AI in Manufacturing: practical tools for supervisors and technologists

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a topic for IT departments. Today it can be used by shift supervisors, team leaders and floor technologists — for everyday tasks that would otherwise take hours. This course brings everything together in one place: what AI can realistically do in a manufacturing environment and how to start using it without writing a single line of code.

You'll get hands-on with tools like ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini and see how they can help you write reports and meeting notes, translate technical documentation, analyse data in Excel and quickly navigate lengthy manuals. The course also covers the limits of AI — from unreliable outputs and data privacy to cybersecurity risks — so you can use these tools confidently and responsibly.

Everything is taught through practical demonstrations and exercises on your own computer. You'll leave with concrete techniques you can apply at work immediately — no complex setup, no prior study required.

• No technical knowledge or prior experience with AI tools is required.
• Basic computer skills and an openness to trying new things is all you need.
• We recommend bringing your own laptop — the course is fully hands-on.

This course is designed for manufacturing professionals who want to understand AI and start using it in practice — regardless of their technical background.

What AI is and why it matters in manufacturing

• How AI works — practical and jargon-free
• Real-world examples from industry and everyday life
• Tool overview: ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, Grok — differences and best use cases
• Benefits and risks of AI in the workplace

AI in day-to-day work at a manufacturing plant

• Practical examples: predictive maintenance, quality control, process automation
• AI as a personal assistant: preparing documents, translating manuals and technical specs
• Simplifying admin: reports, shift logs, summaries
• Quickly finding your way around lengthy manuals and technical documentation
• Supporting production planning and logistics optimisation

ChatGPT in practice — from basics to advanced features

• Writing effective prompts — questions, tasks and commands
• Memory, limitations and when to use the tool
• Working with roles in ChatGPT: how outputs change depending on the assigned role
• Advanced features: extended thinking, deep research, voice mode, dictation
• Creating diagrams, working with projects and study features

Finding information and working with documents

• Data limitations in AI tools and the importance of verifying outputs
• Searching for up-to-date information on the web via AI
• Uploading files, analysing text and tables
• NotebookLM: importing, organising and connecting multiple documents at once

Data analysis and Excel with AI

• Analysing spreadsheets and datasets in Excel using AI
• Generating formulas, macros and charts from plain-language descriptions
• In-depth data analysis and optimising existing formulas

Other AI tools and models

• Copilot, Gemini, Claude, Grok — what sets them apart and when to use each
• Creative AI tools in action: generating images, videos and presentations
• Speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities

Risks, security and responsible AI use

• AI hallucinations: when the tool gets it wrong and how to spot it
• Protecting company data — what never to enter into AI tools
• Cybersecurity risks: deepfakes, phishing, misinformation

• You'll know what AI can and can't do, and where it genuinely makes sense to use it on the shop floor.
• You'll be able to produce reports, shift logs and team communications faster and more accurately with AI support.
• You'll handle basic data analysis and Excel tasks with AI assistance.
• You'll understand the risks of working with AI — what not to enter into these tools and how to protect company data.
• You'll save time through smarter information search and automation of routine administrative work.
• You'll leave with practical inspiration and a clear, step-by-step plan for bringing AI into your manufacturing environment.