AI & automation: finding the right balance

By Neil Parton, managing director, Elumatec.

There’s no doubt that AI and automation are changing the landscape of industry, but with all the hype surrounding these technologies, it’s important to ask the right questions.

Rather than simply adopting AI for the sake of it, we need to focus on where it delivers real, measurable benefits – and where human expertise remains irreplaceable.

At Elumatec, we’ve seen automation transform the fenestration industry over the years. CNC machining revolutionised production, boosting precision and efficiency. AI now presents another leap forward, but it’s not just about machines.

This time, it’s about decision-making, process optimisation, and how manufacturers interact with data. The challenge isn’t whether AI has a role to play – it’s ensuring we use it in a way that genuinely enhances productivity, rather than overcomplicating tried-and-tested methods.

 AI in manufacturing

AI has the potential to make manufacturing smarter. Predictive maintenance can reduce costly downtime by identifying issues before they occur. AI-powered quality control can catch defects faster than human inspection, reducing waste. And with IoT integration, AI can monitor and adjust energy usage in real time, cutting costs and improving sustainability.

These are real, practical benefits – but they don’t apply universally. Manufacturers must be selective about where AI is implemented. For example, AI-driven scheduling can optimise production flow based on historical data, but it can’t anticipate last-minute order changes or unexpected supply chain disruptions in the same way a skilled production manager can.

AI can assist with customer interactions, but when dealing with high-value projects, people want to speak to an expert, not a chatbot.

In short, AI should complement human expertise, not replace it. The most effective businesses will be those that find the right balance between automation and hands-on experience.

Rather than treating AI as a one-size-fits-all solution, manufacturers should focus on areas where automation drives genuine efficiency. Some of the most impactful applications include:

• Smart machinery – CNC technology is already highly automated, but AI-driven enhancements could improve precision and reduce material waste even further.
• Predictive maintenance – AI can analyse machine performance in real time, flagging potential failures before they lead to costly downtime.
• Energy optimisation – With energy prices fluctuating, AI-driven monitoring can help manufacturers reduce consumption without compromising performance.
• Supply chain management – AI-powered inventory tracking can prevent material shortages and improve production flow.

These are areas where AI can deliver real value. But for processes that require adaptability, problem-solving, and hands-on craftsmanship, the human element remains essential.

The future of AI

There’s no question that AI will continue to shape the way we work. But while some claim that businesses failing to adopt AI will be obsolete within a decade, the reality is more nuanced.

As with any emerging technology, the key to success is a strategic, considered approach. AI shouldn’t be implemented just because it’s the latest trend – it should be introduced where it genuinely enhances efficiency, quality, and service.

At Elumatec, we believe in automation where it adds value. AI has a role to play in manufacturing, but the companies that thrive won’t be the ones that blindly chase technology. Instead, they’ll be the ones that integrate AI thoughtfully – enhancing processes while preserving the skills and expertise that define their success.

After all, technology is a tool. The businesses that get ahead will be those that use it wisely.