Manufacturers are investing heavily in AI, Microsoft 365, automation, cloud technology, and digital transformation. But buying the technology is the easy part. The bigger challenge is getting people to use it effectively while protecting the operation from growing cybersecurity risks.
In this episode Denis O’Shea, Founder and CEO of Mobile Mentor, speaks with host, Lisa Ryan, about manufacturing cybersecurity, AI adoption, Microsoft Copilot, passwordless authentication, and the technology experience of frontline workers.
They discuss why manufacturers may invest in powerful Microsoft 365 and AI capabilities while employees use only a fraction of what is available. We also look at why frontline workers can be overlooked during digital transformation, even though they may be among the people most affected by new systems, security requirements, and changing workflows. Cybersecurity is another major part of our conversation.
Also discussed are the risks created by shared passwords and credentials, why passwordless authentication matters, and how cloud-based security can change the way manufacturers protect employees, devices, and information. We also explore what is coming next as Microsoft Copilot, AI agents, and automated workflows become more capable. These tools create opportunities for manufacturers, but adoption, governance, security, cost, and employee capability still have to be addressed.
