Connectivity, confidentiality, and curation – the three pillars of successful AI in manufacturing, where technology strengthens human capability and builds trust in data-driven decision-making.

In this episode of MPD Q, A & I, Samppa Lahtinen (M-Files) and Iiro Alhonmäki (Valio) discuss how AI empowers people, enhances quality, and integrates information across systems to create smarter, safer, and more collaborative industrial environments.

They share how focusing on real business challenges – rather than hype – unlocks the true potential of AI in manufacturing.

Guests:
Samppa Lahtinen, Senior Manager, Industry Solutions, M-Files
Iiro Alhonmäki, IT Service Manager, Valio
Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC

With 80% of AI proof-of-concepts never reaching production, what’s missing? In this episode, we challenge the notion that technological readiness alone drives transformation. 

According to Netum’s Chief AI Officer Jani Henriksson, it starts, and ends, with business value. From smart, small steps to integrating AI into your value chain, we explore how to approach AI not as a tech trend but as a strategic transformation. Learn how to identify the right use cases, manage organizational change, and avoid the common pitfalls.

Episode guest: Jani Henriksson, Chief AI Officer, Netum
Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC
Produced by Manufacturing Performance Days

Can AI systems be trusted in manufacturing? In this episode of MPD Q, A & I, we explore one of the most critical and complex questions facing the industrial AI revolution: trust. Our guest, Peter Sund, CEO of the Finnish Information Security Cluster (FISC), a branch of the Technology Industries of Finland, points out a sobering truth: while AI strengthens cybersecurity, it also enables more sophisticated criminal activity.

Episode guest:
Peter Sund, CEO, Finnish Information Security Cluster (FISC)
Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC

Produced by: Manufacturing Performance Days

What if AI-based automation could improve your quality assurance without massive data requirements? In this episode of MPD Q, A & I, Kai Lehtinen, CEO of Top Data Science, shares how visual inspection using computer vision can deliver real results in manufacturing, even if you're starting without historical data. How do you turn a concrete business challenge into an automation solution that scales and delivers measurable value?

Episode guests: Kai Lehtinen, CEO, Top Data Science

Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC

Produced by Manufacturing Performance Days

In this episode, we explore how flexible manufacturing and AI come together in practice, through the lens of Ingersoll Rand’s large factory investment. Joined by Fastems CEO Mikko Nyman and Ingersoll Rand’s Jani Mannila, we walk through a 4-step roadmap that shows how manufacturers can move from isolated automation to intelligent, real-time process optimization. Why is flexibility so critical, and how do we build the stable foundations AI demands?

Episode guests: Jani Mannila, Manager of Production and Method Engineering, Ingersoll Rand
Mikko Nyman, CEO, Fastems
Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC

Produced by Manufacturing Performance Days

Do we truly understand the extent of AI’s influence in manufacturing?

In this episode, we explore how research-driven innovation can accelerate AI adoption in industry. We dive into how organizations like VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
are helping to shape the future of manufacturing through applied science, strategic collaboration, and bold thinking, sharing real-world examples like an AI-based quality system that saved 700 truckloads of material.

Episode guest: Riikka Virkkunen, Professor of Practice, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC
Produced by: Manufacturing Performance Days

Are we still operating with practices from the past? How does AI influence companies' business models in manufacturing?

This episode explores the model-based approach and model thinking as tools to establish real product lifecycle management.

Episode guests: Juha Burtsoff, Sales Executive, Dassault Systèmes

Pekka Lähteinen, Director Technical Sales and Business Consulting, Dassault Systèmes

Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC

Produced by Manufacturing Performance Days

Where’s the real value in AI for manufacturing, and why do so many companies still miss it?

In this episode, we dig into the essential questions every manufacturing company should be asking when investing in artificial intelligence. From common pitfalls to future breakthroughs, we explore what it truly takes to create business value with AI, not just sprinkle it on like fairy dust.

Episode guests: Marko Aalto, Vice President, AI, Reaktor

Markku Myllylahti, Vice President, Industrial, Reaktor

Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC

Produced by Manufacturing Performance Days

Can the industry afford to leave untested the opportunities offered by industrial AI?

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the manufacturing sector. We ask: is AI the right tool, or just a tempting one? And perhaps most importantly, does Finnish industry still dare to dream?

Episode guests: Janne Öhman, CEO, Siemens in Finland and the Baltics

Jyrki Keinänen, Lead Solution Architect, Siemens in Finland and the Baltics

Host: Mia Backman, DIMECC

Produced by Manufacturing Performance Days