The UK’s economic growth and competitive lead depend on how well manufacturing sectors can embrace the power of AI for cyber defence.
UK manufacturing is in an ideal position to ride the wave of AI-driven digital transformation and reap rewards. As we enter this new era, the harmonious integration of AI into manufacturing leadership can help achieve major goals – optimise operations, minimise costs, prioritise sustainability and respond to fluctuations and demand with agility and resilience.
However, no conversation about AI advancement should be had without addressing the current environment. One that comes with increased risks, further amplified by increasingly sophisticated technology and adoption of digital tools and cyber-attacks are an example of such risks. What does this mean for manufacturing?
The UK manufacturing sector is impactful on the UK economy and there’s a lot at stake if this impact is unprotected. Manufacturing accounts for 9.3% of the total economic output of the country and 8.1% of employment. This means that as UK manufacturers adopt AI to strengthen their cybersecurity programs, they also have the opportunity to boost their resilience, to protect the economy and strengthen the UK as a leader in AI and cybersecurity.
A time of consistency alongside change
The basic aims of optimal manufacturing remain unchanged – manufacturers need to adapt to the current market environment, look at their existing technology investments and quickly identify areas where they can minimise costs while maintaining production levels and sustainability commitments. However, manufacturers are also working in a sector under transformation against the backdrop of political, economic and technological uncertainty.
Rapid technological transformation advances and reengineers supply chains, making them more resilient. We can see this through the use of AI, IoT and data that is enabling intelligent factories. We can also see this through the innovation and new real-time digital tools and products that are being unlocked.
Dynamic instability
This transformation is happening amidst an uncertain environment. Economic uncertainty, inflation, rising energy prices and labour shortages are disrupting operations and forcing companies to change their business models. Political and geopolitical uncertainty is present as the UK general election looms, and other geopolitical fluctuations around the world disrupt supply chains and reduce visibility for manufacturing businesses.
A major concern is cyber uncertainty where manufacturing companies need to have the risk of business cyberattacks on their radar.
The power of AI when boosting cybersecurity
As we see a rise in the use of AI by manufacturing businesses, we also see a rise in the risk of cyber-attacks. What’s interesting about this is AI is also powerful technology that can boost cybersecurity. Manufacturing companies are recognising the benefits of AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot for Security, to gain a competitive advantage and to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. In the UK, it’s a priority to increase the number of manufacturing organisations that are resilient to AI-enabled cyber threats. The nation’s long-term growth and competitiveness depend on it.
What does cyber protection look like for manufacturing?
Cybersecurity should be prioritised as cyber threats are expected. AI has the power to reinforce teams’ expertise in cybersecurity, Microsoft Copilot for Security is tailor-made to address these challenges. AI can plan and simulate attack scenarios as well as detect cyber threats to prevent or minimise the probability of a cyber-attack. AI can also set up clear protocols in case of an attack. If attacks do happen, AI allows teams to understand the scope and means of an attack in order to quickly address and resolve a threat or minimize damage.
AI is integral to resilience across manufacturing
Manufacturing companies must make cybersecurity a core business priority and commit to adopting AI across supply lines to ensure long-term resilience. The application of AI across product refinement may already be obvious. AI-driven cost optimisation, predictive maintenance, machine optimisation, product optimisation and loop of real-time production insights back to design and engineering all make sense. Companies must also focus investments on cybersecurity to stay competitive and drive growth. AI is evolving quickly and so is the sophistication of attacks. Manufacturing businesses must stay abreast of the quickly evolving AI and cybersecurity markets by leveraging knowledge sharing and focusing on open-source research breakthrough, to collaboratively drive resilience in the industry and in the UK.
Going into the future with sophisticated AI and cyber defenses
The UK manufacturing industry is unlocking innovation with the help of AI and maintaining what has always been prioritised: reducing costs without sacrificing product quality and function. Further, manufacturing optimisation is no longer just about cost reduction and product quality, we now have sustainability and carbon footprint impacting business models and this has become a crucial factor influencing consumer choice that trickles down to manufacturing decisions.
AI is essential for lean, agile, automated, and sustainable manufacturing with an empowered workforce. However, security of your IP, machines, and data are crucial and must be protected. Tailored responses to these needs – such as the Microsoft Copilot for Security – bring the right guidance to address some of the most pressing security challenges.
Learn more about how manufacturing and your business can launch into the future with adequate cyber defenses by reading our latest research report.
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