Manufacturing is at a turning point, and AI is shaping the future. To navigate this shift, companies need IT leaders who understand both the technology and the industry’s unique challenges. Enter Mina Girges—an IT expert with over 15 years of experience helping to transform IT operations, drive digital innovation and align technology with business strategy. Mina has led large-scale IT transformations, including a successful Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud adoption. His achievements earned him a spot as Ontario’s sole recipient of our ‘30 Under 30’ award in 2018.
Now, Mina is applying his expertise to help manufacturers embrace AI. His approach? Start small, build confidence and scale strategically. I asked Mina to share insights on how mold shops can introduce AI into their workflows and drive meaningful change.
The Breakdown:
Starting Small with AI in Manufacturing: For mold shops new to AI, Mina recommends beginning with tasks that deliver quick wins. “Start with predictive maintenance, quality inspection or automating repetitive administrative tasks,” he suggests. Tools like Microsoft Azure AI, Google AutoML and IBM Watson offer user-friendly options to explore AI’s potential without requiring extensive expertise.
Encouraging a Culture of AI Adoption: AI often brings concerns about job security and change. Mina advises shop owners to foster a culture of innovation by emphasizing AI as a tool for efficiency rather than replacement. “Encourage employees to experiment with AI-driven solutions and highlight success stories,” he says. Training programs and pilot projects can help build confidence and acceptance across teams.
Integrating AI Without a Major IT Overhaul: Many mold shops rely on older systems and handle sensitive customer data. Mina reassures that AI adoption doesn’t have to mean a complete IT transformation. “Cloud-based AI solutions, like AWS SageMaker or Google Cloud AI, allow shops to integrate AI without heavy infrastructure investments,” he explains. Secure data-sharing frameworks and gradual implementation help minimize risks while ensuring compliance with data security standards.
Scaling AI Successfully: Once an AI project delivers positive results, how can a shop expand without overextending resources? Mina advises taking an incremental approach. “Identify other areas where AI can enhance efficiency, but scale only when the first implementation is stable,” he says. “Maintain a feedback loop to refine AI applications and align them with business goals.”
AI is here to stay and will help mold builders improve efficiency, enhance quality and stay competitive in an evolving industry.
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