The Real Reason Your Manufacturing AI Won’t Scale

The article argues that the main barrier to scaling AI in manufacturing isn’t the models but the foundation: fragmented data, disconnected IT/OT systems, and processes not designed for AI. It emphasizes building a unified data layer, integrating systems, standardizing and governing data, and aligning operations so AI can be deployed reliably against a few high-value, measurable use cases.

What’s been your biggest hurdle in unifying data and systems for AI, and which tactics (e.g., data governance, IT/OT integration, new middleware) have made the most difference?