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How to Spot a High-ROI Use Case for AI in Your Plant

Ray Beste

Aug 22 2025

3 min read

Ray Beste is Sikich’s Principal AI Strategist. With over 35 years of experience in the IT industry, Ray guides Sikich and its clients in the responsible, ethical and effective use of AI. After digesting the results of Sikich’s Manufacturing Industry Pulse survey, which found that most manufacturers are stalling in their AI implementation journey because they don’t see a clear use case, Ray shared his perspective on how leaders can identify high-ROI opportunities at their organization.

The Barrier Is Real and Common

Plenty of manufacturers are still sitting on the sidelines when it comes to AI. One of the main reasons why is pretty simple, according to the Sikich Manufacturing Industry Pulse: they don’t see a clear use case. Without a target, AI becomes a buzzword instead of a business tool.

That’s a missed opportunity. As I noted in the report, “To capture truly transformative data, manufacturers must rethink their workflows with an ‘AI-first’ mentality rather than simply bolting algorithms onto yesterday’s human-centered processes.”

Where AI Is Already Delivering

AI is making a real impact even in early adoption. The Pulse report shows promising results:

Sales, marketing and customer service: Lower acquisition costs and faster response times
Finance and administration: Less manual workload, cleaner data for decision-making
Process optimization: Streamlined workflows and less waste

What ties these wins together? They’re each real, measurable business outcomes.

Translating This Opportunity to the Plant Floor

The same approach works for core manufacturing challenges:

Quality control: AI can flag defects in real time, preventing scrap and rework.
Predictive maintenance: Anticipating breakdowns before they stop production.
Scheduling optimization: Balancing labor and machine availability to meet demand.
Inventory management: Reducing overstock and shortages through smarter forecasting.

A Simple Framework for Choosing the Right Use Case

Identify the pain point: Ignore AI for a moment and consider what exactly is costing time or money now.
Check the data: Is the right information being collected?
Estimate the value: Quantify the savings or efficiency gains.
Pilot it: Start in one department or process.
Scale it: Expand only once results are proven.

From Exploration to Execution

The Pulse data makes it clear: most manufacturers are still cautious. But that caution creates an opening. As Jerry Murphy, Principal and manufacturing services leader, noted, “Executives that choose to act will reap the rewards.” Those who move now in targeted and measurable ways can build a lead before AI becomes industry-standard.

The future isn’t about “having AI.” It’s about using AI where it counts. That’s where ROI lives.

This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.

About the Author

Ray Beste

Commencing his IT career with Sikich in 1989, the birth year of the World Wide Web, Ray has witnessed the evolution of technology from the inception of websites and browsers to the rise of smartphones and social media platforms. The advent of AI technologies, particularly Generative AI, has Ray focusing his attention on this and related technologies as he guides Sikich's internal use journey as well as that of our clients.