AI for manufacturing operations — built for real workflow, not endless pilots
Find where the office and the floor lose hours. Put proven tools on the leak.
The problem this page is about
Many manufacturers already modernized machines (CNC, robotics, better equipment) and still lose time in quoting, scheduling, inbox, reporting, and knowledge stuck in one head. Leaders do not need another digital-transformation speech. They need operational leverage.
What TechCoach.ai does here
Mike Kanning runs a diagnosis-first AI Audit for US owners and senior leaders in manufacturing and similar high-mix operations. The session maps one real workflow, prioritizes 4–7 recommendations, and starts with quick wins using tools you already pay for when possible, including native ERP AI before a custom build.
Typical manufacturing time leaks (themes, not client claims)
- Quoting and estimating that wait on one person
- Daily scheduling / job-list grunt work outside the ERP
- Inbox and follow-up that bury the plant
- Reports rebuilt by hand every week
- Tribal knowledge leaving with long-tenured people
These are common patterns in high-mix shops. They are not measured results from a named client on this page.
The AI Audit
The AI Audit is $999. AI Audit details
FAQ
Is this AI for manufacturing operations or a plant-floor robot pitch?
Practical AI tools are for operations and leadership leverage: time and clarity in quoting, scheduling, knowledge acquisition, and reporting. Not a capital-equipment or robot sale.
Will AI replace machinists or welders?
No. Practical AI takes paperwork, process, and policy workflow grunt work off the plate. People keep the judgment and decision layer.
What kinds of time leaks does this target?
Common patterns are sales quoting that waits on one person, job scheduling grunt work outside a central ERP system, inbox and follow-up that bury the plant, reports rebuilt by hand, and tribal knowledge stuck in one head.
How does the $999 AI Audit work for manufacturing leaders?
Required prep survey, 45-minute audit conversation on your real workflows, written report with prioritized recommendations and a quick-wins plan, and a 30-minute review call within a week. Diagnosis before tools.
What comes after the Audit if we want ongoing help?
If it fits, the Fractional CIO & Tech Coach retainer is ongoing support after the roadmap, determined by your cadence on the workflow automations, not another endless pilot. Scope is set per engagement after the review call.