Source: IndustryWeekView original →
TechnologyMarch 15, 2026
The Big Productivity Gains Will Come from Cross-Functional AI
Summary
While fewer than half of AI projects have moved past the pilot phase, experts say the real productivity breakthrough in manufacturing will come when AI systems are interconnected across departments. McKinsey describes the current state as a productivity paradox similar to the early PC era, where gains only materialized once systems were networked across organizations.
Why It Matters
Manufacturers investing in siloed AI tools may not see ROI until they connect systems across quality, supply chain, and production. Companies that build cross-functional AI strategies now will be positioned to capture outsized gains as the technology matures, while those waiting risk falling further behind.