The integration of connected worker solutions can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency, product quality, and a more engaged workforce. However, with complex digital architecture requirements and varied levels of digital literacy across the manufacturing sector, companies will face many challenges during the implementation phase if they are to deliver on their smart factory connected worker plans.  

Our industry leader panellists will discuss: 

• Driving enterprise optimization and connected worker digital architecture  
• Driving user adoption through strong leadership and effective change management 
• Realizing the potential of data-driven connected worker solutions for maximum ROI 
• Moving from a predictive to a prescriptive operating environment through the utilization of AI, ML & advanced analytics 

Fujitsu's Chief Technology Officer, Durga Kota, explores the "what, where, and how" of Generative AI, offering insights into the technology's use cases in manufacturing, the business domains where it delivers value, and a roadmap for navigating the challenges and risks associated with its implementation.

• Leverage an AI framework that avoids pitfalls when implementing Gen AI 
• Unlock the value from Gen AI: strategies for extracting tangible business value in manufacturing, focusing on high impact use cases, practical solutions, and essential platform features that drive innovation and efficiency.
• Avoid risks without slowing down: Ensure all crucial considerations are addresses to preserve data privacy, hallucination, and responsible training.

Predictive analytics powered by AI and machine learning can analyze vast amounts of data, predict equipment failures, optimize maintenance  

schedules and streamline production processes. However, many want to take a step further to provide actionable recommendations and insights. Our industry leading panellists will discuss: 

• Defining the problems you face, identifying the decision-making objectives, and establishing KPI’s to define business rules 

• Delivering actionable insights and recommendations to guide decision-making 

• Optimizing inventory management by forecasting demand patterns, identifying seasonality and detecting trends 

● Exploring how a combination of Knowledge AI and Data AI form Automated Reasoning

● Leveraging advanced Causal AI empowers enterprises with unprecedented insights that go far beyond correlations and data-centric artificial intelligence.

● Using the technology to enhance operational efficiency, enable proactive decision-making, minimize downtime, and optimize resource utilization.

Ron Norris

Innovation & Transformation Leader | AI Visionary | Business Growth Strategist
Georgia-Pacific

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Recent research has shown that 76% of manufacturers either have a smart factory initiative that is ongoing or are working on formulating it. However, only 14% of companies are satisfied with their level of success. Join this keynote panel to explore the essential considerations you need to make to realize the potential of your smart factory development plans: 

• Building a framework that is easily adopted by a multigenerational workforce with varying levels of expertize 
• Prioritizing areas that offer the greatest return on investment and developing KPI’s to measure their impact 
• Overcoming technology paralysis in a crowded solution provider market 
• Solutions for breaking down data siloes for improved efficiency, data accuracy and better decision making 

Michael Muilenburg

Former Director - Operational Technology & Connected Manufacturing at 3M, and Senior Manufacturing Peer Group Leader and Instructor
Manufacturers Alliance – Minnesota

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Anthony Huffman

VP Manufacturing IT
Georgia-Pacific LLC

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If you are looking to implement connected worker technologies across your plants, the first thing you need to consider at the start of your project plan is developing an effective change management strategy. Resistance to new technology initiatives can severely impact project success, so it is imperative that you create a viable change management strategy that integrates into every stage of your digital transformation project. Join this session to discuss: 

• Defining your purpose and create a change team 
• Determining which people within your business are best positioned to use their influence to drive change 
• How to partner with change management for long term success 
• Developing impact assessments and ensuring you fully understand your key stakeholders to ensure change readiness 

Brian Perlstein

Digital Manufacturing Innovation Leader
Owens Corning

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Are you looking for a specific connected worker solution, or want to explore the new innovative technology in this space? We’ve got you covered. 

If you want to maximize your time at the event with a targeted networking session with leading technology providers, the Solution Insight Session is the ideal opportunity to learn about the solutions available to address your specific learning requirements. How does it work? It’s easy. You spend seven minutes at a table of your choice, collect your prize draw stamp, and when the bell rings you’ll be directed to the next one to start another 

round of networking. At the end of the session, you’ll have met most of the technology providers that have the answers to the challenges you face, and if you haven’t, you can continue into the networking cocktail reception at the end of the day. 

It is clear that there are barriers to adopting strategies to increase accessibility in manufacturing, and that a holistic approach is needed to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while also supporting employers as they create accessible workplaces. The panel will discuss MxD Learn’s Manufacturing Accessibility and Job Training program, funded by the Department of Defense, which supports manufacturing job opportunities for people with disabilities while simultaneously increasing workplace accessibility. The panel will also give an overview of disability and accessibility and how technology can mitigate employment barriers for people with disabilities.

In an age of automation and skills shortages how will the role of industrial workers change? Richard will share a vision of how AI and automation is augmenting the role of industrial workers and what changes organizations need to make to adapt.

• Optimizing resource use and increasing efficiency to reduce costs and drive sustainable business strategies 
• Bringing together the greater speed and accuracy of digital technologies and the potential of workers 
• How AI and Generative AI will revolutionize manufacturing and drive unparalleled levels of innovation  
• Shifting employees to higher-value tasks where machines and humans accomplish tasks via synchronized interactive joint activities

All attendees, speakers and sponsors are invited to join us for drinks, canapes and top casino table games roulette and black jack! Whether you’re a casino pro, or a total novice, our croupiers will gladly show you the ropes and have you counting your winnings in no time at all! *Casino is cash free, tokens will be provided by event organizers*