“By the time we meet at the convention, everything will be different. And that’s the best part.”
That’s how Randy Carr, President and CEO of World Emblem, describes the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on manufacturing and the uniform industry.
AI continuously learns and improves, generating content, solutions, and ideas from data across text, images, videos, and applications. This ability to process and create data is transforming how businesses approach efficiency, innovation, and growth.
World Emblem’s Investment in AI
World Emblem is currently investing $50,000 per month in generative AI, aiming for a return on investment within 24 months. The company is using AI to combat rising labor costs, mitigate inflation, and prepare for expected tariffs.
Their AI strategy focuses on three key business areas, with automation as the top priority.
“Much of the work we do can be automated,” says Carr. “Our goal is to streamline everything—from when a customer places an order to when artwork reaches our design team—eliminating inefficiencies along the way.”
Production is expected to see the quickest return. By analyzing years of production data, AI helps identify areas for improvement. Additionally, AI is optimizing logistics, reducing freight costs, and eliminating redundancies.
Enhancing Speed and Quality with AI
The uniform industry operates on tight margins, and rising wages continue to shrink profits. World Emblem has seen wage inflation jump 40% since 2019. To offset costs, AI is being used to deliver information faster and more accurately.
Chatbots provide 24/7 customer service, giving customers immediate access to information. “In 24 months, you’ll be speaking to a bot without even realizing it,” predicts Carr. “While some still prefer a human rep, most customers just want to go online and get it done.”
AI is also improving the design process. Previously, artwork that took five days to complete could now be finished in seconds.
World Emblem aims to have images fully vectorized before they even reach the art department. “Most customers submit poor-quality artwork,” Carr explains. “AI ensures crisp, sharp lines—getting it right the first time, rather than relying on multiple artists’ interpretations.”
Navigating Employee Resistance to AI
A recent Wall Street Journal article featured AI startup Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei, predicting that AI models may surpass human capabilities in almost every area within the next two to three years.
This shift has sparked understandable resistance from employees, but Carr sees AI as a natural extension of World Emblem’s technological evolution. Under his leadership, the company has embraced new innovations that have positioned it as a leading embroidery manufacturer. “Like any new equipment purchase, it’s all about what you get in return,” he says.
How Uniform Manufacturers Can Prepare for AI?
If you’re considering AI, start small. Clean up your data, pinpoint inefficiencies, and implement AI where it can streamline processes.
- Use ChatGPT models to improve daily workflows.
- Introduce chatbots to enhance customer service.
- Scale up AI integration gradually based on measurable results.
Not sure where to begin? Start by watching AI tutorials on YouTube—Carr himself does this daily. Another strategy? Learn from business leaders, both past and present, by using AI-driven insights. “I use AI to ask how industry greats would approach a challenge, and it always gives me fresh perspectives,” he shares.
AI can even refine communication skills, helping leaders with Type A personalities adjust their tone and messaging for better engagement.
Falling Behind Isn’t an Option
AI is rapidly reshaping the uniform and apparel manufacturing industries, helping companies cut waste, reduce costs, and boost customer satisfaction.
Carr firmly believes that “Companies that leverage AI will expand, while those that ignore it won’t last beyond three years.”
Join Randy Carr on April 28th at NAUMD’s convention in New Orleans to explore how AI is transforming the uniform industry. After his presentation, he’ll be available to discuss how this technology can benefit your business.
For more details on World Emblem’s AI-driven innovations and services, visit https://www.worldemblem.com/
