498. AI Agents in Manufacturing: From Decision Support to Autonomous Execution

On the Transform Now podcast, host Michael Marchuk interviews Renan Devillieres, founder of OSS Ventures, about applying AI (especially agentic systems) in manufacturing and supply chains. Renan shares his background in operations and tech, and explains why most AI deployments are “old processes with new tech,” arguing instead for redesigning workflows around AI. He describes cases where autonomy is limited by missing data and undocumented human heuristics, citing examples where 40–60% of decision data isn’t in systems and where planners relied on hundreds of unwritten rules. He outlines a practical approach: automate first, learn what’s missing through iteration, then change the organization to capture gains. The conversation covers cultural transparency, leadership, reshoring economics, Tesla’s industrialization model, the advantages of family-owned manufacturers, and why successful adopters focus on a few high-impact AI initiatives that materially move the P&L.-Beyond Point Solution AI-Autonomy and Data Gaps-Capturing Tribal Knowledge-Jobs Culture and Trust-Leadership and Disruption-Reshoring and Gigafactories-Scaling AI for Mid Market-Family Firms and Long View-Transparency and Fast ChangeVisit us on our socials:🦾 Get started with SS&C Blue Prism: https://okt.to/JcMLdU🧑‍💻LinkedIn: https://okt.to/k8zIdp✖️Twitter: https://okt.to/fHyd9G🙋‍♀️Facebook: https://okt.to/Vyjfiz📸Instagram: https://okt.to/5nYvIf💭Blog: https://okt.to/QuGqVP🤩Case studies: https://okt.to/ft1AMXTo ensure that you never miss an episode of Transform NOW, be sure to subscribe!