Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping industrial operations at every level and this transformation is most apparent in the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supply chain, says De Wet Joubert, Operations and Strategic Projects Director at RS South Africa.
The value of AI is shown in its ability to turn fragmented data into actionable intelligence through capturing, structuring and standardising information across processes and systems. Organisations with mature processes can leverage AI to anticipate demand, reduce stock errors and ensure critical parts are available when needed.
However, the benefits of AI are not only limited to inventory. Organisations can achieve cost reductions and improve operational reliability by deploying AI to simplify part naming, classify spare components and optimise procurement processes. This is particularly valuable in South Africa where industries such as mining, manufacturing and defence may operate with ageing assets, have complex supply chains and limited access to highly skilled technicians.
The South African landscape highlights the revolutionary potential of AI. Research by PwC South Africa shows that 81% of operations executives anticipate AI to drive operating profits by at least three percentage points by 2030 with over 50% anticipating gains of five percentage points or more. Yet only 13% report achieving a substantial return on investments made so far, pointing out the opportunity as local adoption evolves.
Collaboration and integration are integral to maximising the full potential of AI. Matching technological capability with industry expertise accelerates AI adoption, ensuring tangible improvements across the supply chain. Leveraging the use of AI will enable South African industrial organisations to improve uptime, optimise inventory and transform their MRO supply chains from cost centres into strategic enablers of operational excellence.
In the future, AI will move from optimisation to transformation. Advanced algorithms will enable predictive maintenance, dynamic inventory management and intelligent supply chain orchestration. Organisations that embrace AI strategically, align it with core processes and invest in data quality will not only improve efficiency but unlock entirely new ways of operating.
