With technology constantly evolving, companies have a choice: adapt or fall behind. Here at Reata, we prefer to take this one step further by leading the charge, investing in software and adopting cutting-edge tools that we believe will make a great impact on our industry. And with our latest innovation, manufacturing AI is at the center.
We’ve recently taken a bold step in using artificial intelligence to preserve something that is instrumental to how we run as an organization: our internal culture and operating norms.
Why SOPs Aren’t Enough in Modern Manufacturing
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) have long been the bedrock of quality and consistency. But, to be honest, it’s common for SOPs to fall by the wayside, as they can easily become outdated, particularly for precision machine shops that are constantly adapting and updating. That’s why we’ve started building something better than traditional SOPs: an internal chatbot powered by a Large Language Model (LLM), trained specifically on Reata’s procedures, culture, and tribal knowledge.
When Adam Zaouague, one of our engineers, tested it out with a scenario and asked the AI model what Reata would do in the situation, it gave a surprisingly accurate answer. It wasn’t just a copy-paste from our SOPs; it actually mirrored the kind of judgment and nuance you’d expect from one of our seasoned team members. After receiving solid answers on a handful of tests, we realized we were onto something.
What Is Manufacturing AI Doing for Us?
Right now, our LLM isn’t customer-facing, but instead is being used internally as a cultural compass and a knowledge-sharing tool. But its value is already clear:
Supporting the growth of new team members
We’ve encouraged new team members to ask the chatbot questions like, “How does Reata fixture this type of part?” or “What’s our approach to dealing with tolerance disputes or inconsistencies?” So far, they’ve gotten answers that are grounded in our own experience and best practices.
Reducing decision-making stress
Project managers and engineers often face complex, high-stakes choices. By offering a starting point, the LLM removes decision paralysis and reinforces company standards.
Preserving historical knowledge
When long-time employees eventually retire, their knowledge shouldn’t just disappear. Our LLM captures it and shares it, so we can continue to share it with future generations of Reata’s employees.
A Model Use Case: Manufacturing AI in Action
Recently, we had a situation with a customer who received parts from Reata and another source. These parts had extreme tolerances, and even though we completed the parts in spec, they didn’t fit. Traditionally, we’d take the parts back and fix them, which we did. But we also realized this wouldn’t have happened if we’d been allowed to produce both mating components.
Upon receiving this issue, we asked our internal AI how Reata would handle this. The chatbot returned with a summary nearly identical to a response our CEO, Grady Cope, would have written. It captured our core values of accountability and ownership in our customer service, and showed us just how well our custom LLM understands our brand and culture.
From the Engineers’ Desks to the Shop Floor
We’ve always believed in the impact of design for manufacturing (DFM) and collaborative problem-solving, whether we’re handling complex CNC machining projects or managing assembly and sub-assembly services. Now, with this AI tool, our engineers can access knowledge instantly and apply it across departments.
Even fixturing and tooling decisions are being guided by Reata’s norms rather than habits carried over from other shops. That means fewer inefficiencies and greater consistency across all of our contract production services.
A Long-Term Solution for a Lasting Legacy
One of the biggest sources of anxiety for our customers in managing their supply chains is what happens when key people leave. Will the company still operate the same way? Will quality slip? These are valid questions and concerns.
With our AI model learning more about the inner workings of our company every day, we can confidently say that Reata will remain Reata.
While we see the value of manufacturing AI in various facets of our business, this tool in particular will be instrumental in helping us future-proof our organization. As the company grows and evolves, manufacturing AI gives us the ability to keep what works, what doesn’t, and maintain the high standards our customers rely on without being dependent on a single person’s memory or expertise.
At Reata, we’re not just investing in machines and metrics; we’re investing in long-term trust and a sustainable culture. And in our ever-changing manufacturing world, this might be one of the smartest moves we’ve made yet.
When you’re ready to partner with an innovative contract manufacturer that’s set for the future, discuss your next project with our expert team.