FEATURE Industrial AI
Manufacturers can embed AI-driven transport planning within their ERP operational systems
to visualise and simulate any product, plant, or factory in its full context, in real-time. From a supply chain standpoint, digital twins allow manufacturers to test the impact of supplier changes, routing adjustments, or inventory shifts in a controlled environment. Already, over 40% of manufacturing firms pilot digital twin technology with full rollouts continuing to emerge as many experience significant operational cost reductions and enhanced planning benefits. Then there’s the renaissance of IoT, accelerated by advances in AI. The global manufacturing AIoT market is expected to reach a value of $211.7 million by 2030, as more organisations experiment with the technology’s ability to transform raw data from connected assets into actionable intelligence that improves machinery performance, processes, and safety outcomes. For instance, sensors can continuously track the location and condition of goods in transit, providing real- time visibility. This enables timely intervention if a shipment is delayed or disrupted in the event of supply chain issues.
When it comes to understanding the continuous supply chain intelligence payoff, research shows 95% of supply chain executives believe their CEO recognises the supply chain’s impact on profitability. Yet this outlook overlooks the other benefits that continuous supply chain intelligence can bring to the UK manufacturing industry.
Sustainability goals Not only does an ‘always-on’ approach improve operational resilience by enabling faster responses to disruption, it also supports sustainability goals by identifying more efficient and responsible supply chain choices.
As the UK moves closer to its NetZero 2050 goal, an organisation’s ability to manage energy consumption and operational performance more efficiently will help the manufacturing sector contribute towards this sustainability target. In an environment defined by constant change,
organisations that cannot adapt quickly risk being displaced by those that can. Continuous ‘always- on’ supply chain intelligence is how organisations not only respond to change but stay ahead – regardless of the chokepoint in question.
IFS
www.ifs.com/en
Safety Scaling AI in Modern Automation
Harness the power of AI-driven automation while maintaining accountability, transparency, and control. 19
automationmagazine.co.uk Automation | September 2026
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