: Augment your workers with AI and Connected Worker technology.

AI-based connected worker solutions can help both digitize work instructions and deliver that guidance in a way that is personalized to the individual worker and their performance. AI Bots that leverage generative AI and GPT-like AI models can assist workers with language translation, feedback, on-demand answers, access to knowledge through natural language, and provide a comprehensive digital performance support tool.

As workers become more connected, companies have access to a rich source of job activity, execution, and tribal data, and with proper AI tools can gain insights into areas where the largest improvement opportunities exist.

Step 3: Set up IoT sensors for machine health monitoring.

The industrial Internet of Things (IoT) uses sensors to boost manufacturing processes. IoT sensors are connected through the web using wireless or 4G/5G networks to transmit data right from the shop floor. The use of machine health monitoring tools along with connected worker technology can provide a comprehensive shop floor solution.

Step 4: Connect your frontline to your enterprise.

Digitally connected frontline operations solutions not only enable industrial companies to digitize work instructions, checklists, and SOPs, but also allow them to create digital workflows and integrations that fully incorporate the frontline workers into the digital thread of their business.

The digital thread represents a connected data flow across a manufacturing enterprise – including people, systems, and machines. By incorporating the activities and data from these previously disconnected workers, business processes are accelerated, and this new source of data provides newfound opportunities for innovation and improvement.

 

Augmentir provides a unique Connected Worker solution that uses AI to help manufacturing companies intelligently onboard, train, guide, and support frontline workers so each worker can contribute at their individual best, helping achieve production goals in today’s era of workforce disruption.

Our solution is a SaaS-based suite of software tools that helps customers digitize and optimize all frontline processes including Autonomous and Preventive Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Assembly.

paperless factory

 

Transform how your company runs its frontline operations. Request a live demo today!

 

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Augmentir Wins Gold at 2024 Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Technology Awards

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Augmentir recognized by the Brandon Hall Group for the “Best Advance in Generative AI for Business Impact”, wins gold in the 2024 Technology Excellence Awards.

We did it again!

We are excited to announce today that Augmentir won Gold in the 2024 Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Technology Awards for “Best Advance in Generative AI for Business Impact“.

augmentir wins gold at 2024 brandon hall group awards for generative ai business impact

The 2024 Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Awards™ are given for work in Learning and Development, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, Sales Enablement, Future of Work, and Education Technology. Augmentir received its gold award in the Future of Work category based on our breakthrough, innovative use of Generative AI to address skilled labor shortages and workforce challenges that are crippling the manufacturing industry today.

Entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and executives based upon these criteria: fit the need, program design, functionality, innovation, and overall measurable benefits.

“In our 31st year, the Excellence in Technology Awards continue to showcase the best innovations in learning, talent management, talent acquisition, HR, workforce management, and sales enablement technologies. We are proud to receive applications from a diverse range of organizations globally, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of technology solutions,” said Brandon Hall Group Chief Operating Officer Rachel Cooke, leader of the Excellence Awards program.

 

Augmentir’s generative AI solution – Augie™ – is a central component to the Augmentir Connected Worker platform. Augie is a generative AI assistant that improves operational efficiency and supports today’s less experienced frontline workforce through faster problem-solving, proactive insights, data analysis, rapid content creation, and enhanced decision-making.

Augmentir recently unveiled powerful new updates to Augie, and launched the industry’s first Industrial Generative AI Suite, targeted towards improving safety, quality, and productivity for the industrial frontline workforce. Augie’s suite of gen AI services expand on the platform’s existing capabilities, which have been in use by leading manufacturers for over a year, transforming operations and addressing the skilled labor shortage through advanced troubleshooting and real-time digital assistance to frontline workers. The Augie Industrial Gen AI Suite includes:

