SMAS: Using AI to Strengthen Manufacturing Problem‑Solving

Join SMAS for a practical workshop on using agentic Artificial Intelligence( AI ) to improve root cause analysis on the shop floor.

In this practical in person workshop, you’ll learn how agentic artificial intelligence (AI) can support better problem solving in real conditions. It shows how AI can help improve the quality of root cause analysis without slowing teams down, adding workload or replacing engineering judgement.

What the workshop covers

You’ll explore:

• Why root cause analysis often weakens when production pressure is high
• How artificial intelligence is being misused to fill in root cause analysis paperwork, rather than support thinking
• What agentic artificial intelligence means in practice

We’ll explain:

• What we mean by agentic AI in a manufacturing setting
• How AI can act as a consistent thinking coach when experienced support is not available
• How to improve root cause analysis without adding time or complexity

Live demonstration:

You’ll see a realistic, live demonstration of how a Copilot‑based AI agent can:

• Review a rushed, end‑of‑shift root cause analysis
• Flag vague causes such as “operator error” or “machine age”
• Challenge gaps in cause‑and‑effect thinking
• Prompt for observations, measurements and evidence
• Help improve the next question, rather than provide the answer

This mirrors how root cause analysis is carried out on the shop floor, by busy people under real pressure.

Interactive exercise

You’ll take part in a short exercise that looks at:

• How small changes to prompts can improve the quality of AI support
• How to use AI to challenge assumptions, rather than complete templates
• How stronger questions lead to more useful root causes
• Avoiding low‑quality AI use on the shop floor

We’ll also cover:

• Common ways AI is misused in root cause analysis today
• Warning signs that thinking has been handed over to the tool
• Simple guardrails to keep analysis grounded in facts and observation

What you’ll gain from attending

By the end of the workshop, you’ll:

• Understand how to use AI without outsourcing thinking
• Be able to spot weak root cause analysis patterns before they lead to repeat issues
• Learn practical, repeatable ways to improve analysis under pressure
• Leave with realistic and safe ways to test AI in your own environment

This workshop is designed for:

• Operations managers and production leaders
• Manufacturing engineers and technicians
• Supervisors, team leaders and continuous improvement practitioners
• Organisations exploring AI while protecting good judgement

No AI or software expertise is required.

Arrival from 9:30am for a 10am start. Lunch is provided at noon.

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