Spotlight on sustainable MSMEs with AI integration
The CII Chennai Zone MSME CEO summit brought together a diverse group of CEOs and leaders to discuss the roles of sustainability in their businesses. While various aspects of sustainability were covered, a segment on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in MSMEs was the highlight.
Speakers emphasised that AI adaption is no longer limited to large corporations. Even small corporations (and medium sized) can benefit by optimising their operations using AI engines. These engines work in the background providing decision making capabilities to enhance operational efficiency. Another major aspect is Master Production Scheduling (MPS) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP), which traditionally demand time and effort from planners. With AI-driven systems, these processes can be automated, saving time and resources while ensuring accuracy. The importance of IoT sensors in the manufacturing sector was also highlighted. AI can help in connecting these sensors to monitor machine effectiveness, productivity, mean time between failures, and mean time to repair. This real-time data allows businesses to make informed decisions and maintain optimal machine performance.
The discussion also touched on lean management, emphasising its compatibility with AI-driven systems. Even during challenging times, such as the pandemic, lean management tools can facilitate collaboration and problem-solving within an organisation. They enable virtual meetings and efficient decision-making processes, fostering resilience in the face of disruptions.
