Cognizant: How AI and Digital Technologies Are Powering the Future of Manufacturing

In conversation with Niraj Seth - VP & Head of Manufacturing, Logistics, Energy & Utilities (UK&I) at Cognizant

Throughout my 25-year career, I have established a reputation for delivering complex projects and services to clients across a wide range of industries. I take a collaborative approach and look for ways to innovate and this has enabled me to build strong relationships, leading to notable successes in Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing & Logistics, and Retail & Consumer Products.

Examples of my approach include leading a $150M 'mission-critical’ IT services contract, where a successful ‘One Cognizant’ approach was a positive differentiator; I also led the team to win a competitive SAP sole-source deal worth $120M. Within the Energy & Utilities sector, I have worked with clients such as Centrica, United Utilities, TechnipFMC, BP and Northumbrian Water to deliver data, digital and IoT solutions.

My expertise was recognised with industry awards, including for a 'VCE Cloud Solution' implementation that led to a global IT services contract worth $470m. I have also worked with major global corporations such as BG Transco, Crown Packaging, Sun Chemical, BMW and UPS.

In addition, my Retail and Consumer Products experience incorporates a client portfolio including Marks & Spencer, Unilever, Nestle and P&G. As a qualified accountant, I bring extensive experience in IT and BPO shared services, having established a captive centre which delivered services across 16 countries.

My passion for fostering collaboration, creativity and innovation is the driving force behind my success in delivering complex projects and services. I have a proven track record of significant growth, overcoming delivery shortfalls and delivering technology solutions which have helped companies achieve key goals.

From intelligent supply chains to immersive customer experiences, Niraj Seth, VP & Head of Manufacturing, Logistics, Energy & Utilities (UK&I) at Cognizant, tells us how cutting-edge digital transformation is reshaping how manufacturers operate, innovate, and compete.

How are AI and other digital technologies transforming manufacturing organisations?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are increasingly being integrated into manufacturing, transforming a wide range of roles and processes. These technologies support decision-making through predictive analytics and enable automation, significantly improving operational efficiency.

AI tools help optimise supply chains, enhance productivity and safety on the factory floor, and shorten product design cycles by enabling virtual collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams. They also facilitate digital operations in remote locations—for instance, automating the inspection of solar panels, agricultural land, or mines using drone-captured data. AI-enabled computer vision tools are increasingly used for real-time product inspection and quality assurance, helping maintain high standards.

The servitisation of products and the development of ‘as-a-Service’ business models—such as “Pump as a Service” or “Battery as a Service”—are gaining traction. These models use AI and ML applied to IoT and sensor data to offer added value and differentiation, delivering enhanced customer experiences. The digital data captured across the supply chain also supports greater visibility, traceability, and sustainability—attributes that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

How are organisations leveraging digital technologies to deliver superior customer experiences?

Organisations are making increasing use of generative AI for content creation, working alongside human creativity to drive innovation and deliver hyper-personalised customer experiences. For example, AI-powered “copilots” can assist call centre staff by providing prompt-based insights, while advanced website chatbots can interpret natural language to help customers progress through their journey seamlessly.

Many businesses are also adopting Digital Experience (DX) and Customer Experience (CX) platforms to unify and amplify customer interactions across digital channels, ensuring consistency and enhancing engagement.

What are the key challenges businesses face when delivering large-scale digital transformation programmes?

One of the most significant challenges in digital transformation is embedding a digital-first mindset across the workforce and partner ecosystem—this requires a broad cultural shift. Overcoming resistance, ensuring adoption of new working models (such as product-based approaches in IT), and providing adequate skills and resources are all critical components.

Alignment among stakeholders on the transformation’s goals and outcomes is essential. Other key challenges include integrating systems and platforms seamlessly across business units—especially during or after mergers and acquisitions—by using standardised integration platforms instead of siloed connections. Ensuring data quality, security, and privacy across the organisation remains a fundamental priority.

How can businesses measure the success of their digital transformation initiatives?

Success can be gauged through a range of key performance indicators (KPIs), such as customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, revenue growth, and employee engagement. It’s vital to establish clear objectives, desired outcomes, and benchmarks from the outset and regularly assess progress.

Examples of success indicators include improved customer experiences, faster and more informed decision-making, and increased workforce productivity. At Cognizant, we work closely with clients to define these KPIs and ensure their transformation programmes deliver measurable, impactful results.

What future opportunities do you see for digital transformation in business?

Digital transformation continues to open up significant opportunities across industries. A few key areas include:

• Agentic AI: This emerging form of AI will reshape manufacturing by enabling goal-driven reasoning and autonomous decision-making. Machines will increasingly be capable of adapting to real-time changes—predicting equipment failures, scheduling repairs, and optimising workflows without human intervention. As these agent-based systems evolve, they will foster deeper collaboration across suppliers, customers, and business units, further improving supply chain efficiency.

• Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices collect and analyse data to enhance operational efficiency, lower costs, and create new revenue streams. Smart sensors, for example, can monitor equipment health and predict maintenance needs.

• Data Analytics: Leveraging big data provides deep insights into customer behaviour, market dynamics, and operational trends. These insights help businesses make data-informed decisions that fuel growth.

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR are transforming customer engagement, staff training, and product development. AR can deliver interactive product demos, while VR enables immersive training simulations and collaborative design environments.

  
  

Digital transformation is not just a technology initiative—it’s a strategic imperative that will continue to evolve, creating new ways for businesses to deliver value and stay competitive.

For more information, please contact:

Natasha Cordell. Senior Manager - UK&I Field Marketing natasha.cordell@cognizant.com