Digital Transformation in Steel Inspection
of steel samples , and newer methods of inspection . Moreover , the AI modeling estimations were shown to be useful for inspector training , providing a completely new training service to the company that further alleviates the burdens on veteran inspectors .
From a hardware-sales business model perspective , the redesigned system solves the customer ’ s pain points via automation , with a strategy of minimizing the human role in the process . However , this is not the customer ’ s objective , as human inspectors are a critical resource and highly valued . The customer ’ s objective is in fact to better enable inspectors to perform their critical role of quality assurance .
Gartner describes digital humanism as a means of redefining the way people ’ s goals can be achieved . Contrasted with automation , digital humanism focuses on minimizing the complexities and difficulties a human user has when using a system . Instead of automating system processes and tasks for the purpose of eliminating human operation , the goal becomes instead to empower human users to do more with the system , potentially unveiling new uses and providing new value that was otherwise unachievable 12 .
It is important to note that the AI modeling is not intended to eliminate the human inspector from the process . In fact , it is critical to retain skilled inspectors for the steel manufacturers competitive advantage . Regulations also prevent the sole use of AI to perform metallic inclusion inspection , so until such regulations are updated , human inspection is necessary . The use of AI modelling is therefore intended to offload many mundane tasks and allow the inspectors to focus on the non-repetitive analysis steps .
While automation is a key process improvement , it is not the end goal . Supporting the steel inspector ’ s ability to identify issues with the steel production process is the end goal ; this involves both machine automation as well as improved human involvement . By combining automation with digital humanism , the focus on providing customer value can be maintained 13 .
The successful deployment of MetalSpector helped validate the managed services approach at the business level . Since then , new image inspection services for other manufacturing and infrastructure applications have been developed , opening new business opportunities . For example , Toshiba has created a new managed service for the pharmaceutical industry , to measure surface defects in PTP packaging sheets . Similar managed services are also being developed for the inspection of film materials , paper , and non-woven cloth . Because these use
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Brian Prentice : Digital Humanism Is a Key to Digital Success . s . l . : Gartner , 2021 .
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82 November 2021