Artificial Intelligence
AI for Metals Manufacturing
AI isn’t one thing. It’s a shorthand for a dozen different technologies: machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and optimisation algorithms. Each solves a different class of problem.
For metals manufacturers, the most valuable applications are narrow and practical. AI that reads mill certificates in seconds and extracts every heat number, grade, and mechanical property without anyone typing a thing. AI that calculates optimal cut sequences for bar, rebar, and structural sections, cutting scrap by up to 50%. AI that monitors stock levels in real time and flags reorder points before you run short.
None of this requires a data science team or a rip-and-replace ERP project. The best metals AI sits on top of what you already have: your spreadsheets, your email inbox, your existing ERP. It adds intelligence where it counts. You pilot on one product family. You go live in a day. You scale when it works.
Posts here cover practical implementations for metals manufacturers: certificate automation, cutting optimisation, inventory intelligence, and what to expect when you bring AI into a shop that’s been running on Excel and tribal knowledge.
Start with the problem you want to solve. Let the maths do the rest.
Using AI to make your warehouse operations smarter
- Steph Locke
- Archive , Blog
- May 7, 2021
- Updated
You can benefit from lower overheads by using AI to manage stock levels, whilst building a more scalable warehouse operation that is safer for employees, using AI.
Detecting defects with AI - a computer vision challenge
- Steph Locke
- Archive , Blog
- May 5, 2021
- Updated
With the pace of output on machines ever increasing, quality control becomes a lot tougher. Using AI to detect defective products sooner can help scale your quality processes and avoid significant stops.
EU to recruit world-class AI researchers
- Steph Locke
- Archive , Blog
- Mar 22, 2021
- Updated
While Europe is a global leader in academic research of human-centric artificial intelligence we lag behind when it comes to putting research into practice.
How can Digital Innovation Hubs support SMEs to adopt AI?
- Ruth Kearney
- Archive
- Mar 15, 2021
- Updated
A workshop on “AI-standardisation landscape & the role of Digital Innovation Hubs (DHIs)” discussed the role hubs can play in supporting the uptake of AI among SMEs and how they can help technology frontrunners.
Nightingale HQ joins Microsoft Cloud Accelerator
We are delighted to announce that Nightingale HQ has been selected to be part of the Women in Cloud (WiC) Microsoft Accelerator 5.0. The 6 month programme has been designed to accelerate women-led tech businesses to co-build, co-market and co-sell with Microsoft.
Microsoft Ignite 2021 announcements for manufacturers
- Steph Locke
- Archive
- Mar 2, 2021
- Updated
Microsoft Ignite is kicking off and as usual it's packed with announcements. This post gives folks in manufacturing a quick run down of the most important stuff they need to read about. Enjoy!
Artificial Intelligence growth in the EU
- Steph Locke
- Archive
- Feb 18, 2021
- Updated
This article is part of an ongoing series - link no longer works sharing insights into the development of AI policy in Europe. In November last year we were appointed to the European DIGITAL SME Alliance focus group on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and as an 'AI intensive' SME, we provide feedback on the adoption of AI technologies in relation with the impact of EU initiatives on the topic.
Grow your business with Social Media Listening
- Steph Organ
- Archive
- Feb 11, 2021
- Updated
Social media is an important medium for engaging with new and existing segments of your audience. While your social media efforts can help your audience connect with your product, you can be using social media listening to get deeper insights on them to drive operational efficiency and innovation. It's the marketing equivalent of business intelligence.
Boost operational efficiency with chatbots
- Steph Organ
- Archive
- Feb 11, 2021
- Updated
Many businesses are facing a pressing need to tidy up their operations, cut costs, and increase productivity due to the global pandemic. One surprising tool that can help you streamline processes is a chatbot. Everyone knows how chatbots can enhance customer service, but there are many other areas where a chatbot can be applied. In this article we explore how chatbots can bring about operational efficiencies when used for internal processes such as supporting HR and company communications.
Building operational resilience in times of crisis
- Steph Locke
- Archive , Blog
- Feb 5, 2021
- Updated
Operational resilience has always been a key factor in business success, but not enough businesses consider their ability to take stress in turbulent times until it is too late. Covid-19 has been a huge wake-up call for many, presenting uncertainty and disruption.
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