Original Research

The influence of artificial intelligence on the manufacturing industry in South Africa

Manqoba L. Nzama, Gloria A. Epizitone, Smangele P. Moyane, Ntando Nkomo, Peggy P. Mthalane
South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | Vol 27, No 1 | a5520 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajems.v27i1.5520 | © 2024 Manqoba L. Nzama, Gloria A. Epizitone, Smangele P. Moyane, Ntando Nkomo, Peggy P. Mthalane | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 29 January 2024 | Published: 21 August 2024

About the author(s)

Manqoba L. Nzama, Department of Information and Corporate Management, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Gloria A. Epizitone, Department of Information and Corporate Management, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Smangele P. Moyane, Department of Information and Corporate Management, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Ntando Nkomo, Department of Information and Corporate Management, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Peggy P. Mthalane, Department of Information and Corporate Management, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing has the potential to considerably improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability. Artificial intelligence aids with tasks such as data processing and process monitoring, process modelling and optimisation, live fault detection, and process quality assessment in manufacturing processes.

Aim: This study sought to obtain a full understanding of the influence of AI on the South African manufacturing industry by exploring how AI technology is impacting productivity, reshaping the workforce, affecting quality control practices and optimising supply chain management among other issues.

Setting: Data in this study were obtained from 23 qualitative research publications that address the influence of AI on the manufacturing industry in South Africa published on ScienceDirect, Scopus, Springer, Web of Science and Google Scholar.

Method: Multiple correspondence analysis was utilised to analyse associations among quality, productivity, supply chain and workforce transformation in the presence of AI in the South African manufacturing industry.

Results: The findings demonstrate a substantial association between the usage of AI and a range of performance measures, suggesting that those organisations embracing AI technology can benefit from greater productivity, quality control and supply chain management. Additionally, findings emphasised the necessity of workforce transformation because of AI adoption.

Conclusion: The adoption of AI technology positively influenced the South African manufacturing industry, contributing to increased productivity and quality, and optimising the supply chain.

Contribution: This study makes a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge as AI adoption in the manufacturing industry in developing countries is only emerging.


Keywords

artificial intelligence; AI; manufacturing; industry; South Africa

JEL Codes

J23: Labor Demand; L23: Organization of Production; L60: General; M11: Production Management; O32: Management of Technological Innovation and R&D; R41: Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion • Travel Time • Safety and Accidents • Transportation Noise

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Metrics

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