E212 ‘How AI Is Transforming Manufacturing’ with AIM Centre’s David Bermingham

Today’s guest is David Bermingham, Director of AI at Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre. The AIM Centre is dedicated to supporting Irish SMEs, particularly in the manufacturing sector, as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI. Their mission is to demystify AI, making it accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes. Through clear communication and hands-on support, the AIM Centre helps companies move beyond buzzwords and focus on tangible use cases that drive efficiency and growth.

The centrepiece of the AIM Centre’s efforts is a 10-week accelerator program, designed to guide companies from curiosity to capability. Participants come from a diverse range of industries, such as precision engineering, food manufacturing and more. They’re seeking to understand how AI can be applied in their unique contexts.

The program begins with “the art of the possible,” introducing participants to AI concepts in straightforward, jargon-free language. Early sessions focus on data discovery, where AIM Centre experts work with each company to identify bottlenecks and opportunities within their operations. This hands-on approach ensures that every use case is grounded in the realities of the business, not just theoretical potential.

David highlights that a recurring theme among participants is data overload. Many companies have more data than they know what to do with, but lack the tools or expertise to turn that data into actionable insights. The accelerator helps businesses prioritise use cases, starting with simple, high-impact projects that can deliver quick wins and build momentum.

For example, stock optimisation and supply chain management are common pain points. Many companies still rely on manual spreadsheets and disconnected systems, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By automating workflows and integrating data sources, the AIM Centre helps businesses gain real-time visibility, reduce manual effort, and make better decisions

The impact of the accelerator is best illustrated through real-world examples. David discusses how one precision engineering company, aiming to expand into the aerospace sector, faced a week-long turnaround time for processing orders. By leveraging off-the-shelf workflow tools, the AIM Centre helped them automate the extraction and processing of order information, reducing turnaround time and enabling the company to take on more business.

Another key takeaway is the importance of upskilling. The accelerator brings together participants from different departments, ensuring that knowledge and enthusiasm for AI spread throughout the organisation. This collaborative approach reduces the risk of “single point of failure” and encourages a culture of continuous improvement.

According to David, many companies find themselves stuck in “POC purgatory”- able to build impressive demos or proofs of concept, but struggling to operationalise and scale these solutions. The AIM Centre addresses this by focusing on low-code and no-code tools, empowering SMEs to move from experimentation to deployment, even without large IT departments.

Looking ahead, David explains how the AIM Centre is developing a national AI Studio – an immersive environment where companies can see AI in action, experiment with new technologies and collaborate on innovative solutions. From applications in finance and HR to name a few, the studio will showcase the breadth of AI’s potential across industries.

David also highlights that one of the most compelling aspects of the accelerator is its accessibility. With up to 80% funding available for SMEs, the program offers a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to explore AI. The AIM Centre’s commitment to practical, unbiased guidance ensures that companies receive the information and support they need to make informed decisions, without the hard sell.

The journey to AI adoption is rarely straightforward, but with the right support, Irish businesses are proving that it’s possible to move beyond the hype and achieve real, measurable results. The AIM Centre’s accelerator is more than a training program – it’s a catalyst for transformation, helping companies unlock the value of their data, streamline operations and build a foundation for future growth.

Get Involved with the AIM Centre’s AI Accelerator Programme for Manufacturing Companies. More details available at www.aimcentre.ie/ai-accelerator-programme