Manufacturers Breakfast panel explores practical path to AI adoption

More than 50 manufacturing leaders gathered for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber's second annual Manufacturers Breakfast to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the manufacturing industry and how businesses can position themselves to take advantage of the rapidly evolving technology. Moderated by Chip Carter, founder of the Oklahoma AI Roundtable, the discussion featured Madeline Mitchell Stacy, professor and executive in residence at the University of Central Oklahoma College of Business, and Scott Klososky, founder of Future Point of View. 

"Supporting the success of our existing manufacturers means helping them navigate the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry," said Erik Williams, senior manager of business retention and expansion for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. "Artificial intelligence is evolving quickly, and we wanted to give local companies access to experts who could provide practical guidance on how to approach AI strategically and responsibly." 

Throughout the discussion, the panelists emphasized that AI is no longer a future consideration for manufacturers. Instead, they encouraged businesses to approach AI with a clear strategy, responsible governance and a focus on practical applications that create measurable value. 

Mitchell Stacy said one of the biggest opportunities for manufacturers lies in identifying operational challenges where AI can improve efficiency. She shared an example from her time at Deloitte, where machine learning models analyzed data from conveyor systems to predict equipment failures before they occurred. By integrating those predictions into the company's maintenance workflow, the system reduced unplanned downtime and ultimately generated more than $200 million in annual savings. 

As organizations adopt AI, Mitchell Stacy stressed that innovation must be paired with thoughtful oversight. 

"When software fails, it fails loudly. But when AI fails, it fails silently." 

She encouraged manufacturers to understand the potential risks associated with AI, establish governance policies and evaluate how the technology can be implemented responsibly while still embracing opportunities for growth. 

Klososky encouraged manufacturers to develop a roadmap for AI adoption rather than simply experimenting with new tools. He recommended establishing policies and governance first, then working with individual departments to identify high-value use cases that can demonstrate measurable results and build momentum across the organization. 

The panel also addressed concerns about AI's impact on the workforce, emphasizing that the technology should be viewed as a tool that helps employees become more productive rather than replacing them. The speakers encouraged manufacturers to invest in employee training and involve frontline workers in identifying opportunities for AI, helping organizations build confidence while improving day-to-day operations. 

The discussion concluded with a common message: manufacturers that develop a thoughtful AI strategy today will be better positioned to remain competitive as the technology continues to evolve. By balancing innovation with responsible governance, businesses can unlock new efficiencies while preparing their workforce for the future.