Artificial intelligence promises greater efficiency, but does that have to come at the expense of jobs? Ohio Manufacturers’ Association member Affiliated Resource Group is examining how manufacturers can put AI to work without pushing employees out.

The company highlights a client that automated the time-consuming process of matching customer orders to internal part numbers. The improvement freed up the equivalent of three full-time employees, who were reassigned to inside sales positions rather than laid off.

Affiliated Resource Group also explores AI applications in predictive maintenance, quality control and preserving the knowledge of retiring workers. They emphasize that successful adoption starts with identifying specific operational challenges, not chasing the latest technology. The goal is to improve productivity, reduce costly disruptions and make better use of the skilled workforce manufacturers already have. 10/28/2026