Predictive analysis enables manufacturers to distill their data into manageable quantities, signifying future outcomes and offering insight into past errors. It does this by using artificial intelligence to study past data, recognize patterns and even predict the future.

Predictive analytics starts with capturing shop-floor data, such as from machines, sensors or operators. Software then converts this information — both manual and automated data — into standardized units of measurement. Subsequently, predictive analytics software uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detail a narrative about plant-floor operations, such as a chronological timeline around a machine failure. The software then interprets this data and predicts how a manufacturer’s operations will evolve.

Artificial intelligence and predictive modeling still require a human element: Especially staff to capture data, manage insights, deploy the software, guarantee production quality and more. 

This combination of staff and software helps teams to work more efficiently, giving them insight into mistakes and fast-tracking workloads.

It helps manufacturers to pinpoint problems, revealing process holes or weak links throughout a machine's history.

This cycle of improvement helps manufacturers to better manage resources, such as by spending money to maintain machines as needed. By knowing that by catching problems and spotting patterns, they can delegate resources prudently.

Manufacturers can also prevent disruption instead of reacting to it. This proactive mindset means that manufacturers have a heads-up regarding repairs, possible downtime and other potential issues -- and minimize them before they get out of hand. That means they will make more intelligent decisions along the way.

It also helps businesses to boost efficiency across their plants. By learning from past errors, they can prevent mistakes and optimize workflows.