  • Augie Industrial Work Assistant
    Provide real-time support and guidance to workers on the floor or in the field. Augie helps workers with standard work, troubleshooting, and information access.
  • 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 datasets such as Skills, Standard Work, Safety, and Work Execution, as well as customer-specific datasets generated through Augmentir’s report configurator. Augie eliminates the need for “report writing” and through its conversational interface answers questions, performs math, and generates graphical reports, increasing responsiveness.
  • Augie Extensibility Assistant
    Augie increases the productivity of developers building new functions and supporting existing user-defined functions within Augmentir’s extensibility framework. Augmentir’s unique Platform-as-a-Service offering empowers customers and partners to create unique solutions that solve critical business challenges—a capability that no other platform on the market offers.
  • Augie Industrial GenAI-as-a-Service
    As an industry first, Augie exposes its GenAI capabilities as APIs within Augmentir’s extensibility framework. This allows companies and partners to create innovative, customized GenAI solutions tailored to business, or industry-specific needs and 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.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized by the Brandon Hall Group for bringing the transformative power of generative AI to industrial frontline operational processes,” said Russ Fadel, CEO of Augmentir. “Just as we have seen GenAI deliver transformational value to the consumer and enterprise, the Augie Suite provides the tools to enable companies to empower their frontline workers, regardless of experience, to perform with higher levels of safety and productivity. Additionally, this provides the tools for our partners to build innovative use cases to solve previously unsolvable problems.”

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 been adopted by industry leaders across all manufacturing and production verticals, 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 customers can quickly and securely leverage the latest AI advances within the framework of digital collaboration, skills management, and work execution. This allows customers to leverage existing data, documents, applications, and their existing tribal knowledge, increasing their ROI.

Interested in learning more?

If you’d like to learn more about Augmentir and see how our AI-powered connected worker platform enables Augmented Connected Worker initiatives to improve safety, quality, and productivity across your workforce, schedule a demo with one of our product experts.

 

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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.

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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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Augmentir Selected by Hexagon to Join the Sixth Sense Open Innovation Program

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Advanced manufacturing start-ups from around the world competed for a spot on Hexagon’s Sixth Sense open innovation platform, with 8 now getting the chance to win the top two coveted positions.

After a series of pitches and presentations to the Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence panel of judges, we’re excited to announce that Augmentir was selected to join the second cohort for Hexagon’s Sixth Sense program.

Sixth Sense is an open innovation platform where scaling smart manufacturing start-ups can connect with world-class companies to solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges. Powered by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence it is an opportunity to share valuable resources, data, and ideas to accelerate progress and solve real world problems by creating transformative solutions that enable an autonomous future that benefits everyone.

Augmentir will be part of a program aimed at advancing manufacturing using visualization and digital reality, and intelligence and automation. This current cohort’s theme builds on Hexagon’s commitment to accelerate innovation and drive the global shift to a new sustainable way of operating. Sixth Sense will see a focus on the following areas of emerging technology: digital twin innovations, metaverse factory design, predictive and prescriptive intelligence, and autonomous and sustainable manufacturing operations.

Augmentir was selected due to our ability to shape the next generation of manufacturing solutions that will not only boost performance but benefit people and the planet. Augmentir’s Smart Connected Worker solution reduces the time needed to onboard new workers and guides workers of all skill levels. The software helps workers to do their job safely and correctly, mitigating the impact of workforce disruption.

By inviting the next generation of innovators to the table, Hexagon is sharing its resources and making connections that accelerate progress – pushing the boundaries of design, manufacturing, and engineering and starting to imagine a better future for the benefit of everyone.

Say Hello to Augie!

Say hello to the newest addition to the Augmentir platform, Augie – the GenAI powered digital assistant for manufacturing.

Say hello to the future of work in manufacturing with the latest addition to Augmentir’s suite of connected worker tools, Augie™.

augie generative ai assistant for manufacturing

Augie is a digital assistant for frontline operations that utilizes Generative AI and proprietary fit-for-purpose, pre-trained Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance operational efficiency, problem-solving, and decision-making for today’s less experienced frontline industrial workers. It leverages enterprise-wide data, provides instant access to relevant information, closes skills gaps with personalized support, offers insights into standard work and skills inventory, and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.

Augie is a result of our dedication to empowering frontline workers, leveraging AI to support manufacturing operations, and giving manufacturing workers better tools to do their jobs safely and more efficiently.

Continue reading below to learn more about how Augie works and how it can benefit your frontline workforce and manufacturing operations:

How our GenAI Powered Assistant Works

Generative AI-powered smart manufacturing assistants are designed to provide secure, role-based, personalized assistance to frontline workers, engineers, and managers in various industries, including manufacturing.

