Manufacturing scenario: Improve factory operations

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Available with: Copilot Studio Scenario level:
Extend

KPIs impacted

Production downtime

Overall equipment efficiency (OEE)

Value benefit

Cost savings

Increase revenue

Using Copilot to improve factory operations


1. Data connections

Connect MES (Manufacturing execution systems), QMS (Quality management systems).​

Benefit: Ensures necessary factory systems and data sources are in place and accessible.

The Factory Operations Agent in Azure AI can assist with this step.

2. Production insights​

The production manager can identify the bottlenecks and optimize throughput by receiving detailed insights into critical metrics such as overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), yield, and performance.​

Benefit:  The agent helps to identify inefficiencies and provides actionable insights in natural language for easy understanding and resolution.​

3. Root cause analysis​

When issues like breakdowns, delays, or defects arise, production teams analyze data to identify root causes such as equipment malfunctions, inefficiencies, or bottlenecks.​

Benefit: Helps production teams quickly pinpoint the root causes of issues and suggests corrective actions. This speeds resolution, cuts downtime, and prevents reoccurrence.

4. Asset maintenance​

To keep equipment reliable, it's important to predict potential failures by looking at sensor data and usage history. This allows for scheduling preventive maintenance to avoid unexpected downtime.

Benefit: Predict equipment failures using sensor data and usage history, providing recommendations for preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend machinery lifespan.​

5. Worker skilling​

Skill gaps are identified through data analysis, with tailored training recommended and progress tracked to improve productivity, safety, and employee satisfaction.​

Benefit: Targeted training boosts productivity and efficiency, enhances safety, and improves employee satisfaction and engagement.

1Access Copilot at copilot.microsoft.com or the Microsoft Copilot mobile app and set toggle to “Web”.
2Access Copilot at copilot.microsoft.com, the Microsoft Copilot mobile app, or the Copilot app in Teams, and set toggle to “Work”.

The content in this example scenario is for demonstration purposes only. You should evaluate how Copilot aligns with your organization’s business processes, regulatory requirements, and responsible AI principles.

Implementation information: Copilot Studio Factory Operations Agent