AI Is Moving from Possibility to Priority
90%
of manufacturers expect to increase generative AI usage over the next two years.1
67%
of manufacturers report having a corporate AI strategy in place today.1
61%
believe AI will be a game changer for manufacturing by 2030.1
Turn AI Ambition into Operational Impact
AI can help manufacturers solve real business problems, from improving quality and safety to streamlining workflows and making better use of production data. But successful AI is not just about choosing a tool. It depends on the right use case, the right data, the right infrastructure, and the right plan to scale. Connection brings together manufacturing expertise, modern infrastructure, security, lifecycle services, and the applied AI capabilities of CNXN Helix® to help manufacturers take a practical path forward.Explore AI Solutions for Manufacturing
See More Value from the Cameras and Systems You Already Have
Vision AI helps manufacturers turn visual data into operational insight. From safety monitoring and quality inspection to workflow visibility and facility security, Vision AI can help teams detect issues faster, reduce manual review, and support more responsive operations.Example use cases:
- Safety and PPE monitoring
- Quality inspection
- Asset and inventory visibility
- Facility security
- Process and workflow monitoring
Start Small, Prove Value, and Scale with Confidence
AI-in-a-Box gives manufacturers a practical way to deploy AI where it can create value, whether that is on the factory floor, at the edge, in a lab environment, or inside a controlled enterprise setting. Instead of starting with a broad AI transformation effort, manufacturers can begin with a focused environment built to support real use cases, secure data access, and faster learning.As part of that approach, CNXN Helix Jumpstart Services help teams identify the right use case, configure the environment, validate performance, and create a path from pilot to scale.
Example use cases:
- Edge AI and factory-floor use cases
- Private AI environments
- RAG and knowledge assistants
- AI pilots using controlled data
- Department or site-specific AI adoption
Put AI to Work Inside Everyday Workflows
Many manufacturers are already invested in Microsoft tools. Connection can help teams use Copilot and Copilot Studio to improve productivity, automate workflows, and create AI-powered experiences that support business users across departments.Example use cases:
- Workflow automation
- Internal knowledge assistants
- Employee productivity
- Customer service support
- Back-office process improvement
Move from AI Assistance to AI-Driven Action
Agentic AI helps manufacturers move beyond simple chatbots or one-off automation by creating intelligent AI agents that can understand requests, access information, take action, and support more complex business workflows.These AI-powered agents can connect people, data, and systems to streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and improve responsiveness across the organization. From customer service and employee support to operational processes and knowledge management, Agentic AI helps manufacturers automate repetitive work while enabling teams to focus on higher-value activities.
Rather than simply providing answers, Agentic AI enables organizations to build digital teammates that can help drive outcomes across the business.
Example use cases:
- Customer service and support
- Employee help desk and IT support
- Field service workflows
- Knowledge access and case routing
- Multi-step business process automation
Strengthen Security Across IT and OT Environments
As manufacturers connect more systems, data, and production environments, security becomes even more important. AI-enabled cybersecurity tools can help detect threats faster, reduce manual analysis, and support stronger protection across IT and OT environments.Example use cases:
- Threat detection
- Malware investigation
- SOC efficiency
- OT security visibility
- Incident response support
AI Depends on the Right Foundation
AI success often depends on the systems behind it. Before a manufacturer can scale AI across plants, production lines, data environments, or business workflows, the right infrastructure, security, and lifecycle support must be in place.
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Modern Infrastructure and MulticloudAI workloads may require modern compute, edge infrastructure, cloud platforms, storage, and network connectivity. |
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CybersecurityConnecting IT, OT, cloud, and AI environments creates new security considerations that need to be addressed early. |
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Supply Chain and Lifecycle SolutionsAI initiatives often require devices, deployment, configuration, logistics, and lifecycle support to scale across teams or locations. |
Where AI Can Create Value
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Quality and InspectionIdentify defects, reduce manual review, and improve consistency. |
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Safety and SecurityUse visual data and intelligent alerts to support safer, more secure facilities. |
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Maintenance and Downtime ReductionAnalyze data to spot issues earlier and support more proactive operations. |
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Workforce ProductivityHelp employees find information, automate tasks, and reduce repetitive work. |
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Supply Chain and Inventory VisibilityImprove forecasting, tracking, and decision-making across operations. |
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Customer and Field ServiceUse AI to support faster response, better knowledge access, and more efficient service workflows. |
From AI Ideas to Real-world Outcomes
AI-in-a-Box
Learn how manufacturers can accelerate AI adoption with a practical, repeatable approach designed to help teams start small, prove value, and build a foundation for future growth.
Vision AI
Discover how manufacturers are using computer vision to improve safety, quality, security, and operational visibility while making better use of existing camera investments.
Agentic AI
Explore how intelligent AI agents can help automate workflows, support employees, streamline customer interactions, and create new efficiencies across the business.
Microsoft Copilot and AI Services
See how manufacturers are using AI-powered productivity tools and custom AI experiences to help employees work smarter and reduce manual effort.
Manufacturing Insights
Read expert perspectives, emerging trends, and practical guidance on how manufacturers are approaching AI adoption and digital transformation.
Ready to talk about Manufacturing Technology Solutions?
Call a Connection expert today.
1.800.998.0067
Ready to Explore What AI Could Do for Your Manufacturing Operation?
Connection can help you identify the right use cases, understand what technology is needed, and create a practical path from pilot to scale.16