The AI Approach to Lean Manufacturing

Like many great ideas, lean manufacturing is seemingly simple but proves very difficult to implement. Its shortest definition is manufacturing with the least amount of waste possible. Many more concepts and principles play into that, but what it all boils down to is doing something in the most efficient, least wasteful way. Sounds easy, but when you get into the details of what entails waste and what’s expendable, things can get complicated. That’s where data comes in.

Without data, lean practices or operational excellence efforts are mostly guesswork. Even if a company thinks they’re making a data-based decision, having disconnected systems such as a manufacturing execution system (MES), enterprise resources planning (ERP), and quality management system (QMS) means the decision is only based on some of the data. A recent MasterControl report on digital maturity in life sciences manufacturing found that most manufacturers lack the connectivity to truly give them a complete picture of their data.

Lean Manufacturing Requires Big Data

Companies hoping to jump directly onto the lean manufacturing bandwagon need to take a step back and take a brutally honest look at their existing processes. Our research found that 12% of manufacturers still use manual or paper-based processes and 52% use some digital systems but lack connectivity. If this is the case, data analysis will be more harmful than beneficial. A good example of this is right-first-time (RFT) manufacturing. The idea that you can get it right the first time, every time is really only possible if you’ve correctly identified what holds your processes up and how to correct it. If the data points you in the wrong direction, RFT will remain an elusive goal.

Data is essential for process improvement. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are continually becoming more sophisticated, which means they can offer better insights. The different subsets of AI offer different insights into how to achieve lean manufacturing. Some of these subsets include:

• Machine learning (ML): using math and statistics to learn from data; improves with experience.
• Natural language processing (NLP): derives meaning from language.
• Deep learning: uses artificial neural networks to solve complex challenges.

Machine Learning for Lean Manufacturing

ML in particular shows promise as a means of going lean in manufacturing. One example of this is the ability to avoid nonconformances and deviations. In manufacturing, these holdups require additional paperwork for compliance, and, in some cases, they require corrective action/preventive action (CAPA). Reducing quality events goes a long way to reducing waste, both in terms of manufacturing materials and time. ML can also make your manufacturing more efficient by identifying problems in your manufacturing line and suggesting ways to improve.

There is some overlap between ML and NLP and deep learning, and they can work together to produce more insights. One example of digital transformation in manufacturing is using NLP to analyze customer complaint data. When combined with deep learning, the application can interact with the customers and resolve issues independent of a human. This is most useful for an organization when its quality and manufacturing systems are linked. Customer complaints typically fall in quality’s realm, but they frequently affect manufacturing once the data has been analyzed and the problem identified.

Kickstart Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

We might be talking about algorithms here, but there’s a reason ML uses the word “learning.” It’s surprisingly accurate considering it refers to a program. But learning takes time. We don’t teach kindergartners how to count and expect them to immediately be able to do advanced calculus. The equivalent of teaching an AI application how to count is giving it data. The more data it has, the more accurate the application becomes. Eventually, an application doesn’t just tell you how to achieve lean manufacturing by eliminating existing waste, it can predict future sources of waste and tell you how to mitigate them. Instead of just revealing which manufacturing line is least efficient, it can also determine why. When looking at options for how to become more efficient, an AI application removes the guesswork and determines which option is best. The waste accumulated from trying multiple options is eliminated.

Bringing AI into manufacturing is the smart way to achieve RFT and lean manufacturing. However, our study found that only 2% of respondents have reached the level of digital maturity where they use AI. Any improvement has to begin with getting your data into one location where it can be analyzed. Digital transformation in manufacturing is a good place to start. With production record data, equipment calibration data, recipe management, and more all interconnected, companies can get a holistic view of what’s going on in manufacturing and take steps to create a more efficient, lean manufacturing floor.

For information on how to further digital transformation in manufacturing in your organization, take our assessment and get customized assistance.