North America's Leading Digital Transformation Event
Main Conference Day 1 - Tuesday October 8
7:00 am - 8:00 am
Registration, Check In & Networking Breakfast
8:00 am - 8:05 am
Welcome From Conference Director - Doug Power, IQPC
8:05 am - 8:10 am
Chair’s Opening Remarks
John Dyck -
CEO,
CESMII
The Future of Manufacturing: Resilience, Agility and Growth in a Recovering Economy
8:10 am - 8:40 am
Opening Keynote Panel: Empowering your Front-Line Workers and Enhancing the User Experience
Mike Giresi -
Chief Digital Officer,
Molex
Praveen Moturu - Vice President Digital & Global Chief Enterprise Architect, Mars Inc.
Christopher Micena - Former Sr Director Innovation & Digital, Nestle Purina North America
Randall Kenny - Senior Principal Data & Analytics for P&O and Head of Product & Performance Analytics Sub-Discipline, bp
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
Randall Kenny
Senior Principal Data & Analytics for P&O and Head of Product & Performance Analytics Sub-Disciplinebp
8:40 am - 9:10 am
From Trials to Triumph, Maximizing Value of Gen AI Adoption
Durga Kota -
Americas Region Chief Technology Officer,
Fujitsu North America, Inc
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.
9:10 am - 9:40 am
Keynote Panel: Moving from Predictive to Prescriptive Analytics: Leverage Data to Optimize Processes, Reduce Costs and Improve Decision Making
Adem Kulauzovic -
Director of Automation,
Domino Printing
Dawn Zhu - Director of Innovation, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
Amir Kashani - Director AI & Digital Product Development, Stanley Black & Decker Inc
Rohit Ugle - Technical Specialist Data Science and Machine Learning, Caterpillar Inc
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
9:40 am - 10:20 am
Combining Knowledge AI and Data AI to form Automated Reasoning
Ron Norris -
Director of Innovation,
Georgia-Pacific
● 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.
10:20 am - 10:25 am
Introduction to The Joy Factory
Brian Jacoby -
SVP of Sales and Marketing,
The Joy Factory
10:25 am - 10:55 am
Morning Networking Break
Track A - Digital Architecture & Innovative Technologies
10:55 am - 11:25 am Panel: Industry 4.0 Architecture for Complex Manufacturing Operations Grant Ecker - Founder & Chairman, Chief Architect NetworkHeitor Cauneto - Global Manufacturing Excellence and Digital Transformation Sr Director, Bunge
Digital architecture has evolved over time in response to complex smart manufacturing requirements, and many companies are now looking to develop an enterprise architecture that will support their digital transformation plans. Join this panel to discuss:
● How has architecture evolved over time in response to smart manufacturing requirements?
● Connecting the Architects across the company to understand where we can create value
● Modernizing and giving our workforce the visibility they need to run manufacturing lines
● Scaling the architecture across multiple sites with reference architectures
Track A - Digital Architecture & Innovative Technologies
11:25 am - 11:55 am Case Study: Magnify Human Expertise and Creativity for Problem Solving with Visual Data Science and AI Brad Hopper - VP of Vertical Markets, Cloud Software Group- Why do manufacturers still struggle to find data insights when they have so many analytical tools to choose from?
- Will the latest algorithm unlock quality and productivity at your factory? How do we know that this is not the right question to ask?
- How can AI be a multiplier of engineering expertise instead of an alternative to it?
- Which companies have figured out how to harness the expertise and creativity of their engineering teams and how have they done it?
Track A - Digital Architecture & Innovative Technologies
11:55 am - 12:25 pm Presentation: The Technical Challenges of Making Robotics, AI, and Advanced Automation Accessible for Use by Manufacturers Michael Skocik - Director of Federal Technology Initiatives, The ARM Institute- Why manufacturers need robotics, AI, and advanced automation
- What are the challenges of applying robotics to manufacturing processes
- Ways of addressing the challenges
- Successful strategies for using manufacturing robotics
Track A - Digital Architecture & Innovative Technologies
12:25 pm - 12:55 pm Case Study: Cyber Security & the Connected Worker: Securing Operational Technology and enabling the workforce with Microsoft Copilot George Ifebuzo - Senior Manager - OT Cybersecurity Consulting, EY- Scale resourced expertise using generative AI.
