AI Profitability & Readiness Survey

  • AI Profitability & Readiness Survey

    Helping Small Manufacturers Compete Smarter

  • The Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence is launching this survey to better understand how small and mid-sized manufacturers are approaching AI to learn where the greatest opportunities exist to improve profitability, productivity, and competitiveness.

    As emerging technologies continue to reshape manufacturing, it is critical that adoption is both strategic and practical. Your insights will help identify real-world challenges, priorities, and high-impact use cases, ensuring future AI solutions are aligned with the needs of manufacturers like you.

    This survey should take approximately 8–10 minutes to complete. Your responses will further the development of targeted AI service pathways.

    Thank you for helping shape the future of manufacturing.

  • Company Profile

  • Primary Industry Served (select all that apply):
  • Number of Employees
  • Primary Production Model
  • Which core systems do you currently use? (select all that apply)

  •  AI Awareness & Current Use

  • How would you rate your organization’s understanding of Artificial Intelligence?
  • Are you currently using any AI-enabled tools?
  • If yes, where are you using AI? (select all that apply)
  • What is your biggest barrier to AI adoption?

  • Profitability & Operational Priorities

  • Which areas most impact your profitability? (Select top 3)
  • How often do you experience unplanned downtime?
  • Which performance metrics do you consistently track? (select all that apply)

  • AI Solution Pathways

    MEP National Network is considering developing structured AI “solution pathways” focused on clientvalue. Please review the following concepts.

  • A. Revenue & Quoting Optimization
    Improve win rates, protect margins, and reduce quote turnaround time with AI-assisted pricing and forecasting tools.

    B. Smart Scheduling & Throughput
    Increase production capacity without adding labor or equipment through AI-driven scheduling and bottleneck modeling.

    C. Predictive Maintenance & Asset Reliability
    Reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment life with AI-based monitoring and failure detection.

    D. AI Quality & Compliance
    Reduce scrap, rework, and audit risk with AI-powered inspection and quality trend detection tools.

    E. Demand Forecasting & Inventory Optimization
    Improve cash flow and reduce inventory volatility with AI forecasting and supply chain risk modeling.

  • Which ONE pathway would deliver the most immediate financial impact for your organization?
  • Which SECOND pathway would you prioritize within 12–24 months?
  • What challenges or barriers are preventing your company from adopting or expanding AI use?
  • If MEP Centers offered a structured 6-month pilot program for your topchoice, would you:
  • What level of investment would you consider if ROI were clear within 12–18 months?
  • Would you be willing to participate in an AI advisory cohort to help shape the MEP National Network’s future service offerings?
  • Should be Empty: