How Innovation in Action Helped Ascent Safety Fabrications Explore AI Solutions

What happens when a manufacturing business is given the time, support and expertise to explore new technology?

For Ascent Safety Fabrications, taking part in the Innovation in Action Productivity Challenge opened the door to practical AI solutions that could help reduce manual processes, improve access to information and support productivity across the business.

The Innovation in Action Productivity Challenge helps manufacturers identify productivity challenges and explore innovative solutions. Through access to mentors, technology providers and specialist support, businesses can test new approaches and discover technologies that could make a real difference to their operations.

Ascent joined the programme to learn more about digital innovation and understand what technologies were available to businesses like theirs.

"We decided to get involved with the Innovation in Action programme to see what's available, particularly in digital innovation," the team explained.

Working with technology providers through the programme, Ascent began exploring two AI-powered solutions.

The first was a knowledge assistant designed to give staff quick access to the company's standard operating procedures, safe systems of work and other internal documentation through a simple chat-based interface. Rather than searching through multiple documents, employees can quickly find the information they need when they need it.

The second solution focused on drawing checking and design processes. Ascent regularly works with both in-house and customer drawings, which can require significant manual review. AI-powered software can help automate parts of this process by identifying potential errors and supporting common drawing tasks.

For the team at Ascent, one of the biggest benefits was gaining a better understanding of the technologies available and how they could be applied to real business challenges.

Reflecting on the experience, they described the programme as eye-opening, helping them discover practical solutions that could support more efficient ways of working.

Ascent's journey shows how innovation does not have to mean major disruption. Sometimes it starts with exploring new ideas, testing solutions and finding smarter ways to improve everyday processes.

If your business is looking to improve productivity, explore new technologies or solve operational challenges, Innovation in Action could help. Join one of our upcoming taster workshops to find out how the programme can support your business.