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Introduction to AI in Manufacturing

Date: January 15, 2027
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Duration: 4 Clock Hours (One 4-Hour Session)
Location: State Fair Community College | Sedalia Campus | in-person
Instructor: Dr. Richard Byfield
Registration Deadline: January 1, 2027
Cost: $299 per participant
Category: Technology and Professional Development

Training Description

Artificial intelligence is changing how manufacturers approach production, quality, maintenance, automation, and decision-making. Introduction to AI in Manufacturing provides participants with a practical foundation for understanding AI technologies and how they can be applied within modern manufacturing operations.

Through instructor-led demonstrations, real-world manufacturing examples, and guided activities, participants will explore technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, and generative AI. The course will examine current applications of AI across quality inspection, robotics, production scheduling, inventory management, process optimization, maintenance, and supply chain operations.

Participants will also learn what is needed to successfully implement AI, including reliable data, connected equipment, cybersecurity considerations, workforce readiness, and clearly defined business goals. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to identify potential AI opportunities within their own operations and develop a practical roadmap for beginning their organization’s AI adoption journey.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Explain artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and generative AI.
  • Distinguish between common AI technologies and their potential manufacturing applications.
  • Identify ways AI is currently being used across manufacturing operations.
  • Recognize the data, equipment, systems, and connectivity needed to support AI implementation.
  • Evaluate potential benefits, challenges, and risks associated with adopting AI.
  • Identify manufacturing processes within their organization that may benefit from AI.
  • Consider workforce, cybersecurity, data privacy, and return-on-investment factors when evaluating AI opportunities.
  • Understand the basic steps involved in planning and implementing an AI pilot project.
  • Develop a practical roadmap for beginning AI adoption within their organization.

Training Outline

Understanding AI in Manufacturing

  • What is artificial intelligence?
  • Understanding machine learning
  • Understanding computer vision
  • Understanding generative AI
  • Differences between AI, automation, and traditional programming
  • How AI is changing modern manufacturing

AI Applications on the Manufacturing Floor

  • AI-assisted quality inspection
  • Computer vision and defect detection
  • Robotics and intelligent automation
  • Predictive and preventive maintenance
  • Production scheduling and planning
  • Process monitoring and optimization
  • Real-world manufacturing use cases

AI Beyond the Production Floor

  • Inventory management and forecasting
  • Supply chain optimization
  • Procurement and material planning
  • Analyzing production and operational data
  • Improving documentation and knowledge sharing
  • Using generative AI to support administrative and operational tasks
  • Identifying opportunities across the organization

Preparing Your Manufacturing Environment for AI

  • Understanding the importance of manufacturing data
  • Data quality and availability
  • Sensors and connected equipment
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
  • Manufacturing information systems and data integration
  • Cybersecurity and data privacy considerations
  • Understanding technology and infrastructure requirements

Evaluating AI Opportunities

  • Identifying manufacturing challenges AI may help address
  • Selecting high-value use cases
  • Evaluating feasibility and available resources
  • Considering workforce impacts and employee readiness
  • Understanding implementation costs
  • Evaluating potential productivity improvements and return on investment
  • Recognizing when AI may not be the right solution

Building an AI Adoption Roadmap

  • Identifying organizational AI goals
  • Selecting an appropriate pilot project
  • Engaging leadership, employees, IT, and other stakeholders
  • Establishing project goals and success measures
  • Testing and evaluating AI solutions
  • Planning for implementation and scalability
  • Developing a practical AI adoption roadmap

Materials Provided

  • Certificate of completion

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for manufacturing leaders, supervisors, engineers, operations professionals, production managers, maintenance personnel, quality professionals, continuous improvement teams, IT professionals, and other employees interested in understanding how AI can support manufacturing operations.

It is especially valuable for manufacturers beginning to explore AI and looking for practical guidance on identifying opportunities, understanding implementation requirements, and determining where to begin.

If a company representative is registering one or more employees for an open enrollment training, all training communications will be sent to the company representative unless the employee's email address is provided.

Company Address: Please enter the address of the company location where the trainees are employed and will be attending the training from.
Company Address: Please enter the address of the company location where the trainees are employed and will be attending the training from.
Open Enrollment Registration 

As part of the registration process, you may be asked to provide optional information, including your email address and date of birth. This information helps SFCC maintain accurate student records, document completed training, and identify potential opportunities for credit for prior learning. All information is securely maintained in accordance with college privacy policies.

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Refund Policy:

The college reserves the right to cancel if sufficient registration is not achieved. Every effort will be made to notify registrants by phone or email if an event is cancelled. Full refunds will be issued for events cancelled by the college.

If you need to cancel your registration, please contact our office seven (7) days before the start date to receive a full refund, less 10% service charge if payment was made by credit or debit card. Expenses such as supply fees, food costs, tour fees or other costs associated with the event besides the event fee will be refunded only if The LearningForce has not incurred those costs. If an event has a deadline, that date is also considered the cancellation deadline.

If you have a situation that warrants an override of the above policy, an explanation of the circumstances should be made in writing to The LearningForce office. The request will be reviewed to determine if a refund can be granted, and you will be notified accordingly. Refunds should be received within 30 days.

Contact Information:
  • Phone: (660) 530-5822
  • Email: thelearningforce@sfccmo.edu