# 306: From Systems of Record to Systems of Action: Putting AI to Work in Manufacturing with Sanjay Brahmawar

- Show: [Manufacturing Happy Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour)
- Published: 2026-10-13
- Length: 45m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur
- Listen: http://manufacturinghappyhour.com

## Summary

Sanjay Brahmawar, CEO of QAD Redzone, explains how his company uses AI agents to transform manufacturing systems of record into systems of action, focusing on amplifying human potential rather than replacing workers. He details specific use cases, including line lead agents that predict production issues and procurement agents that automate supplier communication, to address the industry's 500,000 open jobs. Brahmawar emphasizes that manufacturers can implement these solutions alongside legacy ERP systems without massive modernization, citing a 40% capacity increase for buyers and improved shop floor engagement as key outcomes.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=0) Introduction: Sanjay Brahmawar and QAD Redzone at mHUB
- [3:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=208) Debunking AI Myths: Modernization and Job Losses
- [6:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=385) Champion AI: From Systems of Record to Action
- [10:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=621) Brahmawar's Honda Background and Shop Floor Evolution
- [15:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=925) Example: Prioritizing Orders with Supply Chain Disruptions
- [19:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=1180) Procurement Agent: Saving 40% of Buyer Time
- [25:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=1549) Shop Floor Agents: Quality, Maintenance, and Line Leads
- [31:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=1884) Frontline Empowerment and Worker Retention Stories
- [36:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=2183) Customer Feedback: Budget, Talent, and Trust
- [40:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur#t=2440) Building Trust: Operation Bug Kill and Adoption

## Topics

- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- QAD Redzone (company)
- mHUB (other)
- IMTS (other)
- Honda (company)
- STÄUBLI (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [AI Agents and Humans: The Future of Factory Teams w/ Karan Talati](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-09-09-ai-agents-and-humans-the-future-of-factory-teams-w-karan-talati) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [AI, Digital Transformation, and Innovations with Arch Systems Cofounder and CEO, Andrew Scheuermann](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-11-14-ai-digital-transformation-and-innovations-with-arch-systems-cofounder-and-ceo-an) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [The Emerging Role of AI Agents in Manufacturing w/ Naresh Ram](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-04-08-the-emerging-role-of-ai-agents-in-manufacturing-w-naresh-ram) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Industrial DataOps and Rise of AI Agents w/ Aron Semle](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-07-01-industrial-dataops-and-rise-of-ai-agents-w-aron-semle) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Markets, Mayhem and Manufacturing: Insights on the Future of Electronics Manufacturing in the America](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-29-markets-mayhem-and-manufacturing-insights-on-the-future-of-electronics-manufactu) (EMS@C-LEVEL)

## Citing this page

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