They work by leveraging artificial intelligence and integrations across different software systems, providing guidance and assistance in various tasks to enhance productivity and performance. This includes providing data insights, recommendations on actions to improve performance, and the ability to create analyses and dashboards with a natural language-based assistant.

A majority of smart manufacturing assistants only draw their information from manufacturing execution systems (MES), without tying in other important systems necessary for frontline manufacturing success.

Augie, however, is different. It leverages enterprise-wide data tying in information from a wide range of platforms including operational data, training and workforce management data, connected worker and engineering data, as well as information from enterprise systems.

gen ai industrial manufacturing

How Augie Benefits Your Frontline Workforce

Augie is unique among other smart manufacturing assistants. 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.

With information readily available via Augie, frontline workers can make decisions faster, reduce downtime, and improve troubleshooting with instant access to summarized facts relevant to a job or task. Additionally, Augie is multi-modal, meaning it can return actionable information in the form of work procedures, training videos, recorded collaborations, engineering documents and SOPs, as well as tribal knowledge.

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

augie gen ai industrial assistant troubleshooting

With Augie by your side, you can streamline manufacturing operations, optimize performance, empower your frontline workforces, and stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving and competitive landscape.

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Improve Operational Efficiency with Augie and Augmentir

The digitization of frontline processes has become a must-have to keep up with the velocity of change – but not just digitization … smart digitization. Recently, Deloitte found that 86% of manufacturing executives believe smart factory solutions will be the primary drivers of competitiveness in the next five years. Leveraging smart, AI-driven connected worker solutions that allow industrial organizations to best support their frontline workforces and optimize processes to make them safer and more efficient is critical to overall enterprise success.

At Augmentir, we have been met with continued success in our efforts to transform manufacturing operations. Our patented Smart AI foundation helps manufacturing organizations close the loop between training and work execution, delivering the data and in-line insights necessary to continuously improve operational excellence day-over-day, year-over-year. Augmentir is the world’s leading connected worker solution, combining smart connected worker and GenAI technologies to drive continuous improvement and enhance performance management initiatives in manufacturing.

The addition of Augie to our platform is a game-changer for factory floor and other frontline workers, allowing for quick reference troubleshooting and useful, contextualized information to be delivered at the moment of need. Furthermore, with Augie, less experienced workers are provided with additional support and individualized guidance based on the job or task needs.

With patented AI-driven insights that digitize and optimize manufacturing workflows, training and development, workforce allocation, and operational excellence, Augmentir is trusted by manufacturing leaders as a digital transformation partner delivering measurable results across operations. Schedule a live demo today to learn more.

 

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How to Digitize Your Operator Driven Reliability (ODR) Program with Connected Worker Technology

Explore how to digitize Operator Driven Reliability (ODR) programs and processes with an AI-powered Connected Worker Platform for improved efficiency, accuracy, and better results.

Operator Driven Reliability programs, a.k.a. ODR programs, empower frontline operators to take an active role in equipment maintenance and reliability. It recognizes that due to operators’ constant contact with equipment, they are the best situated to detect any potential issues and take preventative steps before any damage is caused.

operator driven reliability odr program

While ODR programs are forward-thinking and apply the same lean manufacturing principles found in autonomous maintenance, in many cases they still have room for improvement. For example, in too many instances manufacturing ODR programs are still completed using outdated pen-and-paper procedures. This causes tasks like plant operator rounds to take far longer than they would if reports, checklists, and work instructions were digitized and delivered via a smart connected worker platform.

Then not only would equipment maintenance and reliability be streamlined and faster, but there would also be a digital footprint available for operational activities like process improvement, data analysis, audit reporting, and more. Read below to discover the benefits of a digital ODR program, including best practices, real-world examples, and insights into the future of ODR and workforce dynamics in manufacturing.

The Benefits of a Digital ODR Program

Digital Operator Driven Reliability (ODR) programs offer significant advantages over traditional pen-and-paper methods. AI-driven connected worker platforms play a crucial role offering integrations with existing systems like ERP, CMMS, MES, and QMS, supporting ODR training with guided support and tutorials, encouraging continuous improvement through performance tracking and digital skills assessments, and even facilitating enhanced industrial collaboration with real-time communication and cross-shift knowledge-sharing.

