thinkBIG

Cutting through the AI hype

Chapters

1 The AI journey every business is taking

Learn about AI, how businesses are using it, and what the latest trends show us

2 Understanding AI risks

Common AI risks and legal considerations, plus how to protect your business

3 Developing an implementation roadmap

Step-by-step implementation roadmap for effective AI adoption

4 Making AI part of everyday work

Leadership’s role in AI adoption and how to overcome staff hesitation

5 Measure, iterate and improve

Why AI adoption can never be ‘set and forget’

The ARM Hub was established in Queensland in 2020 as Australia’s first robotics and advanced manufacturing hub backed by government and industry.

 

The AI Adopt Centre was opened four years later to provide practical support to manufacturers wanting to explore how AI could enhance their operations.  

 

Michael Hunter, Manager at AI Adopt Centre, has worked closely with many local manufacturing companies and says AI presents exciting possibilities and complex challenges simultaneously

“There is a lot of hope surrounding AI adoption as well as many hurdles. We meet some manufacturers who aspire to advanced solutions that can optimise entire parts of the manufacturing process, while others are more interested in streamlining administrative tasks.

“We have had a lot of success using Claude AI to code apps that can replace burdensome admin processes. For example, a manufacturer might have the latest robotic set up but still record production schedules on paper. At some point that data has to be transferred to a computer system which takes time and effort.  

“When Claude codes an app that can manage this process in seconds, even though the app contains no AI at all, we have successfully used AI to solve a business problem. We’ve also made the data digital in real time which means we can explore how AI might be used in other ways such as analysing production trends, flagging discrepancies, or making predictions. 

“Because there are so many possible use cases for AI in manufacturing, the goal is to find those that provide the most value, in the shortest time, with the least risk. This allows people to see what’s possible with AI and develop confidence using it.  

 

“Moving forward, I would like to see more businesses get AI-ready so they can leverage AI more as it improves. Business owners don’t always know their internal processes as well as they think they do, and this gets in the way of realising value. 

Being AI-ready means doing the pre-work, getting structured data in place, tinkering with simple use cases, and finding out where AI is really necessary versus automated technology. 

I would also like to see more support for regional manufacturers, as access to practical advice and services can be difficult for them.” 

This case study is featured in our thinkBIG report, Cutting through the AI hype: A practical guide to AI for SMEs.

Turning AI opportunities into real business outcomes

From reducing administrative workloads to improving decision-making, AI is helping businesses unlock new efficiencies. 

Explore RSM's thinkBIG report, Cutting through the AI hype, to discover how organisations are putting AI into practice.

Contributors

Ross Dixon
Partner
Business Advisory
Tim Linke
Partner
Corporate Finance
Ashwin Pal
Partner
Risk Advisory
Laurel Millar
Director
Digital Advisory
Aleesha Bailey
Director
Business Advisory
Joel Ashworth
Director
Business Advisory
Ben Ingham
Senior Manager
Data Analytics
Sharelle Jarius
Senior Manager
Internal Audit

 

 Ready to put AI to work in your business?

Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or looking to build on existing capabilities, RSM can help you identify opportunities, manage risks and develop a practical approach to AI adoption.

Please provide your company name.

 Cutting through the AI hype