A new toolkit developed by Made Smarter aims to provide manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with clear guidance on adopting AI in production environments.

The guide, titled “AI Adoption in Manufacturing: A Practical Toolkit from Made Smarter,” advocates for a “task-first approach,” instead of focusing on complex technologies. 

Made Smarter stated that this approach helps businesses identify areas where AI can eliminate low-value tasks, enhance decision-making, and support daily operations. 

Central to the toolkit is a structured “Scan, Pilot, Scale” framework that outlines how companies can identify operational challenges, test potential AI solutions, and expand use only when proven effective.  

The approach is intended to support manufacturers in managing risk while applying AI in practical, value-driven ways. 

Made Smarter released the toolkit following growing attention on AI’s economic role, especially in the UK’s industrial sector, where safety, productivity, and compliance are critical.  

Despite high awareness, many SMEs have remained cautious about implementing AI, given the complexity of manufacturing settings, the company stated. 

Professor Chris Dungey, AI champion for advanced manufacturing at the Department for Business and Trade and chief technology officer at the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, co-authored the guide with Made Smarter North West.  

Professor Chris Dungey said: “This toolkit is not about pushing manufacturers faster than they are ready to go. It is about helping them move with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure AI delivers measurable impact rather than stalled pilots. 

“If the UK is to realise the productivity, resilience and competitiveness gains that AI can offer, we must focus less on isolated success stories and more on repeatable adoption pathways. This toolkit is an important step in that direction, helping manufacturers move from curiosity to capability, and from pilots to scaled industrial impact.” 

The guide highlights practical scenarios where AI supports manufacturing activities, such as operational process improvements, automation of routine tasks, and predictive maintenance. It also addresses challenges, including fragmented data sources and resource limitations that SMEs typically face. 

Real-world examples feature companies such as D Squared Product Development, Ritherdon & Co., Arden Dies, and ELE Advanced Technologies, which are already employing AI to modify design, optimise order workflows, and oversee equipment performance. 

Expert input from the Manufacturing Technology Centre supplements the guide, with additional analysis on workforce impacts and the types of skills necessary for implementation. 

Made Smarter North West lead technology adoption specialist Kevin Smith explained: “Made Smarter provides hands-on support to help manufacturers adopt digital technologies, including AI, in a way that delivers measurable results. From initial diagnostics and roadmapping through to pilot projects and scaled implementation, the programme helps businesses move at a pace that suits them.”