Author: Luigi De Bernardini

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer an experimental technology confined to innovation labs—it’s becoming a practical and transformative force on the factory floor. As manufacturers seek more adaptive, resilient, and insight-driven operations, the combination of AI and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) stands out as a powerful catalyst. Together, they enable smarter decisions, faster reactions, and more autonomous processes—without sidelining human expertise. In the context of intelligent...

The global manufacturing conversation has begun to shift from Industry 4.0 to what is now being called Industry 5.0. While Industry 4.0 focused on automation, interconnectivity and data-driven optimization, Industry 5.0 introduces a complementary vision — one that reintroduces the human into the center of industrial transformation. It emphasizes collaboration between humans and machines, customization over mass production and a strong orientation toward sustainability, resilience...

The demand for greater levels of sustainability and adoption of circular economy principles across industry are not just trends, but clear responses to evolving market demands and societal shifts. Consumers today are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, favoring brands and businesses prioritizing eco-friendly practices. Businesses in the food and beverage sector are realizing that sustainability is no longer optional — it’s a fundamental expectation. Integrating...

The rapid evolution of industrial technologies has sparked debates about the relevance of traditional Manufacturing IT systems like Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Process Information Management Systems (PIMS). Some argue that IIoT-enabled data collection and cloud-based analytics can replace these legacy systems, pushing manufacturers to rely solely on data lakes for insights. However, this perspective often overlooks a critical element: Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM). MOM is a broader...

Generative AI represents a transformative force for industry. It can revolutionize product design, optimize production processes and enhance maintenance strategies. However, integrating generative AI into manufacturing systems is not without its challenges. A primary issue is data privacy, which is a huge concern in the era of generative AI. Manufacturing processes generate vast amounts of data, including proprietary information, operational details and employee personal data. Integrating...