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We identified key challenges that our teams regularly face and discussed how AI technology could boost efficiency.”
information to work more efficiently and make faster decisions. Since the technology has been implemented into daily operations, it has allowed our teams to continue to deliver the quality and reliability that Russell Roof Tiles customers expect.
“ One recent example of how these AI tools can speed up administrative tasks includes one element of our month-end financial reporting, a process which previously took around 60-90 minutes each month has been automated to be completed in approximately just three minutes. Alongside this, machine operators can now update stock numbers in real-time once a production run is complete, rather than the production team updating this on the system manually 8-10 hours later.”
Digital tools used across roof tile production
The AI tools are being applied beyond manufacturing quality checks, including order management and access to operational information.
Faster access to relevant information is being used to support order management, allowing teams to provide updates on orders and deliveries and coordinate information with build programmes.
The technology is also being used to automate administrative processes that previously required manual input.
One example cited by Russell Roof Tiles is its month-end financial reporting, where a process that previously took between 60 and 90 minutes is now completed in approximately three minutes.
Stock information can also be updated by machine operators when a production run finishes, rather than being entered manually by the production team several hours later.
The manufacturer said the changes
Chris Bailey, Group IT Director at Russell Tiles
are intended to give production and operational teams access to information at the point it is needed.
The use of AI has been developed internally over the past year, with hundreds of hours invested in creating tools to address specific processes and challenges identified by the company.
Bailey added:“ Our quality manufacturing will always depend on the knowledge and experience of our fantastic staff. We are demonstrating how AI can complement that expertise.”
AI supports digital transformation at Burton sites
Russell Roof Tiles manufactures concrete roofing products and accessories for the UK housebuilding sector from its two Burton upon Trent sites.
The introduction of AI forms part of the manufacturer’ s wider digital transformation of its manufacturing and operational processes.
The technology is being used alongside existing manufacturing systems, including the company’ s ERP platform, rather than replacing the role of production staff.
Machine operators continue to make adjustments during production, with the digital systems providing real-time information to support those decisions.
The approach also creates a more immediate link between information generated on the factory floor and the teams responsible for production, stock and order management.
Bailey has been invited to discuss the use of AI at Russell Roof Tiles at the SyteLine User Network( SUN) 37th Annual Conference in New Orleans in March 2027.
His presentation will focus on the use of AI within the company’ s ERP system and its role in the digital transformation of its manufacturing operations.
The use of AI comes as manufacturers across construction supply chains look to improve production efficiency, reduce waste and make greater use of data generated during manufacturing.
For Russell Roof Tiles, the technology is being applied to a range of processes, from quality monitoring and machine operation through to stock management, order information and financial reporting.
The manufacturer said the tools have been developed around specific operational requirements, with the aim of allowing its teams to access information more quickly and make decisions during day-to-day manufacturing activity. www. corc. co. uk www. roofingtradesjournal. co. uk
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