# MESA and Tech-Clarity Launch 2024-25 Analysis and AI Research Program
## International Association for Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions (MESA) Continues Manufacturer AI and Analytics Priorities Study with Tech-Clarity
Author: MMH Staff
Date: September 30, 2024
The International Association for Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions (MESA) has announced its collaboration with research firm Tech-Clarity to launch the next phase of their long-term “Analytics Matter” research program. The study was officially launched during MESA’s Smart Manufacturing Live Virtual Event and will review progress made by manufacturers in performance metrics and analytics, as well as explore the value gained from artificial intelligence (AI) usage among manufacturers.
MESA and Tech-Clarity will conduct surveys to understand companies’ objectives, challenges, and successes in their analysis and AI projects. Survey results will be shared through research reports, infographics, and webinars in the first half of 2025. The survey will open to manufacturers later this year. Currently, the program has three sponsors: Aegis Software, Epicor, and GE Vernova. Up to six sponsors can join; for sponsorship information, contact Julie Fraser at Tech-Clarity.
“Analytics Matter” is an ongoing MESA initiative spanning 18 years, aimed at revealing the value of analytics through online surveys of global manufacturers and producers. MESA notes that Tech-Clarity, MESA, and sponsors will collaborate to develop this survey. The research for 2024-25 will expand to reflect not only the role of metrics and analytics but also the growing importance of AI and generative AI in manufacturing success.
Fraser will lead the study again, supported by the MESA Knowledge Committee and Analytics Working Group. Some questions will be based on previous MESA analysis studies to allow the team to analyze trends and progress. In recent research, industrial analytics showed the fastest impact time among various IT projects, with more respondents conducting advanced analytics projects in 2022. New questions will focus on the impact of generative AI, where different types of analytics are most effective, and what contributes to realizing the full value of AI in production companies.
Chris Monchinski, Chair of MESA International’s Knowledge Committee and Analytics Working Group at InflexionPoint, stated: “Over the years, we have seen the value of these analysis studies. They show progress made by manufacturers in technology usage and business understanding. Now, we will explore not only traditional metrics and analytics but also the adoption of the latest AI and generative AI technologies to provide insights into manufacturing. MESA’s ‘Analytics Matter’ podcast has supported these topics for years. Now, we’ll have new quantitative research to understand where value lies.”
“Manufacturers already know there is more potential in their data,” Fraser said. “This study aims to showcase the work they are doing with analytical data to create actionable insights and high-value improvements through descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis as well as current AI methods. MESA members and research sponsors will gain valuable learning opportunities from sharing experiences.”
Since 1992, MESA International has helped the global manufacturing community leverage information technology for business outcomes through top-tier education and research programs, best practice sharing, and networking events. MESA is a non-profit trade association under section 501(c)6.
—
Source: Modern Materials Handling
