Vietnam factories seek data-savvy operators rather than more AI engineers: survey

A quarterly survey by CEL Consulting of 136 manufacturing companies in Vietnam found that digital technology is moving beyond pilot projects into daily factory operations. 

About 64 percent of the firms said they have adopted some form of automation, while 57 percent are using AI or predictive analytics tools.

The survey showed the companies are focusing more on software and data systems than on advanced robotics. 

Technology is mainly used to connect information and support decisions, rather than fully replace human control of production.

Human workers remain central to factory operations. 

Some 71 percent of the firms said employees directly input and monitor data, 50 percent rely on staff to respond to system alerts, and 46 percent said humans and digital systems jointly make decisions. 

Only 11 percent reported that systems can run most operations without regular human intervention.

The companies surveyed cited three main obstacles to deeper digitalization, namely limited investment capital, outdated or fragmented data systems, and gaps in digital skills. 

CEL Consulting said the skills gap is not about a shortage of high-end AI specialists, but about workers' ability to use digital tools in daily work.

Managers also face challenges. Many lack confidence when making decisions based on data from multiple platforms, the survey found.

More than half of the firms said new roles have emerged or existing jobs have changed significantly. 

These positions often focus on data management, system operations, and cross-department coordination, instead of carrying the title of 'AI engineer.'

One manufacturing executive quoted in the survey said companies need people who understand production processes, can interpret data, and can coordinate responses across teams.

The findings reflect broader global trends identified by the World Economic Forum, which has said digital technology in manufacturing is increasingly designed to support human workers rather than replace them.

As global supply chains place less emphasis on low costs alone, analysts say Vietnam's manufacturing edge will depend on how effectively its workforce uses technology in daily operations.