**Bozeman, Montana:** Snowflake unveils an AI Data Cloud customised for the automotive sector, enhancing data sharing, unstructured data handling, and real-time insights amid industry transformation driven by electrification, autonomous vehicles, and software-defined capabilities.
On Tuesday, Snowflake unveiled an updated version of its AI Data Cloud specifically tailored for the automotive industry, featuring new data sharing capabilities designed to accelerate development cycles and an architecture that facilitates operationalising unstructured data. This launch is part of Snowflake’s ongoing efforts to cater to specific industry needs, with the first version of its industry-specific platform debuting in 2021 for the financial services sector.
The AI Data Cloud for Manufacturing, previously known as the Manufacturing Data Cloud, became generally available in April 2023 and is notably the company’s sixth industry-focused release. Snowflake’s expansion into this area reflects a growing trend among tech vendors, with companies such as Databricks and SAS also offering customised platforms for various industries.
David Menninger, an analyst at ISG Software Research, emphasised the importance of such platforms, stating that they alleviate the burdens of integrating analytics and AI with the necessary data for addressing specific business challenges. “No one needs a database or an AI platform,” he explained. “What they really need is a business solution. […] If software providers don’t do that, then the enterprise needs to do it themselves, which requires more effort.”
Snowflake, which operates from Bozeman, Montana, without a centralised headquarters, now not only provides data cloud services but also AI development capabilities. The company faces competition from rivals like Databricks, as well as established data management firms such as MongoDB and Teradata, and tech giants including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft.
The automotive industry is currently undergoing significant transformation, marked by a shift towards electric vehicles, as well as advancements in autonomous driving and connected software-defined vehicles. These trends generate vast amounts of data linked to vehicle development, manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and after-sales services. Menninger noted that the automotive sector is severely inundated with data. “Cars are basically mobile computers now with digital control of many of the systems,” he said, acknowledging the potential for manufacturers to leverage this data to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency.
Tim Long, Snowflake’s global head of manufacturing, remarked on the suitability of this data cloud for the automotive industry, stating, “Of all the industries undergoing major transformations as a result of data and AI, the automotive industry is perhaps one of the most heavily influenced.” He referenced key trends such as software-defined vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and the electrification of transport, indicating that these developments facilitate unprecedented data volumes that are reshaping industry operations.
Snowflake aims to provide automotive stakeholders, including original equipment manufacturers, with real-time insights by integrating its data sharing and AI capabilities with industry-specific applications developed through its partnerships. Automotive companies already utilising Snowflake’s platform include CarMax, Cox Automotive, Nissan, and Penske Logistics.
The newly introduced features allow users to develop AI and machine learning applications using natural language processing to enhance efficiency, manage the growing volumes of connected vehicle data through a scalable platform, and share essential data across various production and service operations. Furthermore, the platform facilitates real-time visibility into supply chains, enabling companies to avert disruptions and manage costs effectively.
One of the standout features supports connected vehicle data, which can be utilised to predict and prevent potential problems, thereby enhancing predictive maintenance for vehicle owners. Menninger highlighted that “this data can provide numerous benefits to vehicle owners and drivers,” indicating a shift towards proactive vehicle maintenance through advanced data analytics.
Overall, Snowflake’s strengthened focus on the automotive sector reflects a strategic move to address the complexities of data management and analysis within an industry poised for significant technological advancement.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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