123 365 F1/F3 (subscription plans designed specifically for frontline workers and include communication, collaboration, and productivity tools) and Copilot Chat are built to overcome these barriers by providing frontline workers with intuitive access to critical data. “They need a wealth of information at their fingertips to make better decisions in the moment, but that information isn’t always so easy to find,” says Ladha. “Microsoft’s role is to provide frontline workers with the right tools to keep data secure, regardless of their role, device type or organisation size.” Microsoft is working with multiple partners to develop AI solutions, two of which are technology companies, Tulip Interfaces and Sight Machine. Tulip uses Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Fabric to power a no-code platform that digitises shopfloor workflows, connects machinery and provides real-time operator guidance – leading to improved accuracy and reduced downtime. Meanwhile, Sight Machine’s Manufacturing Data Platform, integrated with Azure and Fabric, analyses the entire production line as a system. With tools like Factory Copilot, a natural language AI assistant, frontline workers can query production data in real time, facilitating quicker decision-making and operational efficiency. For instance, global packaging and protective solutions company Intertape Polymer Group implemented Factory Copilot, achieving a 50 per cent reduction in Sight Machine onboarding time and a 25 per cent increase in weekly system usage. “These advancements are proof that AI and cloud platforms can transform manufacturing operations and empower workers at scale,” says Ladha. From predictive maintenance and documentation access to real-time diagnostics and decision-making, AI is proving its value on the frontline. The tools exist, but the challenge is adoption. By bridging the digital divide with role-specific tools and secure platforms, manufacturers can unlock the full potential of their frontline workforce and unlock new levels of operational efficiency and agility. INDUSTRIALS & MANUFACTURING “ Microsoft’s role is to provide frontline workers with the right tools to keep data secure” DMG Mori, a manufacturer of high-precision machine tools, has integrated Tulip Interfaces' no-code platform to empower frontline workers, streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency Photo: Tulip Interfaces
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