Preparing for AI‑Driven Manufacturing: The Strategic Value of Phase 0 

2026 is the year manufacturers turn customer data into a genuine competitive advantage. With Salesforce doubling down on AI‑driven service, predictive insights, and connected operations, the question is no longer if manufacturers will transform — it is when, and how well prepared they are for the change ahead.

We recently completed a Phase 0 for a major manufacturing transformation — a strategic foundation for designing a Salesforce‑powered future that unifies sales, field service, and customer engagement at scale.

But what exactly is a Phase 0?

It is a short, strategic pre‑implementation phase that aligns stakeholders, clarifies objectives, and defines a realistic and achievable scope before delivery begins. It builds a shared understanding of processes, data requirements, and desired outcomes. It reduces risk and accelerates value.

A Phase 0 does not replace discovery — you will still structure requirements, create user stories, and build your backlog. However, it ensures the discovery phase is far more focused, efficient, and anchored in clear business priorities.

Here is what made this Phase 0 stand out:

Persona‑Driven Discovery 
We analysed user roles across regions to understand operational pain points and prioritise the capabilities that matter most — both in the back office and in the field.

High‑Level Design and System Landscape 
We created a blueprint for Salesforce as the central platform for all users, defining process flows, data architecture, and integration points to enable seamless end‑to‑end operations.

Fit‑Gap Assessment 
We assessed Salesforce capabilities against needs such as asset lifecycle visibility, optimised scheduling, and efficient planned maintenance — identifying where standard functionality fits and where customization adds value.

Integration Strategy 
We outlined an API‑led integration approach that supports scalable connectivity and strong data integrity across systems — an essential foundation for predictive maintenance and real‑time insights.

The result

A validated and prioritised roadmap that reduces risk, accelerates delivery, and positions the organisation for customer‑centric operations and AI‑enabled service models — the key forces shaping the manufacturing sector today.

A Phase 0 is not just planning; it is the engine of agility, clarity, and long‑term growth. In a world where manufacturers compete as much on experience as on product, investing upfront is one of the smartest decisions an organisation can make.

Curious how a Phase 0 can future‑proof your transformation? I would be happy to share insights and learn more about your plans.