IMEC Insights: AI for Illinois Manufacturers

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Insights You'll Gain

With this resource you will learn:

  • Practical First Steps: How to experiment with AI, assess ROI potential, and align with your current systems.

  • Workforce Readiness: The top three skills employees need for effective AI use and how to bridge the skills gap.

  • Data Quality Essentials: Actions you can take today to prepare your data for AI implementation.

  • Marketing Opportunities: How AI can deliver fast, measurable wins through marketing and customer engagement.

  • Operational Applications: Examples of AI tools that can optimize scheduling, maintenance, quality control, and more.

  • Adoption Roadmap: A clear process to identify, test, and scale AI initiatives for maximum impact.

2025 marks a turning point for AI adoption in manufacturing. While many small and mid-sized manufacturers approach AI cautiously; concerned about ROI, data readiness, and integration; momentum is building across Illinois.

This whitepaper provides five focused insight reports to help manufacturers navigate the AI journey:

  • Enhance the Workforce – Upskill employees and integrate AI into daily workflows.

  • Data First, AI After – Strengthen ERP systems and improve data quality for accurate AI outcomes.

  • Marketing with AI – Explore high-impact, low-barrier marketing applications as a starting point.

  • AI in Operations – Leverage AI for predictive maintenance, scheduling, quality control, and more.

  • Adoption Strategy – Identify opportunities, pilot projects, and scale solutions with measurable ROI.

Through case studies from Illinois manufacturers, you’ll see how peers are testing AI, building policies, and preparing for long-term integration, so you can determine the right next steps for your business.

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