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Winning with AI: The Manufacturer’s Guide to a Successful AI Journey

SOUTHWEST Session: Most manufacturers begin their AI journey with high expectations, yet research shows that 95 percent of GenAI projects fail to create real business value. A common trap is the shiny object syndrome, where leaders and empowered employees chase trendy tools that look impressive but do little to address core operational challenges. This is why only 5 percent of enterprise-built AI tools ever make it into production. The companies that succeed take a different path. They delve into the business itself, uncovering where AI can make the most significant difference. Predictive maintenance that prevents costly downtime, quality control that reduces waste, and supply chain optimization that improves resilience are just a few areas where measurable impact becomes possible. What often separates success from failure is expertise. Internal teams, no matter how skilled, can be limited by organizational bias, resource gaps, and familiar ways of thinking. That is why internal builds succeed only a third of the time. Third-party AI experts, on the other hand, bring fresh perspectives that identify blind spots, challenge assumptions, and apply proven frameworks that raise the success rate to nearly 70 percent. With the proper guidance, AI stops being an expensive experiment and becomes a powerful, revenue-generating asset. For manufacturers, this shift marks the difference between falling behind and building a sustainable competitive edge.

The Value of Digital Twins in Modern Manufacturing

SOUTHWEST Session: Most manufacturers begin their AI journey with high expectations, yet research shows that 95 percent of GenAI projects fail to create real business value. A common trap is the shiny object syndrome, where leaders and empowered employees chase trendy tools that look impressive but do little to address core operational challenges. This is why only 5 percent of enterprise-built AI tools ever make it into production. The companies that succeed take a different path. They delve into the business itself, uncovering where AI can make the most significant difference. Predictive maintenance that prevents costly downtime, quality control that reduces waste, and supply chain optimization that improves resilience are just a few areas where measurable impact becomes possible. What often separates success from failure is expertise. Internal teams, no matter how skilled, can be limited by organizational bias, resource gaps, and familiar ways of thinking. That is why internal builds succeed only a third of the time. Third-party AI experts, on the other hand, bring fresh perspectives that identify blind spots, challenge assumptions, and apply proven frameworks that raise the success rate to nearly 70 percent. With the proper guidance, AI stops being an expensive experiment and becomes a powerful, revenue-generating asset. For manufacturers, this shift marks the difference between falling behind and building a sustainable competitive edge.

Flip the Script: Discussion of Primary Concerns of US Manufacturers and the Impact of Technology

SOUTHWEST Session: Moderated by: Jamie Goettler, BTX Precision Rather than start with a discussion of all the technologies available in the industrial marketplace, this panel session will start by outlining the primary concerns of manufacturing businesses. By first appealing to what the audience (machining businesses) cares about most at the start, the panel will logically ease into a discussion of how available technologies can help achieve greater outcomes for these businesses…in other words, solutions to the preeminent problems. Among the concerns highlighted at the outset will be improving competitiveness (domestically and globally), throughput (business growth), and yes productivity in the face of the manufacturing skills gap. The panel will be represented by industry leaders who either are dealing with these concerns directly, or those that have a “front row seat” to a variety of companies that seek to survive and thrive. Technologies that will be addressed will likely include automation, robotics, workforce training, machining technology, machine monitoring, software and AI to name a few. The above will be discussed in the first Executive Perspectives panel discussion on Tuesday, followed on Wednesday with another critical topic…cybersecurity.

Billy Bogue

Speaker at SOUTHWEST: Billy Bogue, President, Matsuura Machinery USA

Production Scheduling Re-Invented

SOUTHWEST Session: LillyWorks’ Protected Flow Manufacturing (PFM) solves “The Late Problem” for manufacturers by implementing the “Dynamic Production Method” (DPM). DPM applies 3 principles from Lean/TOC and other manufacturing improvement techniques to deliver fast results so that Manufacturers can quickly see their On-Time Delivery go up, and their production lead-times go down. Manufacturers can implement DPM quickly using LillyWorks’ Protected Flow Manufacturing (PFM) software. PFM speeds the flow of information to production personnel, so they have the visibility to make the right decisions to accelerate the flow of material and workorders through the manufacturing shop. Manufacturers implementing PFM typically see significant improvements in OTD, reductions in production leadtimes, and increased throughput within 60 – 90 days. PFM can be used in a stand-alone mode, or tied directly to the company’s ERP system.

Errol Burrell

Speaker at SOUTHWEST: Errol Burrell, National Product Manager, Matsuura USA

U.S. National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing – Requesting Input from the Manufacturing Community

SOUTHWEST Session: Join us for a town hall event designed for exhibitors and attendees to help shape the future of federal research and development in advanced manufacturing. SPECIAL REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Register Here Participants will share insights to help define the priorities for the 2026 – 2030 National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing, which guides Federal efforts to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing. The plan is revised every four years to provide new federal priorities in advanced manufacturing research and development, aiming to create jobs, boost economic growth across various sectors, and strengthen national security. This town hall session augments an online Request for Information (RFI), enabling participants to voice their views and catalyze deeper input into priority areas. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has posted the complete set of questions in the Federal Register. The National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Advanced Manufacturing will manage the RFI process, and the NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing will collect and analyze the information. Learn more here: White House Fact Sheet This exclusive town hall roundtable gives manufacturing leaders the opportunity to: Get a seat at the table with peers and policymakers Make your voice heard in shaping U.S. manufacturing priorities Provide deeper insights beyond the formal Request for Information (RFI) process.

Evolution of Material Disruption with Automation & AI

SOUTHWEST Session: This demonstration showcases how agentic automation streamlines material replacement and inventory management using UiPath Maestro. The flow begins with an MTR (Material Test Report) being received, processed, and linked to its corresponding purchase order (PO). Upon identifying a defective material, the system transitions to a Maestro-driven workflow where an intelligent agent analyzes the issue, reviews inventory, and finds suitable substitute materials. The agent then recommends replacements based on availability and need. A human operator reviews and refines these recommendations—such as adjusting shipping quantities—and approves an automatically drafted email prepared by the remediation agent for the customer and requisition team. The demo concludes by highlighting how this automation fits into a larger source-to-pay and manufacturing management process, improving speed, accuracy, and end-to-end efficiency.

The Future of Manufacturing: Harnessing Acumatica, AI, ML, LLMs, and IoT

SOUTHWEST Session: The future of manufacturing is being reshaped by the integration of Acumatica, AI, ML, LLMs, and IoT. These technologies collectively drive unprecedented efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. Acumatica’s cloud ERP streamlines operations and scalability, while AI and ML optimize production, predict maintenance, and analyze data for smarter decision-making. LLMs enhance communication and automate documentation, and IoT enables real-time monitoring and interconnected smart factories. Together, they reduce costs, minimize waste, and foster agility, positioning manufacturers to thrive in a competitive global market. By embracing these advancements, companies can achieve long-term success, transform their operations, and lead the industry into a new era of productivity and sustainability.