THE ROLE OF AI-IOT PLATFORMS IN ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS OF SMEs IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR

The combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry by allowing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to become more competitive in the market. Companies can now enjoy low operational costs, high product quality, and faster decisions thanks to these AI driven advancements. While AI analytics optimize production output, IoT smart devices enable monitoring and maintenance to be done in real time. In addition, AI IoT platforms improve logistics, resource distribution, and supply chain management. The implementation of these technologies encourages SMEs to innovate and allows them to compete with larger businesses. In addition, AI helps create personalized experiences for customers based on data and insights, which helps position businesses strongly in the market. Although there are many implementation obstacles, AI IoT solutions do provide great long-term sustainability. However, addressing issues such as investment barriers and cyber security is essential for broad acceptance. Future innovations will increase digital transformation in the manufacturing industry, thereby empowering SMEs even more. The successful implementation of AI-IoT depends on scalable and cost-effective solutions, workforce development, and the strength of cybersecurity measures.