88 FEATURE are empowered with more visibility into their enterprise and factory data than ever before. When a large language model is layered on top of this foundation, employees can access the digital thread using conversational input and receive answers in real time in their native tongue.” Manufacturing data solutions on Microsoft Fabric allow organisations to explore insights anywhere along digital thread. Manufacturers like Schaeffler, Bridgestone and IPG are already leveraging this technology to unlock the full value of their factory data. Schaeffler, which manufactures precision mobility components, uses this technology to modernise data management processes and generate valuable insights across various IT and OT systems. AI-driven insights maximise machinery uptime, improve product quality and increase output by giving employees quick, useful information in real time. Bridgestone, the world’s largest tyre and rubber company, leverages manufacturing data solutions in Microsoft Fabric to accelerate the productivity of its frontline workforce. “As a private preview customer, and in collaboration with Avanade, Bridgestone uses the digital thread and AI technology to address key production challenges, like yield loss,” says Stuetzle. “The query system solution enables frontline workers, with various levels of experience, to easily interact with their factory data, and efficiently uncover insights to improve yield and enhance quality.” Furthermore, agent templates in Microsoft Copilot Studio provide a low-code, customisable solution, designed to minimise time spent on menial tasks to allow frontline employees to dedicate their time to more rewarding work. “Agent templates in Microsoft Copilot Studio provide the foundation for custom copilots, which act as the user interface for the digital thread,” says Stuetzle. “Agent templates are lowcode solutions specifically designed to address key challenges manufacturers face, like ensuring workplace safety, skilled labour shortages and enhancing operational efficiency. For example, to improve occupational health and safety compliance a manufacturer can leverage the Factory Safety Agent in Copilot Studio, customise it to reference the unique documentation of their organisation, and embed it into familiar platforms, like Microsoft Teams, to facilitate a seamless user experience. Then, when a frontline worker has a safety question, they can get immediate answers in natural language without skipping a beat.” Meanwhile, for a plant manager or operations manager, agent templates are a valuable tool to improve operational efficiency, as the Factory Operations Agent provides real-time factory floor insights in natural language. “By making it quicker than ever before to uncover answers, agent templates save time for the people of manufacturing, from the shop floor to the top floor,” says Stuetzle. “With tasks like data pulls and finding documents handled by AI, employees can devote their time to their most impactful work. In this way, agent templates on Copilot Studio create more productive organisations, and unlock new value for manufacturers.” Manufacturers can leverage the Factory Safety Agent in Copilot Studio to ensure workplace safety and enhance operational efficiency
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