Alice Chambers |
AI is transforming manufacturing operations, from supply chain management to chemical processing. Three expert-led sessions at Hannover Messe explored how businesses can harness AI to drive efficiency, enhance decision-making and overcome the challenges of adoption.
One common message across all sessions was clear in that AI is only as effective as the data it is built upon.
Clemens Vasters, principal architect of messaging and real-time intelligent services at Microsoft, led a session on preparing industrial data for AI innovation and emphasised that “preparing means getting the data into the cloud”. He highlighted Microsoft Fabric as a key enabler, integrating multiple data tools into one platform to simplify access and analytics.
Microsoft's Clemens Vasters at Hannover Messe 2025
Similarly, experts in the chemical and process manufacturing sector reinforced that data readiness is crucial.
“There’s no AI without data,” said Yury Gomez, worldwide chief commercial officer for the process manufacturing industry at Microsoft. Gomez – joined by Alfonso Rodriguez, director of product marketing at Microsoft and Knud Lasse Lueth, CEO of IoT Analytics, for a session on innovating with AI in chemicals and process manufacturing – explained that before companies can fully embrace AI, they must ensure their data is properly contextualised and governed.
(from left) Knud Lasse Lueth, Yury Gomez and Alfonso Rodriguez
The role of AI in automating tasks and augmenting human decision-making was another recurring theme. Sameer Verma, general manager and head of products for Dynamics 365, AI and ERP at Microsoft, outlined how AI agents are becoming essential tools in enterprise operations.
“People will not just work with people but will also work with agents,” he said.
One standout example is the Supplier Communications Agent, a new AI-driven assistant that helps procurement specialists manage supply chain disruptions.
“The agent is working while you’re sleeping,” said Verma, highlighting how automation is easing operational burdens while keeping humans in control.
Sameer Verma speaking at Hannover Messe
In process industries, AI copilots are emerging as valuable tools for factory workers.
“Shift rotations that are easier to manage make for more productive workers,” said Gomez. These AI-driven assistants are helping engineers access expert knowledge, improving efficiency and consistency on the production floor.
Plus, AI is enhancing research and development (R&D) in process industries.
“Most surprising is the amount of R&D use cases with AI,” said Lueth, CEO of IoT Analytics, who emphasised how AI is accelerating product innovation in sectors like chemicals and cement.
While many businesses are eager to adopt AI, some remain hesitant. Research presented at the chemical manufacturing session revealed that around 20 per cent of companies are not yet exploring generative AI, citing concerns over technological maturity and readiness.
However, Gomez stressed that companies should not wait too long: “If they are not exploring it now, it’s not because they don’t want to. It’s because the technology hasn’t matured enough yet for them.”
Overall, these sessions highlighted that while AI is proving to enhance various operations, its success depend on a solid data foundation, thoughtful integration of agents and a willingness to embrace change.
“It’s not about replacing people, it’s about rebalancing… helping businesses to grow exponentially,” said Verma.
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