Global SAP services provider Cognizant (NASDAQ:CTSH) announced recently that it has signed a strategic collaboration agreement (SCA) with SAP Global Technology Partner Amazon Web Services (AWS), with plans to deliver advanced technology solutions and cloud computing services, focused on enhancing smart manufacturing capabilities for global enterprises across industries. This latest expansion of Cognizant's collaboration with AWS is designed to meet the growing market demand for Internet of Things (IoT), data, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud adoption in Industry 4.0 applications, such as digital twins, simulations, manufacturing execution systems, edge computing, and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity solutions, which Cognizant plans to demonstrate in its manufacturing innovation centers in the United States (U.S.) and India. "The businesses that will succeed in an era of AI-driven disruption, supply chain challenges, and evolving compliance requirements will be those that embrace smart manufacturing methods at the core of their production operations," said Anna Elango, EVP and head of Cognizant's Core Technologies and Insights. "The ability to leverage our deep IoT, AI and industrial automation expertise into solutions on AWS, will allow us to deliver innovative solutions for clients that aim to drive quality, efficiency, productivity, reduced unit cost, and improved plant flexibility." Recent SAPinsider research shows a continuing focus on mitigating the rising complexities and risks within supply chains, with 53% of companies noting that increasing complexities and risks is the top driver of supply chain transformation projects. In the recent research report, Building Resilient and Agile Supply Chains via Data, Analytics and Automation, companies also recognized the significance of AI/ML in supply chain operations, with 43% of respondents highlighting its increasing prominence on the corporate agenda. External pressures also influence the need to enhance data, analytics, and automation capabilities. Evolving customer expectations and demand (37%) and the pressure to run more sustainable supply chains (36%) indicate a growing societal and environmental consciousness among supply chain leaders. Further, the research shows that AWS is the second most commonly used cloud-based data management tool, cited by 40% of SAP supply chain practitioners. Under the collaboration, Cognizant will work with clients to advise, implement, deploy and manage smart manufacturing solutions, which include performing OT system integration, network modernization using an industrial data platform and autonomous plant operations tools built on AWS. Clients may experience a range of benefits to assist with manufacturing operations, including real-time visibility into production operations, predictive maintenance capabilities, and enhanced real-time data-driven decision-making, powered by generative AI. "To unlock the value of smart manufacturing, companies have typically had to contend with a lack of standardized technical protocols, high upfront costs, complex technology, and limited accessibility," said Ozgur Tohumcu, GM Automotive and Manufacturing at AWS. "With Cognizant's technology IP and platform and industry expertise built on AWS and leveraging AWS' advanced IoT and AI services, manufacturers will have access to high-quality levels of support and guidance to adopt smart manufacturing methodologies and achieve the associated benefits." Cognizant is already delivering smart manufacturing solutions in the aerospace industry, notably through Cognizant's engagement with Brazilian multinational aerospace firm, Embraer. "We have worked with AWS and with Cognizant, and it is great to see the two partners join forces to deliver additional value to the clients through their strategic collaboration around smart manufacturing solutions," said Gleverson Lemos, Head of Industry 4.0 at Embraer. Cognizant's Smart Manufacturing offerings leverage AWS Industrial Data Fabric (IDF) and Cognizant® Asset Performance Excellence (APEx) accelerator. These capabilities aim to improve operational efficiency through predictive maintenance, manufacturing quality and yield improvements. For example, by integrating a Cognizant generative AI feature, plant managers and engineers can access advanced guidance for effective troubleshooting, issue prioritization, and detailed resolution steps. This generative AI assistant solution leverages real-time and historical data from multiple operational and information systems, and a comprehensive knowledge base to streamline maintenance processes and improve factory outcomes, empowering staff to proactively address problems and boost productivity. What this means for SAPinsiders Participate in SAPinsider research. SAPinsider will be publishing a research report in December on AI in the Supply Chain that will explore the key drivers causing companies to adopt AI in supply chain, the primary strategies companies are deploying to operationalize AI in supply chain, the critical underlying capabilities that must be in place in order for AI to deliver durable outcomes, and the leading technology tools and providers companies are using to embed AI into supply chain processes and systems. Take the survey today and let your voice be heard! Integrate APEx with SAP Asset Management solutions. APEx integrates directly with SAP Intelligent Asset Management, helping to unify asset data across enterprise systems. This seamless integration enables real-time asset monitoring and creates a centralized asset performance view improving decision-making. Use APEx to enrich SAP Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) by feeding in real-time data for more accurate asset tracking, lifecycle planning, and performance forecasting. APEx’s performance improves when it has access to real-time data from SAP ERP, SAP EAM, and IoT sensors. SAP EAM’s functionalities, combined with APEx’s insights, create a comprehensive picture of asset performance. Leverage AWS IDF for data processing. IDF’s real-time data processing capabilities allow SAP customers to monitor equipment and process health, detect anomalies early, and address issues proactively. For example, AWS IoT SiteWise and AWS IoT Greengrass can collect, analyze, and visualize performance data, helping teams quickly identify and resolve issues before they escalate. Also, AWS Glue, a managed ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) service, can streamline data preparation and integration from various sources into IDF. This enables SAP customers to merge historical and real-time data, enabling better insights across the organization.