EXECUTIVE INSIGHT
“ In the early days of the internet , my view on technology was a mix of excitement and caution ”
the face of manufacturing and what it means to work on a factory floor . I do think that technology has the power to make manufacturing attractive for the younger generation . With the advancements we ’ re making to make AI accessible , this technology is going to be an important aspect of building digital skills and interest in the manufacturing environment . It means workers don ’ t have to be experts on everything , they can be trained faster , and they can get access to information and support faster . So that is helping to close those skill gaps and capitalise on the younger generation ’ s enthusiasm for tech .
And I know what this enthusiasm feels like . In the early days of the internet , my view of technology was a mix of excitement and caution . Transitioning from fashion design to the tech world in the late 1990s , I was captivated by the potential of digital innovations to revolutionise collaboration , efficiency and business practices , prompting my shift to technology for business improvement and growth . The dot-com bubble burst during my early twenties , and it highlighted the risks but also the opportunities for improvement in the tech industry . This experience taught me to focus on technologies with significant potential impact , a principle that has guided my career since . It was the inception of a digital transformation across borders .
With the emergence of AI , the tech landscape has transformed again . AI ’ s ability to automate processes , analyse data , and boost productivity opens new possibilities . However , alongside its promise , there are other factors to consider , such as advancing responsible AI practices and ensuring safety , privacy and security . Navigating these complexities requires a nuanced understanding of the capabilities of AI technology while measuring and managing potential risks .
We ’ ve transitioned from the era of digital transformation to the era of AI transformation , and through the evolution of technology , from PCs and the internet to IoT , the cloud , and AI , my focus has remained constant : leveraging these tools to accelerate time to value and deliver meaningful outcomes for our customers . manufacturingdigital . com 21