To address these challenges, KPMG introduces the three phases of AI value — a framework designed to guide manufacturers through the AI adoption journey. This phased approach can unlock significant value through AI-driven transformation, ensuring manufacturing companies remain competitive and innovative. Click on each of the phases below to find out more.
AI is reshaping the manufacturing landscape
KPMG's extensive research into AI in manufacturing reveals a transformative blueprint for manufacturers aiming to harness the power of artificial intelligence. AI has become a necessity rather than an option, enabling predictive maintenance, intelligent automation and data-driven optimization. By engaging with executive leaders across eight key global markets, this comprehensive report outlines actionable insights on how AI can transform industrial ecosystems to unlock AI’s immense value and create competitive advantage.
At-a-glance insights:
AI is a competitive necessity and early results are promising
believe that organizations in their industry that embrace AI will develop a competitive edge over those who do not
intend to use AI to improve efficiency, 77 percent to drive growth
have experienced operational and efficiency improvements and 62 percent experiencing an ROI of greater than 10 percent
However implementation has been challenging and sustainability is a concern
56%
have faced data challenges when implementing AI
78%
believe meeting sustainability targets is more important than AI
85%
have plans in place to mitigate the increased energy demands of implementing AI technology
Driving efficiency is a core strategic objective for manufacturing
Which of the following goals does your organization want to achieve through using AI? (Maximum 5) n=163
How to realize value from your AI transformation journey
Enable
The Enable phase focuses on enabling people and building AI foundations. Organizations appoint a responsible executive, create an AI strategy, identify high-value use cases, boost AI literacy, align with regulations and establish ethical guardrails. AI pilots are launched across functions, while cloud platforms and pre-trained models are leveraged with minimal customization.
Embed
The Embed phase integrates AI into workflows, products, services, value streams, robotics, and wearables, delivering greater value. A senior leader drives enterprise-wide workforce redesign, re-skilling and change, embedding AI into operating models with a focus on ethics, trust and security. AI agents and diverse models are deployed, supported by cloud and legacy tech modernization, while enterprise-wide data enhances operations.
Evolve
The Evolve phase evolves business models and ecosystems, using AI and frontier technologies like quantum computing and blockchain to solve large sector-wide challenges. AI orchestrates seamless value across enterprises and partners. Emphasizing ethics and trust with real-time security, this phase uplifts human potential with broad and deep workforce training, fostering a creative, innovative and value-driven future.

Intelligent manufacturing
The research outlines a detailed blueprint for AI manufacturing organizations, helping manufacturers chart a path towards unlocking AI’s immense value.
Our executive summary provides a cross-sector view of how organizations are navigating the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI. Download the executive summary to see the blueprint for intelligent industries to help you become an AI-powered, customer-centric organization ready to thrive in the intelligent economy.
Additional insights
Our people
- Jonathon Gill
- Martin Kaestner
- Carmelo Mariano
- S Sathish
- Adrian Clamp