Scott MacKenzie and Asad Malik discuss the transformative impact of AI on maintenance and reliability in the industrial sector. Asad shares his background in mechanical engineering and his role at Fluke Reliability, emphasizing the importance of AI in enhancing efficiency and work enjoyment. A report by Microsoft and LinkedIn revealed that 75% of AI users are self-reliant, and AI tools have significantly improved efficiency. Asad highlights the evolution from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies, leveraging AI to analyze vast data sets. He advocates for hybrid systems combining AI with human expertise to optimize maintenance processes and predictive capabilities.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Asad Malik on LinkedIn to discuss further opportunities in leveraging AI for maintenance and reliability.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by CAP Logistics, emphasizing the importance of 24/7 insights into supply chains.
• Speaker 1 provides background on Scott MacKenzie, highlighting his dedication to industry innovations and trends.
• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, celebrating industry professionals and encouraging them to join the SMRP community.
• Scott introduces Asad Malik from Fluke Reliability, emphasizing his commitment to industry success.

Asad Malik's Background and Career Journey

• Asad Malik shares his educational and professional background, starting with a degree in mechanical engineering and moving up to various roles in the Middle East.
• He discusses his transition from plant engineering to vendor roles, including senior application engineer, training manager, and sales leader.
• Asad mentions his relocation to the United States and his current role as a senior reliability sales manager at Fluke Reliability.
• Scott and Asad discuss the harsh environment of the cement and mining industry, where best practices in maintenance and predictive maintenance are crucial.

Transforming Maintenance and Reliability Using AI

• Scott and Asad delve into the topic of transforming maintenance and reliability using AI and predictive maintenance.
• Asad references a report by Microsoft and LinkedIn, which surveyed over 30,000 people about AI usage in the workplace.
• The report found that 75% of people using AI tools were doing so without company support, highlighting the importance of personal AI adoption.
• Asad emphasizes the benefits of AI in increasing efficiency, boosting focus, and improving work enjoyment, leading to higher retention.

Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption

• Scott and Asad discuss the challenges of AI adoption, including the need for large data sets and the potential for information starvation.
• Asad argues that industrial research and papers will continue to contribute to AI development, ensuring its transformative impact on maintenance and daily life.
• They explore the evolution of maintenance strategies from reactive to proactive, with AI playing a crucial role in analyzing vast amounts of data.
• Asad shares a case study of Azima vibration monitoring, where AI helps in analyzing data from thousands of machines, significantly increasing efficiency.

Hybrid Systems and Human-AI Collaboration

• Scott and Asad discuss the importance of hybrid systems in maintenance, combining human expertise with AI tools.
• Asad explains how AI can handle large data sets, allowing human experts to focus on critical issues.
• They highlight the role of AI in enhancing human efficiency and decision-making in maintenance tasks.
• Scott shares his personal experience with AI tools, such as Copilot, which have transformed the way he seeks information and answers.

Future of AI in Maintenance and Reliability

• Asad predicts significant improvements in maintenance and reliability over the next decade, driven by AI and other advanced technologies.
• He emphasizes the need for companies to proactively adopt AI and other technologies to stay competitive and improve operational efficiency.
• Scott reflects on the rapid evolution of AI, from initial skepticism to widespread adoption, and the potential for future breakthroughs like quantum computing.
• They conclude with a discussion on the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to leverage AI in the industrial sector.

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

• Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Asad Malik on LinkedIn for further discussions on AI and maintenance.
• He reiterates the importance of attending events like SMRP to stay current with industry trends and innovations.
• Scott wraps up the podcast, expressing excitement about future conversations and the transformative potential of AI in the industrial sector.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder to stay tuned for more insights and discussions from the SMRP event.