- Discover how Microsoft Copilot addresses your OT security challenges.
- Bridge the gap between OT cyber and the business to help contextualize the operational impact of OT cyber events.
- Address the talent gap to build an OT cyber capability.
Track A - Digital Architecture & Innovative Technologies
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm Panel: Harnessing Big Data and Advanced Analytics to Drive Informed Decisions on the Frontline Robert Einspar - Director of Manufacturing Excellence, Mark Anthony BrewingCarlos Pineda - Head of Data Analytics, Data and Insights NA and Global Markets, Diageo
Vishal Vandrangi - Manager Operational Data Analytics, MSI Express
Brandon Leander - Global Head Seeds Data & Analytics, Syngenta
To drive access to real-time information and enhance decision making on the plant floor, you need to consider building data analytics capability across your enterprise. Join this panel to discuss:
● Overcoming time-consuming processes and disparate data sources
● Moving from data silos to a connected agile system
● Driving the right actions in the right places through real-time actionable insights
● Consolidating workflows and access data from disparate systems
Track B – Digital Transformation
10:55 am - 11:25 am Why AR/VR is the Future of Employee Training and Onboarding Marla Fons - Program Manager – Training & Organizational Development, KUKA U.S. Holdings Company LLCAmanda Clarida - Senior Manager Learning Design, Volvo Trucks
Lisa Masciantonio - Chief Workforce Officer, ARM - Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing
Traditional onboarding methods can be costly, time-consuming and ineffective. Many companies are exploring the use of AR/VR which can create an immersive and interactive experience personalized to the individual’s training requirements. Join this panel to discuss:
● Reimagining how you train and onboard employees so you can train people faster, cheaper, and safer
● Training your employees with a more immersive and engaging experience
● Creating realistic, context-based training scenarios that mimic real-word situations
● Developing a modern learning experience that responds to expectations from your new digital native workforce
Marla Fons
Program Manager – Training & Organizational DevelopmentKUKA U.S. Holdings Company LLC
Track B – Digital Transformation
11:25 am - 11:55 am Capturing and Scaling Excellence using AR Mike Lawoo - Manager Supply Chain, AR/VR, EY● Capture and share expert knowledge as experienced resources leave your workforce.
● Empower your next generation workforce with a modern, in-context way of learning.
● Validate quality of work process compliance.
● Capture and consolidate process execution data to drive continuous improvement.
Track B – Digital Transformation
11:55 am - 12:25 pm Case Study: Kraft Heinz Presents its Strategy to Achieve a Leap in Manufacturing Performance and Productivity through a Data-Driven Culture Gabriel Rodrigues - Partner/Director Operations Practices, FalconiTiago Machado - Co-Founder, ST-One
Oliver Ganschar - Head of Digital Manufacturing Transformation North America, The Kraft Heinz Company
- A case study on the implementation of management practices that incorporate data into the decision-making process
- How ST-One technology is helping to enrich the performance visibility of the assets through data collection, exploration and analysis
- The adoption of digital technologies in manufacturing in a world of multi-tiered operations
Oliver Ganschar
Head of Digital Manufacturing Transformation North AmericaThe Kraft Heinz Company
Track B – Digital Transformation
12:25 pm - 12:55 pm How to Achieve REAL Results with AI in Enterprise Asset Management Jeff Kinard - EVP Corporate Development, Prometheus Group● How asset-intensive businesses can tap into the power of AI
● Challenges of not embracing digital transformation
● How AI can be used in master data and asset performance management
● The key benefits of utilizing AI to enhance asset management processes
Track B – Digital Transformation
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm Panel: Upskilling and Reskilling in the Age of AI to Create an Agile Workforce with a Diversified Skill Set Amy Ashley - Director of Learning & Development, CaterpillarJungwoo Ryoo - Chancellor & Chief Academic Officer, Penn State Dubois
Conrad Leiva - VP Ecosystem & Workforce Education, CESMII
● Building workforce capability in response to AI-driven transformation efforts
● Upskilling existing talent to improve workforce retention and employee engagement
● Benchmarking the current skills of your workforce to understand learning requirements and ensure skill transformation is measurable
