Major ERP vendors continue to deliver AI-augmented products that enhance different aspects of the supply chain. Some have emphasized planning and logistics, while others have created AI-based process controls for the factory floor. Against this backdrop, Microsoft has announced compelling AI enhancements for existing supply chain and field service products.
Improved Handling of Finished Goods
Microsoft is previewing Tracked Components, a new feature within Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. It’s a valuable enhancement that will result in faster identification and segregation of finished goods with potential quality problems.
A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a list of all the raw materials, components, and sub-assemblies required to create an end product, including the quantities of each. The traceability feature enables the creation of an “As-Built BOM.” This means that the final BOM for a product can include the lot numbers or serial numbers for all components that were used.
Effectively, a company will be able to “track and trace” forward and backward. Every raw material lot that comes into the facility can be tracked to the specific batches in which they are used. And every finished good can be traced back to its individual components.
The forward and backward search capabilities will result in faster identification and isolation when a quality problem is found in either end of the supply chain. Improved accuracy is a boost to companies that are tracking for regulatory compliance purposes and allows manufacturers to check quality test results before materials advance to the next step of production.
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Field Service Reps Gain a Copilot
The company is also enhancing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service with Microsoft Copilot.
When a company announces a new application, it can be difficult to see the AI underpinnings at work. That’s not the case here; the digital technology pops, loud and clear. Combining Dynamics 365 Field Service with Copilot results in several new capabilities:
- Field service managers can use natural language to get information about work orders from Copilot
- Copilot summarizes work order details and also searches other fields like account information, cost, and contacts
- Copilot can draft email updates for the team — including customers
- When a repair is required, Copilot helps resolve problems by searching through product manuals to find relevant answers quickly
- Mixed reality tools allow video chat with offsite experts using the camera on a technician’s mobile device
What a great example of empowering front-line workers, putting this technology right in their hands, while the supply chain enhancements can make important contributions to product quality.
