New in-plant assessment helps manufacturers identify where artificial intelligence can make a realistic, measurable difference in their operations
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 10, 2026 — The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS), Tennessee's designated Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center, today announced the launch of its AI Opportunity Discovery Assessment — a structured, in-plant conversation guide designed to help Tennessee manufacturers identify where artificial intelligence and generative AI tools can deliver practical, high-impact results.
The assessment is not a sales call, a technology pitch, or a formal report. It is a discovery conversation — conducted on the plant floor and in the conference room — aimed at understanding a manufacturer's operation well enough to pinpoint two to three AI opportunity areas worth exploring. Manufacturers who complete the assessment receive a short summary of findings and a prioritized roadmap of next steps.
"We are at an inflection point for Tennessee manufacturers," said Tim Waldo, Workforce Consultant at UT CIS. "AI is no longer a future consideration — it's a present opportunity. This assessment gives manufacturers a clear, low-pressure way to understand where it could realistically make a difference for them, without the noise."
About the Assessment
The AI Opportunity Discovery Assessment covers key operational areas including quality and inspection, production planning, maintenance and downtime, workforce knowledge capture, supply chain, and customer quoting. Consultants visit the facility, walk the operation, and use a structured guide to surface pain points that AI tools are well-suited to address — from predictive maintenance and shift summarization to AI-assisted troubleshooting and automated quoting.
The assessment concludes with an Opportunity Snapshot that rates identified areas by priority and implementation effort, and an agreed set of next steps with clear ownership and target dates.
The Team
The AI Opportunity Discovery Assessment is led by a cross-functional team from UT CIS and the University of Tennessee System:
Tim Waldo, Workforce Consultant, UT CIS — With more than 17 years of manufacturing experience, Waldo joined UT CIS in 2017 to assist Tennessee manufacturers with workforce development strategies. He facilitates training in problem-solving, leadership development, and continuous improvement, and has led workforce assessments across the state including the Workforce Status Review and the Smart Talent Systems program. Waldo brings a people-centered lens to AI adoption, focusing on how technology can empower — rather than replace — the manufacturing workforce.
Enrique Macias de Anda, Ph.D., Manufacturing Consultant, Student Programs & Human-Centered Operations, UT CIS — Dr. Macias de Anda holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and brings expertise in lean production systems, quality management, information systems, and human-centered operations. A former faculty member and undergraduate program director in industrial engineering, he has industrial experience in the automotive and electronics sectors and has published research on lean value streams, operational excellence, and the intersection of Industry 4.0 and people-centered manufacturing. At UT CIS, he leads student engagement programs and serves as industry liaison for applied research initiatives.
Danny Norman, Advanced Manufacturing Consultant, UT CIS — Norman is UT CIS's technology specialist, supporting manufacturers with Industry 4.0 and automation assessments that provide a starting point for advanced technology investments. He led Tennessee MEP's efforts under a NIST MEP grant focused on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt advanced technologies including robotics, digital manufacturing, and automation. Norman is known for his ability to identify the connections between emerging technology and practical opportunities on the plant floor, and has presented nationally on the integration of technology, workforce, and lean principles for small manufacturers.
Victoria Hirschberg, Assistant Vice President for Research, Outreach and Economic Development, University of Tennessee System — Hirschberg brings more than a decade of economic development experience to the UT System, where she creates and implements innovation, community, and industry partnership initiatives across Tennessee. A former Business Development Director for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), she has driven complex multimillion-dollar investment strategies with global companies including Nissan, General Motors, Nokian Tyres, and Ultium Cells. At the UT System, she serves as a connector between the university and industry, helping ensure Tennessee manufacturers can access the full breadth of UT's research, resources, and partnerships.
How to Schedule an Assessment
Tennessee manufacturers interested in scheduling an AI Opportunity Discovery Assessment can contact UT CIS at CIS@tennessee.edu or 888-763-7439. The assessment is confidential, unbiased, and available to manufacturers across all 95 Tennessee counties.
The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) is an agency of the UT Institute for Public Service and serves as Tennessee's NIST-designated Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center. For more than 60 years, UT CIS has helped Tennessee businesses become more profitable and safer places to work by providing consulting, training, and technical assistance to manufacturers and communities across the state.