119 LS Electric has used Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing and Copilot to reduce power consumption on manufacturing lines by 20 per cent by harnessing unstructured plant data INDUSTRIALS & MANUFACTURING Meanwhile, Austria-based technology company Andritz is using the Metris Copilot built on Microsoft Cloud to automate plant operations. “With the Metris digital platform, the company is now offering pulp mills a five-level concept to help them move towards autonomous manufacturing,” says Ladha. “The innovative concept has been successfully implemented at varying levels in 39 pulp mills worldwide. One mill has achieved 97 per cent autonomy, well above the industry standard of 60 to 65 per cent, and increased productivity by 18 per cent. Metris addresses a range of challenges including operating costs, process stability, plant reliability and sustainability throughout the lifecycle of an industrial plant.” Generative AI is also becoming a key tool for manufacturers. “We’re seeing AI being used to create innovative designs, simulate various production scenarios and identify the most efficient processes,” says Ladha. “Manufacturers are also using AI-driven knowledge graphs to break down data silos and provide holistic insights into manufacturing operations. This capability can revolutionise product development, reduce time-to-market and enhance customisation.” Microsoft and its global ecosystem of partners are using generative AI to power solutions that will improve operations across the manufacturing value chain. For instance, Siemens and PTC are focused on using the technology in solutions for product design, while Rockwell Automation and Sight Machine are using it to improve factory operations, Blue Yonder and O9 are adopting it for supply chain solutions, and Tulip is one of many deploying it for enhancing frontline operations. “These partners bring domain expertise, implementation capabilities and innovative solutions that complement Microsoft’s offerings,” says Ladha. “They help manufacturers identify specific use cases, customise solutions and ensure seamless integration with existing systems.” AI, cloud, IoT and other solutions from Microsoft and its partners are helping companies meet their environmental and social responsibility targets, too. “AI-driven predictive maintenance can extend the lifespan of equipment, reducing replacements and environmental footprint,” says Ladha. “Cloud, IoT and AI solutions can
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