Further benefits of a digital ODR program include:

  • Enhanced Data Collection and Analysis: Connected worker platforms allow for real-time data capture from operators on the condition of equipment and AI-driven analytics are able to identify trends, offer actionable insights, and predict potential issues.
  • Digital Workflow Optimization: Digital work instructions and checklists optimize and streamline tasks and procedures, standardizing ODR activities, and automating task assignments and reminders for an increase in efficiency and accuracy.
  • AI-Driven Insights and Decision Making: AI-powered tools coupled with data collected through connected worker platforms offer visibility into the frontline workforce like never before, enabling better workforce intelligence, informed decisions about equipment maintenance and reliability, predictive maintenance based on historical data, and more.
  • Digital Documentation and Compliance: Digital forms and checklists offer automatic logging of ODR activities and equipment interventions, easy access to up-to-date standard operating procedures (SOPs), and digital audit trails for regulatory compliance. Overall, digitizing the documentation processes for ODR programs ensures better accountability and regulatory adherence.
Pro Tip

With AI-driven connected worker technology, manufacturers can effectively digitize their ODR programs, significantly enhancing equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and improving overall operational efficiency in manufacturing environments.

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Digital Operator Driven Reliability – Best Practices and Examples

Implementing a digital ODR program helps manufacturers empower frontline operators, engaging workers with an active role in equipment maintenance and reliability, leading to reduced downtime, improved productivity, and better overall equipment performance.

Below are some best practices and industry examples of digital ODR programs in real-world situations.

Best practices for digital ODR programs:

  • Implement robust data collection and analysis systems
  • Provide mobile accessibility for operators
  • Use digital work instructions and checklists
  • Enable real-time communication and collaboration
  • Integrate with existing systems (ERP, EAM, CMMS, MES)
  • Leverage AI-powered analytics and predictive maintenance
  • Offer digital training, knowledge management, and skill development tools

digital operator driven reliability with autonomous maintenance checklist cil

 

Autonomous Maintenance Checklist
Free Template
Standardize your autonomous maintenance routines with our free Autonomous Maintenance Checklist Template. Download our PDF template to get started, and learn more about digitizing your autonomous maintenance process with Augmentir.
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Industry examples of digital ODR in action:

  • Chemical Manufacturing Plants – Refinery and chemical operators conduct regular valve inspections and adjustments, using digital operator round planning tools to schedule routines and automate notifications.
  • Food and Beverage Production – Packaging line operators inspecting sealing mechanisms for proper operation can log equipment condition data into digital systems, clean and lubricate equipment fittings, and provide observations to maintenance teams supported by digital media assets like pictures and videos.
  • Pulp and Paper Mills – Operators conduct regular visual inspections of the Fourdrinier wire (the mesh screen that forms the paper sheet) for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment and use, using digital checklists to streamline and standardize inspection processes and document any minor repairs or adjustments made during their shift.

Through digital ODR practices, manufacturing frontline operators can help detect early signs of problems, maintain optimal machine performance, and contribute to reduced downtime and improved product quality.

The Future of ODR Programs and the Manufacturing Workforce

Manufacturing currently faces a series of crises, ranging from a severe shortage of skilled workers to an insurmountable increase in customer demand – industrial organizations are working hard to keep their facilities producing and their heads above water while still maintaining industry standards.

Many manufacturers continue to experience high frontline worker disengagement and attrition rates, a recent study by The Manufacturing Institute and PwC stated that more than one-third of manufacturers reported high turnover rates, while only 58% carried out proper frontline employee engagement initiatives.

Using AI-driven connected worker platforms to digitize programs like ODR that incorporate frontline operators and engage them in meaningful tasks using their expertise is the best path forward for manufacturing organizations regardless of their industry focus. These platforms allow for quick adoption of new processes and adaptation of current processes based on market needs/demands. They support frontline workers like never before, giving them access to tools like generative AI assistants and expert knowledge and guidance at a moment’s notice.

The future of manufacturing lies in the hands of the next generations of workers and it’s the responsibility of industrial organizations to equip them with the right tools to keep them safe and ensure they can carry out their duties effectively.

Interested in learning more?

To learn more about digitizing Operator Driven Reliability (ODR) and how to transform your frontline manufacturing activities with our AI-powered connected worker platform – schedule a demo with one of our product experts.

 

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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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