Everyone is talking about using AI in business. But actually finding ways to help it benefit the bottom line is a real challenge. Nordic manufacturers have been moving beyond automation into a new phase: experimenting with how to integrate AI into every layer of their operations – and are now gaining measurable results.
According to the State of AI in Finland 2025 report:
- 60% of Finnish companies are satisfied or very satisfied with their AI results.
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40% cite productivity gains as their main source of value.
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AI is shifting from exploration to large-scale execution – meaning pilots are turning into measurable business outcomes.
A recent OECD study reinforces this: in Finland, over 70% of large companies are using AI in daily operations compared to just 39% across the OECD.
The question is no longer if AI creates value – it’s how far companies can take it. We see four directions where Nordic manufacturers can benefit from AI solutions.
1. Making processes more efficient with data and AI
Sensors and IoT devices generate a constant flow of real-time data, and AI turns that flow into actionable insights. The result is smarter operations, faster decisions, and higher efficiency. Here are some examples of how we’ve helped our customers do more with AI:
Real-time optimization: Metso Metrics is a cloud-based remote monitoring service for crushing plants. Customers get live production and equipment data, allowing immediate process adjustments that improve utilization rates and performance.
Predictive operations: Robit benefits from an automated inventory management solution that combines forecasting and invoicing data to guide supply planning—reducing routine data crunching and allowing experts to focus on higher-value work.
What you can do: Shift from isolated pilots to scaling proven use cases that deliver measurable cost savings, higher uptime, and integration at scale.
2. Data integration and governance
Ask any Nordic manufacturer their biggest data headache, and you’ll likely hear the same answer: siloed systems. AI only delivers value when it has access to clean, structured, and well-governed data. Without it, even the smartest models fail.
That’s why leading manufacturers are investing heavily in data integration. Coupling process control data with CRM, supply chain or other data sources, opens the door to new business opportunities and more efficient processes. A unified IT/OT backbone turns scattered datasets into a competitive advantage.
At the same time, running advanced analytics such as forecasting or financial planning at scale requires mature ML Ops practices: versioning, monitoring, and lifecycle management to ensure models stay reliable in production. And with growing regulatory requirements around data privacy, safety, and AI ethics, compliance must be built into every layer of the architecture.
What you can do: Treat data governance as critical infrastructure.You can build once, integrate everywhere, and use it as the launchpad for AI at scale.
3. Autonomous operations and AI agents
Across the Nordic countries, manufacturers are building autonomous operations. Human–machine cooperation is becoming the norm: in ports, autonomous cranes unload cargo. In pulp factories, AI-enabled applications reallocate resources to ease bottlenecks.
People and AI agents work side by side. IoT devices act as the senses, AI agents handle decision-making in industrial operations, and humans provide the strategic oversight. Large language models (LLMs) make these interactions natural – operators can talk with AI systems instead of navigating complex dashboards.
At Vincit, we’ve helped our customers to develop solutions that embrace autonomous operations such as:
Equipment condition monitoring: Sulzer has an IoT solution that enables 24/7 monitoring to detect failures early and support predictive maintenance.
Smart waste management: Europress uses AI to optimize waste container emptying schedules, reducing costs and emissions.
What you can do: Use off-the-shelf AI for routine processes, but invest in custom AI where differentiation is built.
4. Cybersecurity with AI-enabled manufacturing
Protecting industrial operations is as critical as optimizing them. For Nordic manufacturers that are deeply integrated into global supply chains, digital resilience is a matter of both business continuity and security.
Modern factories are highly connected environments, and every device is a potential entry point. AI models can scan and detect abnormalities in automation networks faster than any human team. However, AI can also create new attack vectors for adversaries to exploit.
That’s why Nordic companies are embedding governance, security, and compliance into every AI project from day one. Manufacturers are partnering with cybersecurity firms to ensure resilience. In an AI-powered factory, safety is no longer just hard hats and warning lights – it’s trust in the digital backbone.
What you can do: Treat cybersecurity as a core pillar of your strategy, not just a compliance checkbox that needs to be ticked.
Find out how to use AI to gain a business advantage
For Nordic manufacturers, AI isn’t just about cost savings – it’s about reshaping how they work and compete at a global scale. AI solutions improve efficiency, integration, autonomy, and resilience.
The Nordic edge is all about trust and technical excellence. Now, AI is the next layer. Manufacturers that act today won’t just survive the next decade, they’ll thrive.
Interested to know how your company can take the next step with AI? Contact us to discuss more!
Written by Victoria Palacin and Lars Pittman
Victoria Palacin,
Capability and Delivery Lead, Data & AI
