Manufacturing technology is rapidly evolving, and companies around the world are looking to take advantage of the latest advancements in order to improve their operations. To help manufacturers navigate this rapidly changing landscape, the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association International (MESA) has partnered with research firm Tech-Clarity, Inc. to launch the Analytics and AI Research Program for 2024-25.
The program was formally announced during the MESA Smart Manufacturing NOW virtual event, and will focus on assessing the progress of manufacturers in terms of performance metrics and analytics, as well as exploring the potential value of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations.
MESA and Tech-Clarity will conduct a survey to gather insights from manufacturers on their goals, challenges, and successes with their analytics and AI initiatives. The findings will be shared through a research report, infographic, and webinar in the first half of 2025. The survey will be open for responses from manufacturers later in 2024.
The program has already secured three sponsors: Aegis Software, Epicor, and GE Vernova, but is open to additional sponsors. Interested parties can contact Julie Fraser at Tech-Clarity to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
The Analytics and AI Research Program is a continuation of an 18-year initiative by MESA to uncover the value of analytics through a global survey of manufacturers across process, batch, and discrete industries. This year’s iteration will also include a focus on the role of AI and generative AI in manufacturers’ success.
Julie Fraser, Vice President of Research for Operations and Manufacturing at Tech-Clarity, will lead the research program with support from MESA’s Knowledge Committee and Analytics working group. The survey will include some questions from previous studies to analyze trends and progress, but will also include new questions to explore the impact of GenAI and the most effective types of analytics for different industries.
Chris Monchinski, Chair of MESA’s International Knowledge Committee and Analytics Working Group, commented, “We have seen the value of this analytics research over the years. It shows progress in manufacturers’ technology use and business understanding. Now, we will explore both traditional metrics and analytics and the uptake of the newest AI and GenAI technologies to deliver manufacturing insights.”
Fraser added, “Manufacturers have long known there is more they could do with their data. This research aims to demonstrate what they are doing to analyze their data to create actionable insights and high-value improvements from various types of analytics and AI approaches. MESA members and study sponsors will gain valuable insights from sharing their experiences.”
MESA conducts this research program every few years, and will invite manufacturers to take the survey in November 2024. The findings will be released in 2025 and will be made available to MESA members and sponsors.
About Tech-Clarity, Inc.:
Tech-Clarity is an independent research firm dedicated to helping companies understand the business value of technology. They analyze how companies can improve innovation, product development, design, engineering, manufacturing, and service performance through the use of digital transformation, best practices, software technology, industrial automation, and IT services.
About MESA International:
MESA International has been supporting the global manufacturing community since 1992 by providing premier educational and research programs, best practice sharing, and networking opportunities. MESA is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit trade association focused on Smart Manufacturing and the business value of converging Information Technology, Operations Technology, and emerging technology to improve industrial operations.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.