Best Practices for Implementing AI Agents in Manufacturing Workflows

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Thomas Wilk, chief editor of Plant Services, is joined by Christine Nishimoto, director of asset management software at IBM, for an insightful discussion on how AI agents are reshaping data-driven asset management. Together, they explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in improving productivity, sustainability, and safety across manufacturing sectors. From tackling long-standing data challenges to envisioning multi-agent systems that can automate complex workflows, the conversation highlights the transformative potential of AI tools in industrial environments. Christine also emphasizes the importance of transparency, data integrity, and regulatory compliance as organizations adopt these technologies. Key takeaways Clean, accessible, and accurate data is critical for effective AI-driven asset management. AI agents can automate multistep tasks like work order creation, boosting efficiency. Tailored AI tools must respect industry-specific privacy and compliance standards. Adoption of AI across sectors is accelerating, revealing untapped optimization potential.