Generative AI also can tailor existing materials for another audience. For example, an IT team could prompt ChatGPT to edit communications about a technology strategy to make it more digestible for general audiences.

Finally, using text-to-image AI tools, a user can input textual descriptions from user manuals and instructions to produce visual aids for various steps or procedures.

3. Branding and marketing

Text-to-image AI tools can help improve customer-facing aspects of the business. For example, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney and Adobe Generative Fill create new, noncopyrighted images by using text prompts. Manufacturers can input textual descriptions of their products, and the AI models will then generate corresponding images. This can save a significant amount of time and effort creating high-quality visuals for promotional materials or product catalogs.

Some generative-AI tools also accept existing images. For example, you can upload an image and then prompt the AI tool to change its color or adjust the style.

4. Manufacturing-process improvement

Generative-AI tools can evaluate a current process and identify ways to improve it. The user inputs an outline of a process into ChatGPT and then asks for strategies or suggestions to optimize it.

Companies operating in an engineer-to-order environment often face lengthy sales cycles and may not reliably share information across departments. Here, Chat GPT can generate a list of important information needed when taking on a new sales opportunity, or for a process to manage a lengthy sales cycle. The responses will affirm whether you’re capturing all of the needed information at the right stages, and how to share and review it.

5. Employee training and upskilling

Upskilling employees is an effective strategy for managing a staffing gap, especially amid the ongoing labor shortage. Training and development also can help high-performing workers move into leadership positions or take on new responsibilities.

AI tools can help managers make personalized upskilling and training plans. For example, prompt ChatGPT or other tools to create a training plan based on the skills an employee currently has, and the skills needed in order to expand their role. Refine the output by adding prompts that address preferred learning styles or ways to incentivize the plan to keep employees motivated.

AI tools also can help employees adjust to new roles. For example, an employee can ask AI to explain unfamiliar concepts and receive quick, easy access to a comprehensive explanation.

6. Quality assurance and testing

Manufacturers can use text-to-image AI tools for quality-assurance purposes. Try this exercise: Describe the desired attributes or characteristics of a product in text and see what an AI model generates. This can help manufacturers compare generated images against actual products to complete quality-control checks.

Text-to-image AI tools also can simulate product testing or virtual environments. By describing different scenarios or conditions in text, an AI model can generate corresponding images of those conditions. This can prove particularly useful in the automotive and aerospace industries, where virtual testing can identify potential issues before building physical prototypes.

7. Product development

Manufacturers can use text-to-image AI tools to generate visual representations of products. This can prove helpful during the initial stages of product development and prototyping, enabling designers to quickly visualize concepts before investing resources into physical prototypes.

Text-to-image AI tools also can help engineers design custom products. Manufacturers can take text-based input from customers (such as preferences or specifications), and AI models can generate visual representations of the customized product. This enables manufacturers to offer tailored products without extensive manual design work.

How to Safely Use Generative-AI Tools

While AI presents a variety of possibilities, it’s important to remember the very necessary human element. First, the tools carry some risk. The information input may not be secure, so it’s important to monitor how employees use the tools. Limit the use of proprietary or personal information, and never submit a document, image or prompt that contains identifiable or financial information.

The output received only is as good as the prompts submitted, and prompts can include an endless variety of factors. Encourage employees to be creative and experiment so that they continue to learn about the tools and their potential applications. And let them keep experimenting as the tools mature and new features are added.

Finally, do not view the output from the AI tools as finished products, especially for text-based content. Have someone proofread and edit generative-AI’s work before it’s finalized or published. MF

See also: Wipfli LLP

Technologies: Management

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