● Developing AI skills augmented with creativity, communication, and critical thinking to ensure operational agility
1:25 pm - 2:25 pm
Networking Luncheon
2:25 pm - 2:55 pm
Keynote Panel: Develop and Roll-Out a Smart Factory Plan to Automate Manufacturing Processes and Drive Smarter Decision Making
Michael Muilenburg -
Former Director - Operational Technology & Connected Manufacturing at 3M, and Senior Manufacturing Peer Group Leader and Instructor,
Manufacturers Alliance – Minnesota
Kartik Iyer - Director Smart Factory, TRUMPF
Anthony Huffman - Enterprise Architect Strategist, Industry 4.0, Koch
Oliver Ganschar - Head of Digital Manufacturing Transformation North America, The Kraft Heinz Company
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 InstructorManufacturers Alliance – Minnesota
Oliver Ganschar
Head of Digital Manufacturing Transformation North AmericaThe Kraft Heinz Company
2:55 pm - 3:30 pm
Keynote Panel: How to Integrate Change Management Holistically Within your Connected Worker Project Team for Successful User Adoption
Brian Perlstein -
Digital Manufacturing Innovation Leader,
Owens Corning
Romina Guevara - Chief Digital Officer, Michelin
Mark A. Prosser - Digital Manufacturing Mobility Advisor, ExxonMobil
Michael Rosplock - Senior Operations Manager, Fathom Digital Manufacturing
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
3:30 pm - 4:10 pm
Solution Insight Session and Afternoon Networking Break
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.
Interactive Discussion Groups
Hiring, training, engaging, and retaining the workforce is a critical business challenge for the majority of industrial companies today, many of whom will lose up to 50% of their workforce to retirement over the next decade. A company standard for the adoption, deployment and operation of a successful enterprise-wide connected worker strategy will help attract the workforce, accelerate their on-boarding and provide an engaging and productive work environment. This session offers the opportunity to share experiences related to these workforce challenges. It also provides insights into how an AI-enabled Connected Worker strategy, framework, and process model can standardize operations, empower the workforce, and promote collaboration for optimized decision-making across the enterprise
Todd Shingler - Partner, Efeso
The impact of Digital OpEx beyond Connecting the Frontline Workers
In manufacturing, top-tier performance is often attributed to Operational Excellence* (OpEx) programs. OpEx programs establish a standardized language for work processes and drive continuous improvement. Companies such as Toyota (TPS), P&G (IWS), and DuPont (DPS) are good examples of best in class OpEx programs delivering superior results in all PQCDSM dimensions.
A critical aspect of OpEx is integrating the various organizational stakeholders - Quality, HSE, HR, E&T - under a unified umbrella, breaking down the functional silos not just at a site level, but also regionally and globally - connecting people of different levels and sites from different locations.
And these aspects should not be different when digitizing OpEx. Rather than relying on fragmented and localised software applications, functions and personnel at different levels and sites should be working and collaborating across a shared digital platform leveraging the essence of OpEx.
During this session we will explore how a integrated OpEx digital platform can drive world class manufacturing in your company by connecting digitally the whole organizations and operations.
* Operational Excellence = Lean, WCM, TPM, Continuous Improvement, Production System,...
Asif Rana
President of Nexus Connected WorkerHexagon
4:50 pm - 5:20 pm
Case Study: How to Create an Accessible Working Environment in Manufacturing
Angela Accurso -
Director of Workforce Progams,
MxD
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.
5:20 pm - 5:40 pm
Case Study: How AI can Solve a Global Skills Crisis
Richard Milnes -
CEO,
Zaptic
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.
5:40 pm - 6:10 pm
Closing International Keynote Presentation: Factory of the Future: Building a Sustainable, Resilient and Human-Centered Approach to Manufacturing
Hugo David Herrmann -
Automotive Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, Industry 4.0 & Operational Excellence – Europe,
IAC Group
- 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
Hugo David Herrmann
Automotive Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, Industry 4.0 & Operational Excellence – EuropeIAC Group
6:10 pm - 6:15 pm
Chair’s Closing Remarks, Day One Concludes
6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
Networking Drinks Reception in the Connected Worker Casino - Hosted by Otterbox
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*
